Pinball!
You might have heard me mention that I’ve always had a hankering for a pinball table. Well finally I’ve got one…virtually.
Can this tiny table replicate enough of an authentic pinball experience to enable me to cross another item off my tech bucket list? Insert coin and all will be revealed.
I suspect some people were starting to wonder if I was taking all of 2023 off. I’m just glad I warned about the potential for slowdown in content output this year because while I had no plans to put my first video out in mid January, things have conspired to make this happen.
It been the usual catalogue of interruptions…hospital, illness, family etc…no one needs to hear it again. In between all that I have been working on this video though since the 2nd of January. It feels like a very long time to spend on one video.
In that time I’ve come to the conclusion that pinball is the hardest thing in the world to record on video. Never mind all those nature documentary camera people who go on about the challenge of shooting an endangered animal in the jungle that only appears once every full moon and can camouflage itself as dirt… that’s a doddle compared to recording footage of a virtual pinball table. I'll show you the rig I used in the next update.
I did see quite a few comments under the 2022 wrap up video from people worried that I might feel the need to make shorter videos to appease impatient viewers. This amused because these comments were under a 1 hr 18 min video. I think that's an indication about how little I'm concerned about trimming the length of the videos. But if more proof were needed, here’s an almost half hour long video about a very niche topic.
But as always, I like to make videos about things that capture my interest because then I can talk about them with genuine enthusiasm. I'm just not a good enough actor to fake interest in yet another bluetooth speaker or a set of earbuds.
Finally, a massive thanks again to all the new Patrons, your generosity is humbling and your support is very much appreciated. I haven't been able to reply to all the messages you've sent, but I do read every one and they've been very encouraging and understanding. Thank you for that. Take care and enjoy your week/end.
Comments (88)
Supposedly the Sound Burger will be back out in the Spring.
The last pinball I played in earnest was, indeed, Pinball Dreams on the Amiga. Nice little pun there. Before that, my brother, eight years my senior, used to have a real one, a 1976 Capt. Fantastic with Elton John on it, I spent A LOT of time on that machine...
This one sent me down a rabbit hole on virtual Pinball. I have now bought a gaming computer and am playing VP all the time. It is so much better then it used to be. I will be ordering the @games larger unit very soon. Thanks!!! you ROCK!!!
Building a Virtual Pinball table has been on my bucket list for a while, but it gets expensive in a hurry. This might be a cool compromise so long as you can get both panels working with third party software.
Hey Mat, I've signed up for the Levels continuous glucose monitoring program. I know a couple years ago you did a video on diabetic gear. Is this something you're interested in? I'm doing it as a part of an interest in quantitative health/biohacking. If you're unable to buy it in the UK I could help you obtain one if you're interested. https://www.levelshealth.com/
My prescription was recently auto-updated to the Freestyle Libre 2. I'm used to the system so I'll stick with it...and it's free. But thanks for the offer.
wow! the displays look amazing! I honestly was expecting something much less realistic and less satisfying.
Mat.. have a fun day, tomorrow especially. Build up those pinball high scores. Have an exceptionally fantastic day.
Thanks - although I plan on getting the next video started…I’ve been a bit slow at getting things done recently and I could do with snapping out of it.
Graphics are amazing, clear a lot of work put into making these work so well and look so good.
Mat, in any of your research on the topic, did you find any programs that allowed the user to "build" there own playfield, sort of like those games that let you build a rollercoaster or golf course (or way back in my day, an Excite Bike course)? I think that would la lot of fun and good way to learn some basic physics with regards to flipper and bumper locations.
I haven't really gone very far down the rabbit hole - but that's not something I've seen while putting this together. You have reminded me of a computer based pinball construction set that I vaguely recall using a lifetime ago, it might have been on an Atari ST or perhaps even the Spectrum.
I had no idea that so much development had been going on with virtual pinball. Wow! Honestly, if I had just popped on while you were showing action on the playfield I sincerely would have thought you had invested in the real deal. Even the sounds, that oddly bassy-clang that comes from the solenoids activated by the bumpers being hit resonated in my chest the same way. Perhaps that's just my memory filling in the blanks.
I can't really justify the cost, I'm on the verge of a major house move involving a significant downsizing and I have absolutely no use case for it whatsoever, but I now I want a virtual pinball table.
Could you connect a usb keyboard to the back and use it to navigate and type instead of the d-pad/on screen keyboard?
Possibly.
Haptics, I see but ... say, for the sake of argument, I was a deaf, dumb, and blind kid ... how mean could I play it?
