Is New In Box Pinball Dead?! | Godzilla 70th is Beautiful!

[@vinylsolution2522]

The 70th looks Amazing ,Ordered it Tuesday. my friend and I are going in 50/50. So Premium for 5K ! A Deal! The Watermelon Green Godzilla on the original was the only bad thing about the game. Now Stern fixed that with the Black and White edition. I saw your add on pinside, unfortunately your not going to get your Mod money back. $9800 you might get a buyer. Love the videos, keep it up Sir. Cheers

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Thanks for watching and congrats on the 70th!!!

[@slinger2112]

Video version! I'll have to listen/watch again now for the sweet pics of your current 'Zilla :)

[@tiagoj8020]

Be happy with what you got and move on

[@mrfuriouser]

Great advice for life as well 👍

[@QuarterDropArcade]

Loving the podcast, Ralph! 👌

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Thanks bud, I really appreciate the support!!!

[@MrTigermurphy]

You mentioned Player One in North Hollywood. They recently swapped out their Godzilla Premium with the 70th Anniversary edition. It's so gorgeous, I want one so badly! One day...

[@colemangreen4191]

Sales tax alone is painful on NIB games. Not sure exactly what laws are on used/auction sales (and I think a lot of distributor's might get you a NIB game tax free) but I think most are paying tax on new games and not on used. So that's ANOTHER $700+ on a premium or $1100 on LE.

[@cMARVEL360]

A Podcast with Video is far better than one without 🍻 I am not into Pinball but i enjoy watching your content and hearing what you have to say and live through your Experience. So I as an someone not involved with the scene am having fun with th Linball Content. I'm loving all angles of Retro Gaming, From my Perspective we are all in the same boat, just going about the Retro Gaming in our own ways.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Thanks for always supporting me bro, it means a lot, you've been around for a while and I appreciate that more than you know! You're the man dude! I smile when I see a comment from you bro!

[@TPRErik]

Keep the one you have and enjoy it!

[@Pinballgeek49]

If you buy a NIB you need to keep it for life!!! They cost too much !!!so find something you really want!!!

[@charlestonpinballarcade]

Even if the economy wasn’t having issues… let others open the box and fix the issues, buy the machine after it’s a few months old home use only. 🎉

[@RafConUSMC]

Need to consider that distributors can sometimes offer tax free and free shipping on NIB sterns for example. And then for auctions like captains, their fee and shipping quickly bring the price close to or above some NIB prices. Also, local sellers who are selling directly are a great way to save money on taxes and shipping too. Which must be factored in when tempted by auction prices.

[@busa00turbo]

Very true. 18% buyers fee on a $6000 machine ads over a grand to the price plus shipping.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Good point, Typically its 18% Buyers Premium + Sales Tax... Its something to be aware of. So I tend to have a threshold when I bid and try to factor in the premium.

[@MoDaddyDollars]

Not sure if it was the right move, but just got NIB 70th anniversary Godzilla. It was pretty cool unboxing, and setting it up. I do have a way to make interest free payments.

[@PaulSavage-i7b]

You can recoup more mod money back the same way a lot of car tuners do. Cars with mods don't sell for much more than cars without, however if you pull the mods, and list the mods separately, but in a group, you will likely recover much more. Create a table with mods in a column, original purchase price in a column, then used like new price in a column. If you have 20 mods, you may only have to sell to and ship to 3-5 people, as they save on combined shipping, and you may want to offer an additional 5-10% off for 3 items or more. It's more work, but you'd get more of your money back out.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

It's not a bad idea man, thanks for the suggestion and I appreciate you listening and taking the time to comment!

[@bumpernugget]

Hearing the game in a home environment is great. If you're at a location tournament, it's going to be noisy. I'd rather listen to the jams that get me in the zone instead of losing focus on my play while I struggle to hear the game.🎧👌

[@mrfuriouser]

Ralph - I would caution you on trusting Pinside listing information, as it isn't vetted AT ALL by anyone other than the listing party. I bought a particular Stern for 5k...yet the seller, AFTER THE SALE, changed the listing price to $5500 before marking the listing as "Sold". People are, inherently, dishonest. Why he did this only he knows.

