Pinball Culture

Things to Collect in 2026: Exploring the World of Playable Art

Things to Collect in 2026: Exploring the World of Playable Art

The Global Collectibles Market was valued at USD 462.82 billion in 2024, a number driven not only by coins and cards, but by digital art, interactive creations, and designer pieces. In 2026 (and beyond), the best things to collect reflect a broader cultural shift: collecting isn’t just about ownership–it’s about self-expression, emotion, and personal experience. More and more, modern collectibles move, inspire, and tell stories, making them more captivating and compelling than static items on a shelf. That shift places Jersey Jack Pinball at the heart of an exciting cultural evolution. Our machines merge craft, cinematic storytelling, and modern engineering...

Things to Collect in 2026: Exploring the World of Playable Art

The Global Collectibles Market was valued at USD 462.82 billion in 2024, a number driven not only by coins and cards, but by digital art, interactive creations, and designer pieces. In 2026 (and beyond), the best things to collect reflect a broader cultural shift: collecting isn’t just about ownership–it’s about self-expression, emotion, and personal experience. More and more, modern collectibles move, inspire, and tell stories, making them more captivating and compelling than static items on a shelf. That shift places Jersey Jack Pinball at the heart of an exciting cultural evolution. Our machines merge craft, cinematic storytelling, and modern engineering...

10 Hobbies for Kids to Cut Down on Screen Use

10 Hobbies for Kids to Cut Down on Screen Use

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Common Sense Media, today's kids are spending an average of 5-7 hours a day looking at screens. While technology has educational potential, many parents are seeing alarming downsides to excess screen time for their children. Families are looking for tactile hobbies for kids that encourage social interaction and spark curiosity. According to researchers, real-world play improves problem-solving skills, helps make kids more resilient, builds confidence, and helps with emotional regulation. Luckily for parents, meaningful kids' hobbies abound! It’s just a matter of finding the one(s) that click with your...

10 Hobbies for Kids to Cut Down on Screen Use

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Common Sense Media, today's kids are spending an average of 5-7 hours a day looking at screens. While technology has educational potential, many parents are seeing alarming downsides to excess screen time for their children. Families are looking for tactile hobbies for kids that encourage social interaction and spark curiosity. According to researchers, real-world play improves problem-solving skills, helps make kids more resilient, builds confidence, and helps with emotional regulation. Luckily for parents, meaningful kids' hobbies abound! It’s just a matter of finding the one(s) that click with your...

When Were Arcades Invented? History & Modern Era

When Were Arcades Invented? History & Modern Era

Arcades were invented in the 1890s. So the question of “when were arcades invented?” is easy enough to answer. But the real story isn’t about a single date. It’s about what these early interactions set in motion: Over a century of shaping the way people play, gather, and experience interactive entertainment. You could even say the history of arcades is the history of how humans chase fun. Long before screens and consoles, people gathered to play—sometimes with nothing more than stones, boards, or handmade games. Arcades grew from that same instinct: shared spaces built for play, curiosity, and connection. For...

When Were Arcades Invented? History & Modern Era

Arcades were invented in the 1890s. So the question of “when were arcades invented?” is easy enough to answer. But the real story isn’t about a single date. It’s about what these early interactions set in motion: Over a century of shaping the way people play, gather, and experience interactive entertainment. You could even say the history of arcades is the history of how humans chase fun. Long before screens and consoles, people gathered to play—sometimes with nothing more than stones, boards, or handmade games. Arcades grew from that same instinct: shared spaces built for play, curiosity, and connection. For...

Pinball Tournament Rules: How to Play & Win

Pinball Tournament Rules: How to Play & Win

Crowd Watching a Player on Jersey Jack’s Elton John Pinball Machine "You have the magic!" – Theatre of Magic Pinball Machine, Bally, 1995 Modern competitive pinball is a world apart from the casual arcade play of the past. Today's tournaments are structured and strategic, with players traveling across the country to compete for rankings, prize money, and bragging rights. Whether you're an aspiring tournament player or just looking to host a friendly showdown at home, this guide covers pinball tournament rules and strategies that define the competitive pinball scene. We’ll also highlight tournament-ready titles like Jersey Jack’s Harry Potter™ Pinball,...

Pinball Tournament Rules: How to Play & Win

Crowd Watching a Player on Jersey Jack’s Elton John Pinball Machine "You have the magic!" – Theatre of Magic Pinball Machine, Bally, 1995 Modern competitive pinball is a world apart from the casual arcade play of the past. Today's tournaments are structured and strategic, with players traveling across the country to compete for rankings, prize money, and bragging rights. Whether you're an aspiring tournament player or just looking to host a friendly showdown at home, this guide covers pinball tournament rules and strategies that define the competitive pinball scene. We’ll also highlight tournament-ready titles like Jersey Jack’s Harry Potter™ Pinball,...

50 Luxury Game Room Ideas for Small and Large Spaces

Looking for fresh gaming room ideas? Whether you’re creating a game room from the ground up or updating an existing space, the right design element, theme, feature can make all the difference. Our list of cool gaming room ideas has everything from easy upgrades to elaborate transformations, so you're sure to find a tip (or three!) to inspire your new space. All of our gaming room ideas below are applicable to both large and small spaces, from giving you broad room themes to build on- like retro or movie themes- to making a room come together with a focus piece...

50 Luxury Game Room Ideas for Small and Large Spaces

Looking for fresh gaming room ideas? Whether you’re creating a game room from the ground up or updating an existing space, the right design element, theme, feature can make all the difference. Our list of cool gaming room ideas has everything from easy upgrades to elaborate transformations, so you're sure to find a tip (or three!) to inspire your new space. All of our gaming room ideas below are applicable to both large and small spaces, from giving you broad room themes to build on- like retro or movie themes- to making a room come together with a focus piece...

Pinball Collecting: How to Start Your Collection

If you’re starting out pinball collecting or have been an avid collector for years, you’ll know that nothing beats the thrill of a new game. For many in the community, finally realizing that childhood dream of owning your very own game is a rite of passage, 50% nostalgia trip, 50% obsession, and 100% worth the wait. No matter whether it’s a vintage classic you’ve had your eye on for decades, or a modern marvel that makes the most of the latest tech for incredible game-play, pinball collecting has something for everyone. What makes pinball the best hobby in the world?...

Pinball Collecting: How to Start Your Collection

If you’re starting out pinball collecting or have been an avid collector for years, you’ll know that nothing beats the thrill of a new game. For many in the community, finally realizing that childhood dream of owning your very own game is a rite of passage, 50% nostalgia trip, 50% obsession, and 100% worth the wait. No matter whether it’s a vintage classic you’ve had your eye on for decades, or a modern marvel that makes the most of the latest tech for incredible game-play, pinball collecting has something for everyone. What makes pinball the best hobby in the world?...