Buying a pinball arcade machine for home use is a lot like buying a car. It is a big investment, as both require extensive care and each business is filled with both honest people and crooks.
Pinball machines for sale fall into three categories: used electro-mechanical (EM) machines, used solid-state machines and new machines (all new machines are solid-state machines). It depends on why you want the game before deciding which type to buy. If you want the game to play, solid-state games are recommended as they play faster.
Electro-mechanical machines are recommended for people who want to rebuild or alter them. Trying this on a solid-state machine will only get you so far as the majority of the game mechanics rely on a circuit board and not contacts and springs.
Apart from understanding the various types of pinball machines for sale, you should decide on what game you want. There is a large market of games available and you will eventually find the game you want.
How much will a used pinball arcade machine cost? This depends on the popularity of the game, how rare it is and the condition of the machine. An older solid-state machine can be found for as low as $300 while a new game from the factory costs over $4000. An average price for a machine that’s only a few years old would be between $1000 and $2000.
An electro-magnetic arcade machine can cost anywhere from $250 to over $1000, with collectors items costing much more. Popular games like Humpty Dumpty and Fireball can cost thousands of dollars.
If you are buying your first pinball game, it is recommended to buy a working one first. It is difficult to get an old machine back into working condition without hands-on experience and special equipment. Purchasing from collectors or game dealers gives you a much higher chance of buying a good quality machine.
You can also find pinball machines for sale from operators, at regional auctions or online. Purchasing an arcade machine online is usually the only way to find an electro-mechanical machine. There are also a number of well-respected arcade dealers that sell primarily to collectors.