Machine Description

Released in 2013, Stern's TRON pinball machine brought the groundbreaking digital world of Disney's TRON: Legacy (2010) to the pinball format, marking a significant milestone in modern pinball design. The machine expertly captured the neon-lit aesthetic and electronic atmosphere of the film franchise, featuring iconic elements like Light Cycles, Identity Discs, and the recognizable blue-and-orange color scheme that defined the TRON universe.

The game's design team, led by John Borg, created an innovative playfield featuring multiple ramps, a moving Identity Disc target, and a unique 'Recognizer' toy that menacingly hovers above the playfield. The machine incorporated Stern's advanced LED lighting system to recreate the distinctive TRON atmosphere, with synchronized light shows that respond to gameplay events. The soundtrack featured both original compositions and music from Daft Punk's movie score, creating an immersive audio-visual experience.

TRON pinball was released in three editions: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE), with each subsequent model adding more features and elaborate toys. The Premium and LE versions included additional mechanical elements like the motorized Identity Disc and a more complex Light Cycle feature. The game's ruleset was praised for its depth, offering both casual-friendly basic gameplay and complex multiball modes for experienced players.

The machine's success demonstrated the continuing appeal of both the TRON franchise and modern pinball design. While exact production numbers aren't publicly available, TRON is considered one of Stern's more successful licensed themes from the early 2010s, helping to maintain pinball's relevance in the digital age. Its sophisticated blend of classic pinball mechanics with modern technology and licensed theme integration has made it a sought-after collector's item and a popular attraction in arcades.