Long before video games, there was pinball, a game of flashing lights, steel balls, and timeless skill. In this episode, we trace its fascinating journey from 18th-century French parlors to modern arcades, exploring how simple tabletop amusements evolved into electrified icons of entertainment. We discuss the innovations that shaped the game—from coin slots and flippers to microprocessors—and the moral panic that saw it banned in cities like New York. Our conversation dives into its golden age, decline, and surprising digital revival through virtual pinball. Join us as we pull the plunger and bounce through the history of pinball on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.
Read transcript
A Trip Down Memory Card Lane