This was a great video for those who want a game but don't have the space. Personally I love the longer videos as it gives more entertainment/information. Cheers!!
Wow, clearly you're not the only pinball nut out there (I am one too), judging the YT feedback. Wow. But yeah, like Barry, I WANT ONE! Or perhaps a bigger one. Which I also don't have the space for...
Shorter videos...? Pshh, I'm still waiting for Quentin Tarantino presents Techmoan: The Movie - a good 2.5 to 3 hour long thriller about whatever Mat feels like diving into!
The saga of seeking out... the scope clock... https://www.ebay.com/itm/304561983792
Mat, what have you done? You've made me NEED one of these! Great video 😊👍👍👍
Sorry…but also thanks.
Hi Mat, do you happen to have any Hi8 NTSC tape players? My wife has some tapes back from her high school days and I'm wondering of any easy to try to recover any video in the tapes to a more modern format or digitally. Do you or anyone else know of any?
I might have one somewhere - I’m not sure. But yes you need someone with a Hi8 player to transfer them…it’s something most video transfer places would do. I know of a couple of in the U.K. but the price of these services is often quite a surprise to any potential customer.
I am in the middle of building a virtual pinball cabinet at home; it's about 3/4 size...and currently taking up a load of room in my bedroom.
This takes me back. About 15 years we built a virtual pinball table for my cousin. We just used a cheap 43" widescreen TV that flipped down from the wall and was held at the correct angle with chain stays. We built a frame around it to hold the buttons and ran it off a not very powerful PC. We used Visual Pinball at the time but now you have Visual PinMAME. We never got as far as the top display or the shakers though. Thesedays with 4K TVs, it could be so much better, not to mention I'm sure it could be run off a Raspberry Pi.
And I can't believe I'm the first one to say this but: that table is, dare I say it...Muppet-sized.
Flippin' 'eck!
I think the VR community is doing some clever things with pinball. You're playing a fully virtualized pinball table through your headset, but the physical controller is a full-sized, full-height freestanding reproduction of the end of the table with the flipper buttons and other tactile bits. Check out this video from Tested.com if you're curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLYIEm9kkvU
This is *almost* apropos of nothing, but there's a lovely, underappreciated, song from the mid-70's called 'Pinball' by British actor/songwriter Brian Protheroe. He's most remarkable for being the co-pilot of Air-force One in the original Superman movie from 1978: "just ......fly...." Anyhow. the song's definitely worth a listen. Not sure if Patreon will allow the link, but I'll try it below, should anyone want to take a chance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQuCqNVdxTc
I shouldn't be allowed on here, I will soon be the proud owner of a 3 CD set of Brian Protheroe albums courtesy of Discogs.
I never knew these existed until now. The playing field looks amazing. I think you did an excellent job with the video.
i'm not a pinball guy, but the realism of the pinball field is truly stunning. i thought this video wouldn't interest me much, but i was pleasantly surprised.
Ironically this pinball table seems to be the only one whose aspect ratio t suited to being reviewed via a YouTube Short super-tall-video aspect ratio 🤔 Really interesting product and review. I’m glad you managed to figure out how to film it Ewen PS: a mid month release is *perfectly* on time for the new 2-3 releases per month schedule. Just saying.
Ewen, I know you're not advocating them, but am I alone in totally ignoring YouTube Shorts? If I want TikTok videos, I will go on Tik Tok, search for my favourire creators, narrow down the search, save some videos for later, lobotomise miyself, and then sit down for viewing. I freely aknowledge that it might just be me being a cranky old man.
Damn you, Taylor, DAMN YOU! I now *need* one of the bigger versions of this (and a fancy stool to play comfortably). That's another £1000+ you've cost me!
Perhaps I should disclose that I am employed by Mastercard, Amex & Visa in their debt acquisition departments.
Wow. I was pretty impressed with how good it looks, it's very nice.
Lovely video, you also sounded and look great! I had no idea auch things existed and it is rather amazing. I loved the pinball as kid but never got to be too good at it and that Microsoft Windows emulator was just awful. That was my latest stand of the technology. A little steep but again, lots of chips packed there
This is on the cheaper end of the scale for a virtual table, they go upwards of thousands of dollars. I've been pricing building one for myself and even with having plenty of spare parts on hand I'm still looking at about $900.
Your photography on this is just spectacular!!! Though I know it’s virtual pinball, all of your action shots look like REAL pinball. Well done!!!
Thanks for that - it’s a relief to hear. I’ve never had to spend more time and effort on something that seems so simple on screen, so I’m happy it was worthwhile.
