Flippers pinball closeup

Close-up of pinball flippers, showing the mechanism that revolutionized pinball in 1947.

About this subject

Pinball flippers were introduced in 1947 by Gottlieb in the game Humpty Dumpty, marking a radical transformation in the world of arcades. Before that, players only launched the ball and watched passively. With flippers, they could actively interact, boosting pinball's popularity as a skill game.

Each pair of flippers is activated by side buttons that energize solenoids, causing the hinged paddles to move in a rapid arc. The original design used simple springs and electromagnets, but modern versions include high-precision sensors and actuators, enabling millisecond responses.

In Brazil, pinball machines were a staple of youth culture from the 1970s to the 1990s, with machines from local manufacturers like Recreativos Franco. Today, pinball is experiencing a revival in bars and museums, and flippers remain the core of gameplay, demanding timing and hand-eye coordination.

Trivia: the original flipper patent is from 1947 (US Patent 2,474,800). Also, the angle and shape of flippers directly influence strategy, and competitive machines allow operators to adjust force and angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

When were pinball flippers invented?

Flippers were invented in 1947 by Gottlieb in the game Humpty Dumpty. Before that, pinball was a passive game.

How do pinball flippers work?

Each flipper is controlled by a side button that activates a solenoid, moving the paddle in a rapid arc to hit the ball.

Why are flippers important in pinball?

They transformed pinball from a game of chance to a game of skill, allowing players to control the ball and contributing to the popularity of arcades.