The Flipside Pinball Podcast

RetroRalph

Welcome to "The Flipside" with RetroRalph, where arcade nostalgia meets pinball passion! Known for his YouTube channel dedicated to arcade gaming, RetroRalph now explores the pinball world after three years of fascination with flippers and bumpers. Join Ralph on this journey as he aims to bring new life to pinball, just as he did for arcades. "The Flipside" dives deep into retro gaming and pinball culture through discussions, gameplay, and interviews. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the hobby, Ralph's enthusiasm promises an exciting exploration of gaming history. Join RetroRalph on "The Flipside" for a tilt-worthy adventure through the arcade and pinball realms!

  1. Episode 57: Beetlejuice vs. Pokémon: Theme Monster vs. Mass Appeal

    3H AGO

    Episode 57: Beetlejuice vs. Pokémon: Theme Monster vs. Mass Appeal

    These are two wildly different games with two very different strengths, and the community has a lot to say about both of them. We’re breaking down how players are reacting to each title, where the praise is landing, where the criticism is coming from, and which game might actually matter more for the future of pinball. Is Beetlejuice the ultimate theme-driven pinball machine? Is Pokémon the mainstream hit that could bring more people into the hobby than almost anything else? And which one holds up better when you get past the hype? We’ll cover the good, the bad, the funny, and some of the most unhinged community takes we could find from places like Pinside, Reddit, and more. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ ⸻ 🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside” 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: 👉 / @theflipsideretroralph 🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZ... • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside! 👉 https://shorturl.at/t2pVG ⸻ 🛒 RETRO RALPH MERCH & CONTACT INFO 👕 Get your merch: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX 🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew #pokemon #beetlejuice #pinball

    1h 10m
  2. Episode 56: Pinball Fans Called In… Here’s What Happened!

    MAR 30

    Episode 56: Pinball Fans Called In… Here’s What Happened!

    This episode of The Flipside Podcast gets a little wild… because we’re letting the viewers take the wheel. That means listener-submitted voicemails, random questions, unexpected topics, and absolutely no telling where this thing is going next. We cover pinball, some totally off-the-rails conversation, Snoop Dogg performing at my company party, pizza, and who knows what else by the time this one is over. That’s the beauty of these call-in shows… you truly never know what’s coming next. So if you like pinball talk mixed with unpredictable fun, community questions, and a little chaos, this episode is definitely for you. WANT TO LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL - Use the link below! I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 👀 Check out the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@PunkRockPinball 👀 Check out Orbital Albert on the Poor Man's Pinball Podcast! https://open.spotify.com/show/7nQM1M57XksAbv2MGbSt7O?si=14bbdfb454244af8 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM ⸻ 🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside” 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph 🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 ✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside! 👉 https://shorturl.at/t2pVG ⸻ 🛒 RETRO RALPH MERCH & CONTACT INFO 👕 Get your merch: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX 🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew #pinball #arcade #gaming

    1h 11m
  3. Episode 55: Who STOLE the Show at Texas Pinball Festival?! 👀 + American Pinball Is BACK!

    MAR 24

    Episode 55: Who STOLE the Show at Texas Pinball Festival?! 👀 + American Pinball Is BACK!

    Texas Pinball Festival 2026 is in the books… and wow, there’s a LOT to unpack. In this episode of The Flipside, we break down: 👉 Who really stole the show at TPF 👉 The biggest surprises and standout games 👉 American Pinball is back and better than EVER! 👉 The moments everyone is talking about (and a few that flew under the radar) Let’s talk about it. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 👀 Check out Grownup Adjacent Pinball Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCr4GdiEu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM ⸻ 🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside” 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph 🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 ✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside! 👉 https://shorturl.at/t2pVG ⸻ 🛒 RETRO RALPH MERCH & CONTACT INFO 👕 Get your merch: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX 🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew

    1h 3m
  4. Episode 54: Turner Pinball Just Did WHAT?! Yukon Yeti = Whitewater 2?!

    MAR 18

    Episode 54: Turner Pinball Just Did WHAT?! Yukon Yeti = Whitewater 2?!

    Alright guys… this one’s interesting 👀 Turner Pinball just revealed Yukon Yeti, a Klondike Gold Rush–themed game that feels like it’s taking a real shot at being a spiritual successor to White Water pinball machine. In this episode of The Flipside, I break down my initial thoughts on the layout, features, and overall direction of the game. Quick highlights: • 12 modes + 2 wizard modes • 5-ball Avalanche lock • Rapids ramp + upper playfield • Hidden Yeti lock & progression system Only 500 units, starting at $9,999, shipping Summer 2026. This one has potential… but it’s going to come down to flow, shots, and code. 👇 Let me know what you think—does this live up to Whitewater, or not? 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM ⸻ 🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside” 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph 🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 ✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside! 👉 https://shorturl.at/t2pVG

    23 min
  5. Episode 53: Is American Pinball Bringing Back Circus Voltaire?!

    FEB 28

    Episode 53: Is American Pinball Bringing Back Circus Voltaire?!