This little machine looks fantastic, and very convincing play area. One question, perhaps I missed it - when you press the triggers is there any feedback feeling, like a DualShock? There is a very satisfying 'clunk' when you press real pinball buttons.
There’s the haptics - the whole table gets those - so yes, but not specifically in the buttons, more universal…like a real table.
You should refer your wonderful idea to DIY perks (Matt this time rather than Mat) He does some crazy projects which sound like they are going to be very Heath Robinson(squared) but actually turn out to be mini design classics. I would love to see him have a crack at the fold down “Portrait Pinball”! Great vid again. Thank you so much.
...As much fun as playing Twister with a broken pelvis. You won the internet for today, Mat! Cheers.
Amazing video will keep an eye out for this when it comes out in uk. Any chance of a how you import from usa (on non import products) on next pateron update please (know you did a Japanese one that was very good). No worries if you cant. Like you didn't know these existed but would love one
No problem - I can go through the process and the costs. I‘ve got all the information together already with the intention of using it in this video but it slowed things down too much.
That looks like so much fun! I would never have thought that a virtual machine could so closely resemble the real thing! I spent LOTS of time playing pinball in the late 70s, and share your dream of owning one, but in my tiny NYC apt, that's certainly not going to happen. Until now maybe...Thanks so much for this in depth report!
Just Another Excellent Video, Mat! I grew up in the 70's - My dad purchased a Gottlieb "Melody Lane" pinball machine that we had in the basement. It was a LOT of fun having our own machine, and I learned a lot about electricity, relays, solenoids, etc. on that machine. Hearing your description of the 'handling' of the machine, and seeing how they did the ball graphics, brings back a lot of memories. I wish you many happy hours on yours! P.S. I sincerely hope someone who works for the company that made this hears what you had to say about the good/bad of the machine, so they can improve on it. You made some excellent points.
I remember in the 1990s old pinball tables being quite affordable, so much so that I would have been able to find the funds for one even on my meagre salary. I never did have the space though. Always wanted a basement, but cellars in this part of the world are cold damp places where old things go to die.
It's always nice to see a purchase that you are happy with! Which I was surprised with as the name "atgames" immediately cast my mind to small handheld emulator consoles full of Sega games that were dire. They also had terrible dpads so maybe they are working through the old stock!
Brilliant video! I'm amazed by how well they've managed to get the graphics so convincing on these games. I know it only really works from the right perspective but the only thing that reminded me it wasn't a mechanical table is the jagged edges on some of the sprites on some of the games.
Great Pinball content Mat! The ideal partner for this is a Nintendo switch. There's loads of pinball games for it that use the vertical Tate mode. Pinball Fx is available for it which has lots of Williams tables there are also a Stern and Gottlieb collection. I originally wanted the larger one but the price from Liberty games seemed bit too high compared to the US so I made my own using a switch for the main screen and a raspberry Pi for the back glass. See link below. https://youtube.com/shorts/aZ7-Jvfgsp0?feature=share
Take a look at the T&T Transforming TV Stand. It is designed to do what you described, in one mode it is 'flat' against the wall in landscape view. Or you can rotate it to Portrait view, or you can pull it down into pinball view...It is not cheap, and designed for larger sized monitors...I am leaning towards getting it and mounting a 42" 4K screen on it...but that is an expensive project... https://www.buystuffarcades.com/products/t-t-transforming-tv-stand
I'm thinking more... ready-made, all-in-one, off-the-shelf, add-to-cart, finished product type thing. Pretty much like the thing I've got but hideaway with bigger screens.
Fantastic video, thanks. I'm lucky enough to have a wonderful place near me which has restored machines from the early 50's to the present (along with many video game machines from the 80's), and lets you play them all for a reasonable flat rate. It's cool that your machine has different versions of particular games to replicate the different time periods, because the games really have changed a lot over the years. And the physics/graphics of this virtual unit are just incredible.
Wonderful video as usual. I love it whenever you cover anything coin operated or related to that. I run Coin-Op Corner on YT if you've ever seen those videos pop up. A lot of my (miniscule) traffic comes from the recommendation bar on your videos, funnily enough. My only note is to maybe shorten the "gameplay" segment between 4:39-5:30. Having extended "dead air" that early in the video might have folks bailing out early before getting to the juicy parts. If I do extended demonstrations, I like to put them towards the end, but that's just my 2 cents worth, take it or leave it. Also, most of the guys who collect the full-sized machines look at these mini things like they're some sort of blasphemy, so be prepared for a sea of "THAT'S NOT REALLY PINBALL" in the comments, despite you stating that already.
