Stern Pinball Launches Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye

It seems like it was just yesterday that we were discussing Stern Pinball’s latest release, Pokémon, but time flies when you’re having fun I suppose. After a little teasing, Stern has unveiled their next major release of 2026, Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye. Let’s take a look:

A New Transformers Pinball

If you’ve been around for a while, then you’ll perhaps remember that this is not the first time that the Transformers IP has been in the pinball rodeo. That round was based upon the Michael Bay films, which to be fair, were popular for a while. Limited Edition models of that game also came in three flavors, something that has been unusual for the company to continue with.

This new model eschews the Michael Bay stuff in favor of what many in Stern’s target market – guys who grew up in the ’80s – were more likely to resonate with, the 1980s toys & cartoons. It also has a new layout, so it’s not just reskinning the old game. Here’s a brief trailer, then there’s a more in-depth video to watch. Note that this only shows the LE model and not the Pro or Premium models:

While the above is a good tease for a minute, the in-depth video is more to sell you on the features. I also am not familiar with the designers, Elliot Eismin & Elizabeth Gieske, but always nice to see new blood joining the industry.

If that’s tl:dr for you at the moment, here’s a quick run-down of the main features:

• Based on the ’80s cartoon & movie, with a “Celebratory mode” featuring “The Touch” song
• SPIKE-3 system (with the bigger screen and better sound system)
• Custom voice work by Peter Cullen & Frank Welker
• New Stern Insider Connected mode with the Cyber Coin Wallet system that unlocks new modes
• Two players can compete at the same time (only get one flipper) in the Megatron Vs. Cybertron mode
• Giant Optimus Prime bash toy
• 3-bank drop targets
• Bumblebee captive ball
• [Prem/LE only] Grimlock static toy
• [Prem/LE only] Animatronic Megatron with ball firing cannon
• [Prem/LE only] Soundwave ball lock & launcher toy

Find the full Feature’s Matrix here, which lays out complete differences & features between the models.

That “split flipper” simultaneous play is perhaps the most intriguing gameplay feature in this. That is something that is done at tournaments on rare occasion, but this is the first time such a thing has been integrated into the game itself, and as a competitive battle mode. It sounds like you’ll need Insider Connected and cyber coins to unlock it, but I think it’d be worth it.

Transformers – Cabinet & Playfield

Here are the three cabinets together. The LE model uses the same red/purple trim as the old Transformers LE, but of course has vastly superior tech, such as the Expression Lighting System:

For the playfields side-by-side (Pro left, Premium right):

If you’re interested, this game is available to order right now, which means units should start shipping out pretty soon.

Growing up, I remember watching Transformers until I had memorized some episodes, however, these many decades later I barely recall the details. I have a nephew who is super into all things Transformers, and he’s already expressed his desire for me to grab one of these, but unfortunately that’s not on the menu unless things start picking up drastically. Still, this looks like fun and it’s continuing to provide some real fan service. I look forward to giving it a play sometime in the future, and kudos to Stern for adding in some innovative ideas to the gameplay.

What do you think about it?

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