[@hbvcsa...]

For me, as a new pinball buyer. My first machine I just bought was a Bally Twight Zone, and a William's Medevial Maddness. I want a machine that is highly rated, and people seem to really enjoy playing. Plus something that will keep it's selling value

[@RafConUSMC]

Btw. Missed opportunity at the end to use a “catch you on the flipside” catch phrase (from boondock saints) to align with your pinball podcast name!

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Damn dude, you’re right, if I use that, you get the credit 💪🏻👍🏻🔥. Thanks for watching!

[@jaymecernicka5212]

Loving the podcast Ralph. I’m very new to pinball as well - don’t have a machine yet, but have been studying the hobby for a solid 6+ months now. I’m itching to get one. I want to get Jaws, but may wait for the 50th that will likely launch in 2025. GZ would be my choice if I buy one now. I like that Stern offers options like the 70th GZ, but I’d honestly keep your machine. I prefer the color version and you put so much love into those mods, it would be a shame to sell it.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

You can't go wrong with Godzilla, it's such a fun game. Everyone that comes over smiles when they play it. But JAWS is pretty awesome as well... my only issue with JAWS is you sometimes get airballs when the ball goes over the chum line. If you take the plunge into JAWS for sure look up the "Air ball suppressor mod".

[@jaymecernicka5212]

@@TheFlipsideRetroRalph appreciate the advice. Looking forward to more pods.

[@matthewmorton7386]

Maybe consider selling most of the mods on eBay or something at 80% you’d probably make more money and you be able to flip the pinball on pinside quicker at a lower price

[@tobiwan71]

Been saving for a GZ prem for my son and me from Santa this year. Perfect timing to get the 70th anniversary. Got to see at play at SFGE. Didn’t see this stream until today unfortunately.

[@KING_KONK]

Terminator 2 has always been my favorite pinball machine as well 💀

[@rinzlersrun]

Digging the podcast brother🤘🎸🤘

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Thanks bud, I really appreciate the support!

[@Grayson950815]

Modding a pinball machine is like modifying your car. When you go to sell it, it’s not gonna make you more money on average.

[@Major_Drain]

Godzilla LEs sold for $10.5k at MSRP at the time of launch, this was before they did the current LE price hike, started with RUSH and they increased it even more for Bond LE which is where it has stabilized last few years at $13k. So that guy that sold his Godzilla LE actually profited $1k on his auction sale…….every LE since Godzilla has lost value, Stern has priced that market for NIB collectors only.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

I’m aware, that was a just a bit before I entered the hobby. Maybe we will see NIB prices drop eventually…if not, then I might pivot a bit to buying used or buying less games, time will tell. For now I’m super happy with the 4 games I have in my collection. If something new comes out, I can play it on location 👍🏻. Thanks so much for listening!

[@jeffmeyers8417]

Keep your Godzilla. Looks great!

[@robj5752]

Keep your GZ. It plays exactly the same as the 70th, without having to dial in the machine again. Mods almost never increase the value of your game, save for a color DMD. We'll see what happens with the PinVision LCD speaker panels for new Sterns when they come out, and if they move the needle at almost $500 a pop. NIB is still a thing, and not a bad idea for those who have a local distro. They can trade in a used game and a little cash towards a new game, and save on the sales tax.

[@Mo_Ketchups]

Exact M.O./procedure here.👌 I’m HAPPY to trade in and give up $500-$850 (give/take) on a new pin, zero tax. ESPECIALLY in CALI, boy. 👀😮‍💨😖

[@DereksArcade]

Hey Ralph, I’ve been enjoying the new pinball podcast. I’m more Into my arcades than pinballs (I only have a virtual pinball) but you may convince me to get a real pin one day. The terminator 2 is my holy grail machine. Love that pin. Oh and don’t sell your modded Godzilla. Although the black and white 70th is nice looking. But keep yours

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

That's awesome man! Thanks so much for the support. Believe me, I'm trying to maintain my composure on the GZ but man, that black and white just speaks to me!

