Pinball Expo Showcases New Machines in Schaumburg
The annual event highlighted innovative design technology and new pinball machine developments in suburban Chicago.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Board Games
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The annual Pinball Expo recently took place in Schaumburg, bringing together manufacturers and independent developers. Attendees explored new machine models, including homebrew designs and advanced systems like the Multimorphic P3.
Why it matters
The expo highlights a shift toward modularity and digital integration in home gaming, allowing owners to extend the lifespan of their machines through swappable components. These innovations provide enthusiasts with more creative control over their collections.
The Multimorphic P3 system currently supports 30 games and utilizes 10 distinct swappable playfields. High-end pinball machines typically retail for approximately $10,000.
The players
Stern Pinball
Headquartered in Elk Grove Village, this company is a dominant manufacturer that controls 90 percent of the current pinball market.
Multimorphic
This company produces the P3 pinball system, which is known for its use of swappable playfields and interactive ball-tracking technology.
Johnny Zen
He is a developer who created a closed-beta browser-based tool known as the Pinball Construction Set for designing custom layouts.
The details
The P3 system features an interactive lower display that reacts to ball movement, while new software like the Pinball Construction Set allows users to drag and drop design elements. Independent creators also displayed unique projects like the Shaolin Flow machine, which utilizes motion-sensor flipper controls.
Timeline
The Pinball Expo occurred in the Chicago area in October 2026.
Production of the Dungeon Crawler Carl machine begins in late 2026.
Delivery of Dungeon Crawler Carl units is expected in early 2027.
Culture Shift
The transition toward modular gaming hardware mirrors the broader movement toward sustainable and upgradeable consumer products. This shift positions hobbyists to maintain their investments longer by replacing internal components rather than purchasing entire new units.
Local enthusiasts in Schaumburg can expect expanded options for machine customization and software-driven gameplay experiences. Residents interested in home gaming should account for the $10,000 entry point typical for high-end systems when planning their collections.
The takeaway
The move toward modularity suggests that pinball enthusiasts prioritize versatility and long-term ownership over static designs. Aspiring designers can use emerging digital tools to experiment with complex layouts before committing to physical builds.
What happens next
Production for the Dungeon Crawler Carl pinball machine is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with unit deliveries anticipated in early 2027.
Further reading
Discover more about the latest innovations in tabletop and physical gaming in the Board Games section.
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