Flippers pinball closeup

A close-up of pinball flippers reveals the engineering behind ball control in classic machines.

About this subject

The flippers are the central control mechanism in pinball machines, allowing the player to hit the metal ball to keep the game going. Invented by Steve Kordek in 1947, the first flippers were dual and positioned at the bottom of the playfield, replacing the old side plungers. A spring and solenoid trigger the rapid movement of the flipper, which rotates on a pivot to strike the ball. This simple mechanism transformed pinball from a game of chance into a game of skill, popularizing machines in bars and arcades throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Starting in the 1970s, flippers began to be controlled by microprocessors, enabling adjustments in force and angle, as well as special effects like lighting and sound. Today, flippers remain the physical signature of pinball, with designs ranging from classic electromechanical to modern digital systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

When were pinball flippers invented?

Pinball flippers were invented by Steve Kordek in 1947, on the machine Humpty Dumpty, which was the first to feature two flippers at the bottom of the playfield.

How do pinball flippers work?

When the player presses a button, a solenoid is activated, pulling a rod that quickly rotates the flipper upward. A spring returns the flipper to its original position.

What is the difference between electromechanical and electronic flippers?

Electromechanical flippers use simple relays and solenoids with fixed timing. Electronic flippers, introduced in the 1970s, use microprocessors to control precision, force, and special effects.