[@16BitBear]

Prices near me are still close to NIB, enough so that it makes it hard to justify chancing used unless it's off of Pinside. They are coming down though and have seen some tempting price points (looking at you Deadpool pro with mods for 6,200 lol). I still dream of having one at home, particularly NIB for the experience, just need to save the cash.

[@KarlLind]

Bought a T2 in 2014 for 1600.00 and was told by many that I overpaid 🤣

[@BootsORiley]

It’s all relevant. You did overpay in ‘14 when pinball was on life support

[@mtlarsen1125]

The only time $4k-$4.5k has been the price of a T2 would be during the peak of COVID pinball prices. Normally you would expect to be in the $3k-$3.5k range. Obviously they can go higher for very nice examples.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Where are you located? In the southwest I see them at 4K quite often.

[@mtlarsen1125]

@@TheFlipsideRetroRalph I'm in VA. Strange, usually pins closer to CA seem a lot lower in price than what I normally see in VA.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

I mean, I could for sure be wrong, I haven't recently been looking for it but now I will take a closer look. Maybe T2 has come down and my pricing is off, I appreciate the comment man…. I need to chill on the buying right now anyway but I will keep my eyes peeled. 👀

[@jimdangle8261]

First time buyer here, but I just got a jaws premium and golden tee PGA Tour 2024. Both NIB, next one I might explore a used one!

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Congrats man, nothing wrong with buying something NIB if it's something you really want and don't plan to get rid of it anytime soon. Prices always have a way of bouncing back and I'm sure they will. So just enjoy your games, JAWS is awesome. You might want to look into the chum line air ball suppressor mod, it helps a lot with airballs off the chum line. Thanks for listening man, I really appreciate the support!

[@kevinpfeiffer8034]

More sub 20-30 minute pinball content, please!

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

I will do the best I can to keep the episodes to around 20min max. Thanks so much for listening! 🙏🏻

[@T-RavisComics]

The black and white Godzilla looks bad ass it’s perfect since the 1st movie was black and white

[@jacooosthuizen3593]

i prefer the color one!

[@joeb3008]

Do not buy any stern games thinking you’re going to break even or make money. It’s a rapidly depreciating asset

[@RobotRon_2084]

Would really like a Jaws Premium and a Jurassic Park. But I'll have to just go play them at the bar and build a Vpin.

[@corytinz]

Starfigthers just got a nice playing TMNT pro in recently. If you're ever out in Mesa when they are open its a good place to sink some games in since its all set to free to play.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Thanks for the tip brother!

[@joelpomerleau4015]

I got 9,500 for my GZ three weeks ago but I lost about 1,300. I could read the writing on the wall about pin prices I’m just going to wait and buy a few machines once they go down about 1,500. I honestly don’t love this new one. If they would have added powder coating, a shaker, the upgrade glass, added a little more splash of color like EHOH, called it limited at 11k I would have been all in on it. That’s what all LE’s going forward should be. As it stands I don’t know if I love that Godzilla isn’t spelled out as well and now that it’s not limited I have years to decide if I want this game.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

I hear you man, I'm sorry you lost money on your sale. I think right now it's probably better to hold onto games vs. sell them. NIB kinda is what it is, if you really want it, you're just gonna have to pay. If you're patient, you can get it on the used market and likely save some money. I'm impulsive and someone that if I want something, I get it... but I'm also selective and running out of space.... so that's a factor for me too. Well, and the money, this hobby is EXPENSIVE... but I love it! Thanks so much for listening and I appreciate the support!