    In this episode, we dive into the chaos surrounding the Pokémon LE launch and the frenzy that followed. Is there really a crossover happening between hardcore Pokémon fans and new pinball players, or is that narrative overblown? We break down what we’re seeing, what it could mean for the hobby, and whether this moment is bigger than just one title. And… we think we might have a pretty good idea what American Pinball’s next game could be. 👀 Let’s get into it. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM ⸻ 🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside” 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph 🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 ✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside! 👉 https://shorturl.at/t2pVG ⸻ 🛒 RETRO RALPH MERCH & CONTACT INFO 👕 Get your merch: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX 🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew

    58 min
  6. Episode 52: After Playing Pokémon Pinball at Stern HQ… Here Are My Thoughts

    FEB 14

    Episode 52: After Playing Pokémon Pinball at Stern HQ… Here Are My Thoughts

    Pokémon Pinball is officially here, and this is my full breakdown after attending Stern Pinball’s Media Day at the factory. This new Stern Pinball release is co-designed by Jack Danger and George Gomez and brings the largest entertainment IP in the world to modern pinball. That’s a big swing. In this video, I’m sharing my firsthand experience playing Pokémon Pinball at Stern HQ, my initial impressions of the layout, shots, and overall gameplay, and my honest thoughts after having time to reflect on the flight home. Sometimes your opinion changes once the hype settles. Did that happen here? Let’s talk about it. We’ll cover: • Gameplay and shot layout • Accessibility for new players vs depth for enthusiasts • Theme integration and use of the Pokémon license • Early code impressions • How this compares to other recent Stern releases Designing a game around Pokémon is no small task. It’s the biggest IP in the world, which means expectations are sky high. The question is: did Stern Pinball deliver a machine that satisfies longtime pinball fans while also bringing in a whole new audience? If you’re into pinball machine reviews, Stern Pinball news, new pinball releases, or you’re just curious how Pokémon translates to a modern pinball machine, this one’s for you. Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Is Pokémon Pinball going to be a massive hit? Did Stern get it right? 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 👀 Check out Grownup Adjacent Pinball Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCr4G... 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM ⸻ 🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside” 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: 👉 / @theflipsideretroralph 🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZ... • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside! 👉 https://shorturl.at/t2pVG ⸻ 🛒 RETRO RALPH MERCH & CONTACT INFO 👕 Get your merch: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX 🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew #PokemonPinball #SternPinball #Pinball #JackDanger #GeorgeGomez #NewPinballMachine #PinballMediaDay

    45 min
  7. Episode 51: Pinball at the Beach FOMO 🌊 Pokémon Is Almost Here?! + Major Pinball Buzz

    FEB 8

    Episode 51: Pinball at the Beach FOMO 🌊 Pokémon Is Almost Here?! + Major Pinball Buzz

    In this episode, I’m joined by my buddy Jamie from The JBS Show as we break down the much-talked-about Pokémon pinball trailer, why it told us nothing, who the game might actually be for, and what it could mean for the future of pinball. We also dive into our serious FOMO from Pinball at the Beach, watching everyone else have an absolute blast, and we spend some time dreaming about what it would be like to work in the pinball industry. Throw in plenty of laughs, honest takes, and classic pinball banter, and you’ve got another fun episode you won’t want to miss. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 👀 Check out Grownup Adjacent Pinball Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCr4GdiEu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM 🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside” 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph 🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 ✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside! 👉 https://shorturl.at/t2pVG 🛒 RETRO RALPH MERCH & CONTACT INFO 👕 Get your merch: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX 🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew #SternPinball #PinballPodcast #BoutiquePinball #PinballCommunity #TheFlipside #RetroRalph #PinballDiscussion #PinballNews #PinballCollectors #PinballYouTube

    1h 14m
  8. Episode 50: Is Stern Pinball a victim of its own success?

    JAN 20

    Episode 50: Is Stern Pinball a victim of its own success?

    In this episode of The Flipside, we dive into one of the biggest conversations happening in pinball right now. There is a growing perception that boutique pinball manufacturers are offering more value than Stern Pinball, and we explore whether that perception is fair, exaggerated, or something Stern should be paying attention to. This is not a Stern bashing episode. Instead, we take a balanced and honest look at why many players feel boutique pinball offers more for the money, how Stern’s size and scale may have unintentionally created a perception gap, and the difference between perceived value and real world execution. We also discuss why boutique companies can take creative risks that Stern simply cannot at volume, whether online pinball discourse is shaping opinions more than actual gameplay, and how community sentiment has shifted since 2023. This episode also highlights what Stern still does better than anyone in the industry, why their games dominate locations and home collections, and how being the market leader changes expectations from the pinball community. If you have ever wondered if Stern is getting boring, if boutique manufacturers are really offering more, or if pinball sentiment has shifted over the past few years, this conversation is for you. Whether you are a long time Stern fan, a boutique buyer, or someone new to the hobby trying to decide where to spend your money, this episode focuses on why the narrative exists, not just whether it is right or wrong. Let us know in the comments what you think. Is the Stern value gap real, or is it just internet perception? 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 👀 Check out Grownup Adjacent Pinball Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCr4GdiEu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM ⸻ 🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside” 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph 🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 ✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside! 👉 https://shorturl.at/t2pVG ⸻ 🛒 RETRO RALPH MERCH & CONTACT INFO 👕 Get your merch: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX 🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew #SternPinball #PinballPodcast #BoutiquePinball #PinballCommunity #TheFlipside #RetroRalph #PinballDiscussion #PinballNews #PinballCollectors #PinballYouTube

    58 min
4.6
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Flipside" with RetroRalph, where arcade nostalgia meets pinball passion! Known for his YouTube channel dedicated to arcade gaming, RetroRalph now explores the pinball world after three years of fascination with flippers and bumpers. Join Ralph on this journey as he aims to bring new life to pinball, just as he did for arcades. "The Flipside" dives deep into retro gaming and pinball culture through discussions, gameplay, and interviews. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the hobby, Ralph's enthusiasm promises an exciting exploration of gaming history. Join RetroRalph on "The Flipside" for a tilt-worthy adventure through the arcade and pinball realms!

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