Yes I saw a lot of the usual snobbery/gatekeeping in some parts of the pinball fraternity - I like to think I'm talking to a different audience and introducing things to people who would otherwise be put off by the animosity to outsiders a lot of these 'enthusiasts' put out, whether unwittingly or not. It's much the same with 'audiophiles' or any other group of self proclaimed 'experts' in a subject. As far as I'm concerned, if they act like that, they can do one.
Well done. Your balls looked remarkably convincing!
I admit..."THE" balls do look very convincing!
Thanks for another excellent video. This looked like great fun! They are so 3D looking - I doubt that would have been possible years ago. I don't think I really played pinball when I was young. Maybe I missed out on them (I was a sheltered and shy child) but I would love to catch up!. These or smaller (as you say a fold out one) would be ideal.
You did miss out; the mechanism, artistry, lights, chimes and flippers all working in harmony was a real wonder when I was growing up. I enjoyed watching others play as much as playing myself (I wasn't very good).
Goddamn this thing looks cool as hell. Can't wait to watch the video when I get home. It's weird that we all have vaguely similar interests
Question: Does it tilt?
Yes if you’re too enthusiastic with the nudges.
I never really got into pinball, myself. Back in the day only one machine that I ever did play really got my interest and that was an Addams Family machine probably circa 1991 or so. In more recent years I did get into a Family Guy (hmm, just now I'm seeing a family theme) virtual table which I played on my Mac 6-7 years ago. Your shots of this virtual table look impressive -- the lighting and shadow effects, the "weight" of the ball -- it looks surprisingly real.
Don, yeah, the Addams Family - and the contemporaneous Star Trek TNG table were the only pinball machines I remember; I'm more of a classic arcade/MAME enthusiast. Regardless, I'm definitely eyeing up my 'office' space to buy the big version of this virtual pinball machine.
I had no idea that Virtual Pinball had moved on so much. I know there's Pinball video game collections on consoles, though those always looked a bit meh. The dynamic lighting and haptic feedback in this unit really brings the experience to life. Thanks for sharing, and I'm happy you found an review item that brings you joy.
I could never enjoy the consoles ones - they tried their best to accommodate the tall portrait aspect ratio via scrolling etc but it never gelled for me.
Great start to 2023 and definitely a surprise to see a machine this size. Having been spoilt with a 120Hz monitor for the last six months I do wonder what I would think of the motion, but the lighting looks superb. There's definitely scope to put a bigger screen in the top and use an off-the-shelf display board instead of the VIBS, although that would likely restrict you to using the top display on an external input only. Seems like an odd choice, small and above the speakers.
fantastic, my first ever patreon video!
I didn't know that there was a whole world of virtual pinball table machines out there, but it sure looks like fun. I think you've done a damn fine job of capturing this on video and the realism of the graphics the manufacturers have achieved is delightful. As to the old-timey, full-size pinball machines, while having one would be awesome, after watching Alec of Technology Connections demonstrate the complex machinery inside them, it seems that you may well spend more time repairing them rather than playing them.
Yes there is that aspect - I did have a bit in here about the need to constantly maintain a real table - but statements like this can be like prodding a wasp nest, so I cut it out.
Nice one. I've still got my Tomy Astro Shooter pinball machine from when I was a kid, but this looks much more fun. Have a great weekend.
What fun! I remember enjoying pinball both IRL and virtually on a mobile phone app, but it's been a while since I've played it. Using 'tilt' always made me lose. Whatever methods you used to film this appeared seamless to me. Also, "Please just get out of the snow" is a very courteous insult.
Yes it's a snarky ski instructor who regularly admonishes the player for their lack of skill.
Oh I look forward to watching this one with a cuppa this afternoon. As for shorter videos, I’d rather have longer ones 😀
Considering the obvious challenges of recording and displaying even a real pinball machine in 16:9, you did a very good job as usual. I also like your idea of a fold-down virtual pinball, which I would extend to arcade machines as well.
Wow, that looked and sounded better than i’d’ve thought. Hmm, I know someone who’s very much in to pinball, will have to mention this to them when it comes out publicly!
Happy viewing over lunch. What an excellent find - you made it look great. I like the convertible mirror idea - maybe one of the maker channels will pick it up.
I was thinking it would be perfect for DIY Perks!
The penultimate paragraph is why I think we all watch. Looking forward to a quiet moment to sit and watch later.
This is very true
Excellent. Will save this for the morning and enjoy with a coffee.
Thank you for all of your content. Wishing you and your family the best!
I am really happy for you getting more Patreon support. It shows that people need some private information or background to understand things better. I'm glad that honesty pays off.