Editing Pinball (game)

{{italic title}}
{{game infobox
|image=[[File:Pinball Boxart.png|200px]]
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]]{{ref needed}}
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|release='''Family Computer:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|February 2, 1984<ref>{{Cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/jp/famicom/software/hvc-pn/index.html|title=ピンボール|publisher=Nintendo Japan|language=ja|accessdate=August 13, 2025}}</ref>}} '''Nintendo Entertainment System:'''<br>{{flag list|USA|October 18, 1985|Europe|January 9, 1986}}
|release2='''VS. System:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|August 1984<ref>{{cite|url=archive.org/details/game-machine-magazine-19840901p/page/n12/mode/1up|title=''Game Machine''|date=September 1, 1984|page=25}}</ref>|USA|October 1984<ref>{{cite|url=flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=flyer&db=videodb&id=3503&image=1|title=1985 VS. System flyer}}</ref>}} '''Family Computer Disk System:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|May 31, 1989<ref>{{cite|url=themushroomkingdom.net/games/pinball-fds|title=''Pinball'' (FDS)|publisher=The Mushroom Kingdom|accessdate=June 23, 2024}}{{better source}}</ref>}} '''e-Reader:'''<br>{{flag list|USA|September 16, 2002<ref>{{cite|url=themushroomkingdom.net/games/pinball-e|title=''Pinball'' (e-Reader)|publisher=The Mushroom Kingdom|accessdate=June 23, 2024|language=en}}{{better source}}</ref>|Mexico|October, 2002<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20021013203220/http://www.nintendo.com.mx/Juegos/gameboy_advance/pinballe.html|title=Nintendo-Juegos-GBA-Pinball-e|publisher=Nintendo of Mexico|language=es-mx|accessdate=November 28, 2022}}</ref>}} '''Virtual Console (Wii):'''<br>{{flag list|USA|November 19, 2006|Japan|December 2, 2006|Europe|December 15, 2006|Australia|December 15, 2006}} '''Virtual Console (Wii U):'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|October 23, 2013<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/software/vc/fbnj|title=ピンボール {{!}} Wii U {{!}} 任天堂|author=Nintendo|publisher=www.nintendo.co.jp}}</ref>|USA|October 24, 2013<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/gMPhXsN2Ko1VQUoTKbr68CkvBKesOiif</ref>{{dead link}}|Europe|October 24, 2013<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/NES/Pinball-820146.html|publisher=Nintendo of UK|title=Pinball {{!}} NES {{!}} Games {{!}} Nintendo|language=en-gb}}</ref>|Australia|October 24, 2013}} '''Nintendo Switch (''Arcade Archives''):'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|August 30, 2019|USA|August 30, 2019|Europe|August 30, 2019|Australia|August 30, 2019}} '''Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online:'''<br>{{flag list|USA|May 26, 2022<ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|date=May 26, 2022|url=youtu.be/n_-LqmGv7ig|title=NES & Super NES - May 2022 Game Updates - Nintendo Switch Online|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2022}}</ref>|Japan|May 27, 2022<ref>{{cite|language=ja|author=Nintendo 公式チャンネル|date=May 27, 2022|url=youtu.be/T0POVi_YY8Q|title=ファミリーコンピュータ & スーパーファミコン Nintendo Switch Online 追加タイトル <nowiki>[</nowiki>2022年5月27日<nowiki>]</nowiki>|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 27, 2022}}</ref>|Europe|May 27, 2022<ref>{{cite|language=en-gb|title=These classic #SuperNES and #NES games are now available for #NintendoSwitchOnline members! ☑️ Congo's Caper ☑️ Pinball ☑️ Rival Turf!|author=@NintendoEurope|date=May 27, 2022|url=x.com/NintendoEurope/status/1530111585808678912|publisher=X|accessdate=Retrieved May 27, 2022}}</ref>|Australia|May 27, 2022}}
|languages={{languages|en_us=y}}
|genre=Pinball
|modes=Single player, multiplayer
|ratings={{Ratings|esrb=E|cero=A|pegi=3|acb=G|usk=0}}
|platforms=[[Family Computer]]<br>[[Nintendo Entertainment System]]<br>[[VS. System]]<br>[[Family Computer Disk System]]<br>[[e-Reader]]<br>[[Virtual Console]] ([[Wii]], [[Wii U]])<br>[[Nintendo Switch]] (''[[Arcade Archives]]'')<br>[[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online]]
|format={{format|arcade=1|fc=1|nes=1|fds=1|ereader=1|wiidl=1|wiiudl=1|switchdl=1}}
|requirements=
|input={{input|arcade=1|fc=1|nes=1|wmsideways=1|classic=1|wiigcn=1|wiiusideways=1|wiiuclassic=1|wiiupro=1|joy-con=1|joy-con-horizontal=1|switchpro=1|switchfc=1|switchnes=1|switchsnes=1}}
|serials='''Famicom:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|HVC-PN}}
|gallery=Pinball
}}
'''''Pinball''''' is a game released for the [[Family Computer]] in 1984 and the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] in 1985. It is based on the [[arcade]] {{wp|Pinball|machine of the same name}}. A competitive multiplayer version of this game was released on the [[VS. System]] under the name '''''VS. Pinball'''''. [[Hudson Soft]] had planned to release ports of ''Pinball'' for home computers in Japan in 1985, but these ports were cancelled for reasons unexplained.<ref>{{cite|url=archive.org/details/micomBASIC-1985-06/page/n191/mode/1up|title=micomBASIC Magazine|publisher=Dempa Publications' Inc.|language=Japanese|date=June 1985}}</ref> The Family Computer version was preceded by a [[Game & Watch]] version in December 1983,<ref>{{cite|url=www.intheattic.co.uk/pinball.htm|title=''Pinball''|language=en-gb|publisher=In the Attic|accessdate=April 29, 2022}}</ref> but unlike the Family Computer and Nintendo Entertainment System releases, it is not a game of the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]].