[@BeTheBallDanny]

Keep your Modded GZPrem, you’ll never get close to what you put into it and I think yours looks better than the new B&W edition that Stern is releasing

[@yeahyeahyeah489]

Chicago Gaming needs to do a T2 remake!

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

OMG yes!! That would be an instant buy for me, I'm a Terminator super fan... you think they will make that happen?

[@Maleko333]

Reporting hammer price is great and all but what about all the extra costs incurred on top of that???

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Typically its 18% Buyers Premium + Sales Tax... Its something to be aware of. So I tend to have a threshold when I bid and try to factor in the premium.

[@ScottParisi]

First of all, I had no idea this channel was a thing. Please welcome me as your newest subscriber. With that said, I do have an open pre-order for Pulp Fiction LE and believe it will be my last NIB machine. I'm out of the FOMO business and have no problem waiting a few months or more to buy a gently used, heavily discounted LE on the second hand market. You want to talk low score, my James Bond 60th Anniversary LE is the Michael Jordan of low scoring machines. The market has shifted tremendously and I see it first hand. I sold my Deadpool LE and Williams Indiana Jones in Q1 of 2023 for $15,000 EACH! Those machines are nowhere near that range in today's market. The shift is on and the next 12 months will be telling. JJP CE machines, except for Elton John (for now) can be had for under $10,000.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Bro, Welcome to the channel and thanks so much for subscribing. I'm having so much fun covering pinball man, It's been a blast and the support has been awesome! Damn dude, you have a Pulp on order, I love love love that game!!! FOMO will git ya man, well, it get's me at least.... haha. I agree with you that the market has shifted, it will be interesting to see where it goes. I think if there was ever a time we might see NIB game prices drop, it would be sometime in 2025 for sure. Regardless, it will be interesting to see what happens. I think for me, unless something that's totally a MUST HAVE title for me, I'm going to just enjoy what I have and continue to support location play. Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to comment man! Will I see you at Expo?

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Dude, this right here! That would be so freaking cool man! Let's hope that's on the roadmap at some point. That's Insider Connected 2.0 baby!!

[@ScottParisi]

@@TheFlipsideRetroRalph, my pleasure and I'm jazzed for the second channel. Can't wait for CGC to start making the LEs. Supposedly at the end of the summer. Definitely plan to be hanging at the fireplace and chatting all things Just for Men and Pinball. Expo 40 should be great. Word on the street says I may bump into you before October but we shall see. My collection is in a good spot but I'll be making some space for Pulp Fiction LE when it actually happens and additional room if I find a nice Jack*Bot or AFMr LE. PS: I'm still eyes wide open trying to find a Varkon not covered in mud.

[@steve31785]

Hey do you know if the Legends of Valhalla that sold at captains auctions was home use only? Also I’m freakin real jealous of the JB pro price holy crap. Would drive from nor cal for that.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

He said it during the auction. I said that in the video , he will sometimes call things out like that if the consigner mentions it.

[@BeTheBallDanny]

That’s about how much they go for. I bought one NIB full retail and lost my shirt

[@Mo_Ketchups]

15:27 👈 BIG LIE!! 😖 I traded away an HUO/MINT Simpsons Pinball Party (fully upgraded/modded) w not even 700 plays on it for a COLOR Zilla Premium GEORGE ☝️ there said was available WITH the 70th ball-camouflager model. It comes out, and my guy tells me STERN MISLED even the DISTROS about the color Premium release (now not even comin till NEXT YEAR!). 👀 😖👎 Like Chris at Captain’s, my guy’s also awesome & let me take my pick of any Premium to use until it gets released. So, at least I’ll have one more Elwin to shoot till then. 🤷‍♂️

[@sungleong]

Buying new means the code is not complete, you will probably get rid of it before the code is even completed, so you paid full price but not playing the finished product. That doesn't sound right in my opinion.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Well, it's been my experience since getting into this hobby. It's kind of like the video game industry-there’s always a day-1 update when you get the game unboxed. Most people hated James Bond, but after all the software updates, it’s become a game that everyone enjoys. It’s not saying that the games aren't enjoyable on day 1, but they usually become much better over the next 6 months of ownership.

