The Flipside Pinball Podcast

RetroRalph
  • 4.7 (19)
  • HOBBIES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

    7H AGO

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

    6D AGO

    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
  3. 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. JAN 1

    Episode 49: Pinball 2026: What’s REALLY Coming (Rumors vs Reality)

    What’s really coming to pinball in 2026? In this episode of The Flipside, we break down everything we know and everything we’re hearing about upcoming pinball machines, rumored titles, manufacturer roadmaps, and where the industry is headed next. This isn’t just a rumor roundup. We dig into confidence levels, separate real signals from noise, and talk honestly about what makes sense, what doesn’t, and what could shake up pinball in a big way over the next year. From major manufacturers to smaller studios, licensing trends, release timing, and innovation (or lack of it), this is a realistic look at the future of pinball, not hype for hype’s sake. If you’re a collector, operator, or just trying to decide what to buy, what to wait on, or what to skip, this episode is for you. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments, what do you think is actually coming in 2026? 🕹️ 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

    1 hr

  5. 12/17/2025

    Episode 48: Pinball Drama, Stern Hate, & the Sleeper Hit of 2025?!

    In this episode, things get a little spicy 🌶️. We break down pinball drama that honestly didn’t need to happen, why it’s suddenly cool to hate on Stern Pinball, and whether The Walking Dead Remastered is actually better than people give it credit for. We also dive into Predator by Pinball Brothers and why it might be the sleeper hit of 2025 that no one is really talking about — yet. All that and more on Episode 48 of The Flipside Podcast with Retro Ralph. 🕹️ 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 #TheWalkingDeadPinball #WalkingDeadPinball #SternPinball #PinballPodcast #PinballCommunity #PinballNews #PinballCollectors #NewPinballRelease #PinballRemake #TheWalkingDead #TWD #HorrorGaming #ZombieGame #GamingPodcast #ArcadeLife #RetroGamingCommunity #ArcadeCollecting #CollectorsCommunity #HypeOrNot #isitworthit

    1h 4m

  6. 11/25/2025

    Episode 47: Spooky’s Big Win… And Stern’s Big Shrug?

    Beetlejuice is a massive win for Spooky Pinball, no debate there. But what does that success mean for the rest of the hobby? Are we now expecting more from every manufacturer, including the market leader, Stern Pinball? And the big question… does Stern even care? In this episode, we dive into the ripple effect Beetlejuice is having across pinball. Is Stern better off staying the course, or are boutique manufacturers proving that players want more value, more innovation, and more personality in every game? Does this shift the landscape, or is it just noise in the bigger picture? I don’t have all the answers but we’re going to talk about all of it on this episode, and trust me… it’s going to get interesting. 🕹️ 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 #beetlejuice #pinball #spookypinball

    50 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    Episode 46: Can Spooky Pinball catch lightning in a bottle twice w/ Beetlejuice?

    In this special LIVE episode of The FlipSide Podcast, we’re diving into everything happening in pinball right now , the big reveals, the rumors, and your live questions! 🍻 There will be drinks, so who knows where this one’s going to end up… We’ll be talking Beetlejuice, The Walking Dead Remastered, and what’s coming next in pinball! 🕹️ 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 #EvilDeadPinball #SpookyPinball #RetroRalph #PinballLive #HalloweenLivestream #BeetlejuicePinball #RudyVsRalph #PinballShowdown #PinballCommunity #PinballBattle #EvilDead #Beetlejuice #HorrorPinball #PinballStream

    1h 29m

  8. 11/05/2025

    Episode 45: Walking Dead Pinball Returns for 2025 - But Should You Care?

    The Walking Dead Pinball is officially back, remastered, polished, and ready to take another bite out of the hobby! 🧟‍♂️ But does this game really need a second run? In this video I give my initial reaction and honest assessment of Stern Pinball’s Walking Dead Remaster. We dive into what’s new, what’s changed, and whether this legendary zombie-themed machine still earns a spot in today’s crowded pinball lineup. The original TWD is a modern classic for a lot of player, brutal gameplay, high stakes, and some of the most chaotic moments in pinball. But with so many new releases and remakes hitting the market, the question is… do we need this right now? Let’s talk gameplay, code, art, sound, and where this remake fits in an era of high-end pinball, boutique machines, and constant new drops. Drop your thoughts in the comments, is this a hype comeback or a cash grab remake? 🕹️ 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 #TheWalkingDeadPinball #WalkingDeadPinball #SternPinball #PinballPodcast #PinballCommunity #PinballNews #PinballCollectors #NewPinballRelease #PinballRemake #TheWalkingDead #TWD #HorrorGaming #ZombieGame #GamingPodcast #ArcadeLife #RetroGamingCommunity #ArcadeCollecting #CollectorsCommunity #HypeOrNot #isitworthit

    35 min
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4.7
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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