The home console version of ''Pinball'' was re-released through the [[Family Computer Disk System]]'s Disk Writer, for the [[Game Boy Advance]]'s [[e-Reader]] as part of Series One, on the [[Virtual Console]] for the [[Wii]] and [[Wii U]], and on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online]] application for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. The Japanese version of ''VS. Pinball'' was re-released worldwide for the [[Nintendo Switch]] as part of [[HAMSTER Corporation]]'s ''[[Arcade Archives]]'' series on August 30, 2019.<ref>{{cite|author=Hamster Corporation|url=www.hamster.co.jp/american_hamster/arcadearchives/switch/pinball.htm|title=''Arcade Archives: Pinball''}}</ref><ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.com/games/detail/arcade-archives-pinball-switch/|title=Arcade Archives Pinball for Nintendo Switch|publisher=Nintendo Official Site (www.nintendo.com)|author=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
[[File:Pinball gameplay 2.png|thumb|left|256px|Gameplay of scene A]]
''Pinball'' is a game where the player controls the [[Flipper (Pinball)|flipper]]s of a virtual pinball machine. The game has three scenes: [[scene A]], [[scene B]], and the [[Bonus Stage (Pinball)|Bonus Stage]]. The goal of the game is to earn [[point]]s in order to achieve a high score.

Gameplay begins when the player launches a ball with the [[striker]] from the bottom of scene B to the top of scene A. Gameplay switches between scene A and scene B depending on where the ball moves. In scene A and scene B, the player controls the flippers on either side of the screen to deflect the ball. If the ball falls off the bottom of scene B, the player loses the ball. If the ball enters the hole in scene B, the Bonus Stage begins.

