Flippers pinball closeup

Pinball flippers in close-up reveal the mechanical engineering that defines the game, an icon of arcades since the 1940s.

About this subject

Flippers are the heart of pinball, transforming a game of chance into a test of reflexes and strategy. Invented in 1947 by Harry Mabs for Gottlieb, they first appeared on the Humpty Dumpty model, allowing players to interact with the ball after the initial launch. Before that, pinball was purely impulsion-based, with no control over trajectory. The introduction of flippers revolutionized the industry, laying the foundation for the arcades that would dominate the following decades.

Mechanically, each flipper is a lever operated by a solenoid. When the player presses the side button, an electric current activates the solenoid, pulling a hinged rod that lifts the flipper. Releasing the button allows a return spring to force the flipper back to its resting position. The impact is cushioned by rubber bumpers, preventing damage and ensuring accuracy. Modern flippers feature optimized designs, such as dual-width or touch-sensitive models, found in machines like The Addams Family (1992) and Medieval Madness (1997).

The cultural significance of flippers is immense in Brazil, where arcades were a staple of youth in the 1980s and 1990s. Machines like Fireball (Bally, 1972) and Pin-Bot (Williams, 1986) are remembered for their responsive flippers and challenging speeds. Official competitions organized by the IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association) use flipper precision as a skill metric. Interestingly, the Portuguese word "flipper" also refers to a dolphin's flipper, by analogy to the repetitive, agile movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are pinball flippers?

They are player-controlled levers that hit the ball, actuated by solenoids and springs. Invented in 1947, they turned pinball from chance into skill.

How do flippers work mechanically?

Pressing the side buttons activates a solenoid that pulls the flipper up. Releasing lets a spring return it to rest, with rubber bumpers cushioning the impact.

Why are flippers important in arcade culture?

They made pinball a game of skill, boosting arcade popularity from the 1970s to 1990s. In Brazil, they are nostalgic icons and central to official competitions like those of the IFPA.