[@michaeltenzer4635]

The auction sucks guys. Add 18% auction fee, 7.25% California sales tax plus shipping to purchase an as is pinball game 🤔

[@tntamusements]

we think things will pick up after the election

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

I hope so 🙏🏻 I’m still buying NIB but I also don’t see these as investments, so that helps.

[@dce21b59]

Pretty hilarious that guys on pinside are underwater on their games and trying to sell premiums for the same or more than retail. Games that are still being made. No one cares that you modded it or HUO, you can buy a brand new one for less

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

I think people just want what they put into their games but sadly for now, those days are over. So they will have to lower their price if they want to sell it in today's market. I'm sure it will bounce back at some point, it always does. I've seen it in Arcade gaming too. Thanks for listening!

[@dce21b59]

Just picked up a Data East TMNT for my first pinball for $1600. Might not be the best but I get to learn how to work on one and it was affordable.

[@dominickolas]

I just read some of the aucton terms. Add 18% plus California tax. CA tax is 7.25. so you are adding 25% to your bid amount. No thank you! Your example of a $5000 sale but became $6,250 plus shipping! That Jaws LE for $10,300 would then have become 12,900 plus shipping! So you see you would be losing so much by going the auction route at Captain's.

[@alexanderfranzen5058]

if you're gonna go down the path of competitive pinball read the book the inner game of tennis its super good for understanding psychology and helped me a lot with my games.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Thank you for the tip man, I appreciate it!

[@RundlesRestos]

I got an Alien LV with 12 plays for 6.3k they retail for 11k here. NIB for me is a no. Value of games are dropping left right and centre.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

It will bounce back I think if you hold. Maybe not 100% but if you have no reason to sell, I would hold onto it and enjoy it. Thanks so much for listening!

[@joshhardy5920]

you dont have every mod - you are missing mothra ;P

[@steve92117]

Ok come on….dont mention there is a buyers premium and then not even say what it is. It’s 20% of the selling price. Miss leading video. Is it worth the gamble to save a few hundred bucks when you dont know the history of the game?

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

It’s not 20% and I didn’t mention the percentage because it can fluctuate but Typically its 18% Buyers Premium + Sales Tax... Its something to be aware of. So I tend to have a threshold when I bid and try to factor in the premium. It’s not a misleading video , you’re being dramatic man.

[@reffob-qr8kj]

TLDR; yes NIB pinball is dead

[@mypleayple]

Add the buyers premium and tax they overpaid.

[@molarmedic]

Yea video version way better bruh. And NIB.. I am waiting my NIB pin next month. Just sayin'. I modded the snot out of my Stern JP Premium. I mod all my pins. Even my Classic 80's/90's pins.

[@TheFlipsideRetroRalph]

Awesome seeing you here man, I hope all is well brother!

[@johneldridge1345]

The sensationalised clickbait titles are really frustrating dude. Be better. Actual video was really well done and entertaining. Just some constructive feedback.

[@gocedimitroski]

you won't lose money on Godzilla . Keep it. it will go up like everything

[@RundlesRestos]

Godzilla in the UK is tanking in value. There's so many it's actually not desirable as everyone already has it.

[@dragongamer2670]

yeah arcade and pinball no one is buying.. a big reason for that.

[@gwildor8543]

I absolutely LOVE the anniversary color scheme “black/white”, but I don’t think you’d get back the value on your machine with all of the mods and time you’ve put into it. If I were you, I’d stick with your current Godzilla which is an absolutely gorgeous machine and more unique. The anniversary model only makes sense for buyers that currently don’t have one, or are selling a stock model. Although, would it be possible for you to remove all of the mods and have them redo lord into the black and white theme?

[@shaynejudkins1605]

Hey @retroralph6922 can you post a link or any details you have for the auction you were referencing?