In the [[Bonus Stage (Pinball)|Bonus Stage]], the player controls [[Mario]] carrying a platform. Mario must rescue [[Pauline|a lady]] by bouncing the ball off of his platform so it passes through [[bingo lamp]]s, in order to decrease the size of the floor so the lady falls through. Mario must then catch the lady with his platform and bring her safely to one of the exits on either side of the stage. If the ball falls off the bottom of the screen, it is ejected from the [[Hole (Pinball)|hole kicker]] in scene A and the pinball game continues. If Mario allows the lady to fall to the bottom, the player loses their ball and returns to scene B where they must launch a new ball; if the player has no more balls, allowing the lady to hit the bottom results in a [[Game Over]].

''VS. Pinball'' made several changes to the original game in graphics, music, and gameplay. If the player hatches three pink [[chick]]s and the ball falls off the bottom of scene B, a character will appear and return the ball. In the Japanese version, it is a red [[Family BASIC#Sprites|Achilles]] from [[Family BASIC]]. In the international version, it is [[Bubbles (Clu Clu Land)|Bubbles]] from the then-upcoming ''[[nwiki:Clu Clu Land|Clu Clu Land]]''. The hole kicker in scene A has been replaced by another hole. If the ball falls into it, it will be ejected horizontally from the hole in scene B.
{{br|left}}
===Controls===
*{{button|nes|Pad}} – control left flipper; control Mario in the Bonus Stage
*{{button|nes|A}} {{button|nes|B}} – activate striker; control right flipper

==Characters==
{|class=wikitable
!Character
!Name
!Description
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:PinballMarioSprite.png]]
|align=center|[[Mario]]
|The player controls Mario in the Bonus Stage.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:PinballPaulineSprite.png]]
|align=center|[[Pauline|Lady]]
|Mario must catch the lady (also known as Pauline) when she falls down, then carry her safely to the exit.
|}

==Items and objects==
Most of these objects are referred to as [[Pinball Part]]s.
{|class="wikitable"
!Image
!Name
!Description
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Ball.png]]
|align=center|Ball
|The ball is used to interact with Pinball Parts to earn points. The player starts with three balls, and earns an extra ball for every 50,000 points earned. If the player loses all of their balls, the [[Game Over|game is over]].
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Flippers.png]]
|align=center|[[Flipper (Pinball)|Flipper]]s
|Flippers are used to bounce the ball in scene A and scene B.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Striker.png]]
|align=center|[[Striker]]
|The striker is used to launch a ball from the bottom of scene B to the top of scene A.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Slot Window 3.png]] [[File:Pinball Slot Window 7.png]] [[File:Pinball Penguin.gif]]
|align=center|[[Slot window]]s
|If the ball passes through the lane on the right of scene A, the slot windows start rotating.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Slot Target.png]]
|align=center|[[Slot window|Slot target]]
|If the ball hits the slot target, the slot window below it stops rotating.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Block Post.png]]
|align=center|[[Up-post]]
|The up-post (also known as block post) prevents the ball from falling in between the flippers, and can appear in scene A and scene B.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Targets.png]]
|align=center|[[Target]]s
|The ball can hit targets to earn bonus points and activate certain events.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Bumper blue.png]] [[File:Bumper pink.png]] [[File:Bumper yellow.png]]
|align=center|[[Bumper (Pinball)|Bumper]]s
|Bumpers award points and cause the ball to bounce around. They appear in three colors: blue, pink, and amber.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Cards Face Up.png]]
|align=center|[[Card (Pinball)|Card]]s
|If the ball turns all five cards face up, the up-post in scene B is raised.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Egg.png]]
|align=center|[[Egg]]
|Eggs hatch into [[chick]]s if the ball touches them.
|-
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Chick.png]]
|align=center|[[Chick]]
|Birds that hatch from eggs, which then flap their wings.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Stopper.png]]
|align=center|[[Stopper]]
|Two stoppers appear in scene B if three chicks are hatched at the same time.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Pinball Hole.png]]
|align=center|[[Hole (Pinball)|Hole]]
|If the ball reaches the hole in scene B, it enters the Bonus Stage.
|-
!bgcolor=black|[[File:Bingo lamp sprites.png]]
|align=center|[[Bingo lamp]]s
|Bingo lamps change color if the ball passes through them. If all of the bingo lamps with the same number become the same color, the floor below the lady becomes shorter.
|}

==References in later games==
*[[Family BASIC]]: This accessory to the Famicom features sprites of Lady and a penguin, which are very similar to the ones found in ''Pinball''.
*''[[WarioWare: Twisted!]]'': A [[microgame]] named [[Pinball (WarioWare: Twisted!)|Pinball]], based on the Bonus Stage, appears in [[9-Volt]]'s stage.
*[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]: Mario's outfit on the American boxart of ''Pinball'' is used as one of [[Luigi]]'s alternate costumes in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' / ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.
*''[[NES Remix]]'' / ''[[NES Remix Pack]]'': Several challenges in ''NES Remix'' are based on this game.
*''[[WarioWare Gold]]'': A different microgame named [[Pinball (WarioWare Gold)|Pinball]], based on scene A, appears in [[5-Volt]]'s stage.
{{br|left}}

==Staff==
*[[Hirokazu Tanaka]] - Music Programmer
*[[Satoru Iwata]] - Programmer
*Satoshi Matsuoka - Programmer
*Yukio Kaneoka - Composer
{{br}}

==Descriptions==
===Original instruction booklet===
''Be a Pinball Wizard!!!!!''<br>''Bank off bumpers, flip double flippers, even win a bonus round. Play on''<br>''three different game screens and be challenged at two different levels of diffi-''<br>''culty. Rack-up points to beat your opponent and progress to the bonus''<br>''round where you'll save the fallen maiden and win the game.''

===Arcade Archives===
''"Pinball" is a pinball game released by Nintendo in 1984.''<br>''The rules are simple even for beginners: try to gain points without losing the ball. However, with various tricks and features, the game offers a depth that even experts can enjoy.''<br>''Fans can also enjoy seeing Mario and Lady from "DONKEY KONG" in the bonus stage!''

===Nintendo Switch Online===
''Hit targets and rack up points in this classic pinball game!''

''Featuring a bonus mode starring Nintendo's legendary character, Mario, you control our hero as he holds a platform and uses it to keep the ball in the air. Your goal is to save Pauline. If she falls and hits the ground, you lose a ball&mdash;but if you save her and lead her to the exit, you'll get a nice surprise! This game is fun and easy to learn, and includes bonus balls for high scorers&mdash;and even a two-player mode. This is a game both pinball fans and novices alike can enjoy!''

==Gallery==
{{main-gallery|Pinball}}
<gallery>
PinballTitle.png|Title screen (''Pinball'')
PinballGameplay.png|Scene B (''Pinball'')
Breakout Mode Screenshot - Pinball.png|Bonus Game (''Pinball'')
PinballMarioSprite.png|[[Mario]]
PinballPaulineSprite.png|[[Pauline|Lady]]
</gallery>

==Media==
===''Pinball''===
{{media table
|file1=Pinball Title.oga
|title1=Title theme
|file2=Pinball Bonus.oga
|title2=Bonus points jingle
}}

===''VS. Pinball''===
{{media table
|file1=VS Pinball Start.oga
|title1=Start
|file2=VS Pinball BGM 1.oga
|title2=BGM 1
|file3=VS Pinball Bonus Stage.oga
|title3=Bonus Stage (international version)
|file4=VS Pinball Ball Saved BGM 2.oga
|title4=Ball Saved ~ BGM 2
|file5=VS Pinball Game Over.oga
|title5=Game Over
|file6=VS Pinball Unknown Jingle.oga
|title6=Unknown jingle
}}

==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jpn=ピンボール
|JpnR=Pinbōru
|JpnM=Pinball
}}

==Notes==
*''Pinball'' is the first released video game that [[Satoru Iwata]] programmed for Nintendo; his first Famicom project, a 1983 home conversion of the 1982 arcade game ''{{wp|Joust (video game)|Joust}}'', remained unreleased for over four years until its eventual 1987 production by [[HAL Laboratory]].<ref>[https://shmuplations.com/iwata/ Satoru Iwata – 1999 Developer Interview originally featured in Used Games magazine, translated by shmuplations.com]</ref>
*''Pinball'' is a playable [[nookipedia:NES games|NES game]] in ''[[nookipedia:Doubutsu no Mori (game)|Doubutsu no Mori]]'' for Nintendo 64 and its GameCube port, ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing (GCN)|Animal Crossing]]''.

==E-Reader==
The game eventually came out for the e-reader as part of Series One. 
===Cards===
====Card 1 of 5/codes 1-2====
English flavor text: Get the highest score possible by hitting targets with the pinball.

'''+ Control Pad'''
Operates left flippers

'''L Button + R Button'''
Resets game to Title Screen

'''START'''
Start/Pause

'''SELECT'''
Selects game mode
*Game A is beginner mode
*Game B is expert mode

'''A Button'''
Releases pinball
Operates right flippers

'''B Button'''
Same as A Button

====Card 2 of 5/codes 3-4====
'''HOW TO PLAY'''
Your first pinball will appear at the bottom of the plunger lane, in the lower right corner of the screen. The A Button launches the pinball onto the table. The longer the A button is held down, the harder the pinball will be hit with the plunger.

Once the pinball is on the table, use the flippers to hit it. You can direct the pinball to aim for targets, hit the correct combination at the slots, and unlock the Mario mini-game. If three pinballs are lost, the game is over.

====Card 3 of 5/codes 5-6====
'''SLOT TARGETS'''

*A 3-3-3 combination gives you a 3,330 point bonus and the block post is raised for six seconds.

*A 7-7-7 combination gives you a 7,770 point bonus and the block post is raised for 14 seconds.

*A three-penguin combination raises the block post and all points earned while it is raised are doubled.

'''TIP:''' The block post is lowered when the pinball goes through the lane on the right hand side of the table.

====Card 4 of 5/codes 7-8====
'''SCORING'''
An extra pinball is earned at 50,000 points.

The flippers and block post disappear after 100,000 points and reappear after 150,000 points.
Knock out one lane light in the top left corner and receive 100 points. Knock out all lane lights and receive 2,000 points.

Each card that is turned over by the pinball is worth 500 points. If five spades are turned over in a row, you'll receive a 5,000-point bonus and the block post is raised.

====Card 5 of 5/code 9====
'''MARIO MINI-GAME'''
You'll be able to play this game when you direct the pinball into the hole on the right of the cards.

Use the + Control Pad to move Mario, rebounding the balls that come down. When the lady appears at the top of the screen, prevent her from falling. If she does fall, position Mario so she can catch her.

'''Tips'''
*If Mario doesn't catch her, you lose a ball.
*If Mario catches her safely to the exit, you'll receive a 10,000-point bonus.
*If Mario drops her on the way to the Exit, you lose a ball. 
*If you lose a ball, the mini-game will end.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{NIWA|Nookipedia=Item:Pinball (Animal Crossing)|NWiki=Pinball (NES)|StrategyWiki=Pinball (NES)}}
{{TCRF|Pinball (NES, Famicom Disk System)|Pinball}}
*[https://www.nintendo.com/jp/famicom/software/hvc-pn/index.html Official Japanese site]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_pb/index.html Japanese Wii Virtual Console website]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000002725 Japanese Wii U Virtual Console website]
*[https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/mCClqgNGu7zr1XzItja1p5SNJG2LHkFC North American Wii Virtual Console website]
*[https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/pinball-nes-wii-u/ North American Wii U Virtual Console website]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/NES/Pinball-820146.html Official European website]

{{Pinball}}
{{Super Mario games}}
{{NES}}
{{Virtual Console}}
{{Switch}}
{{NSO}}
[[Category:Pinball]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Family Computer games]]
[[Category:Family Computer Disk System games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Classics]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:1984 games]]
[[Category:1985 games]]
[[Category:1986 games]]
[[Category:Amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits]]
[[it:Pinball (gioco)]]