A Quick Guide To Buying Your First Modern Pinball Machine Once you have decided to get your first modern pinball machine, it is essential to know the basics before making a purchase decision. Since you are getting a pinball machine for the first time, you need to do proper research and understand the difference between various pinball machines and the one you should select. Let's look at some of the things that you need to consider before buying a pinball machine First thing first – Cost of the machine While you imagine owning a modern pinball machine, know that it doesn't have to be expensive just because it is a proper big machine. Believe it or not, but you can get an old pinball machine in the range of $200-$500. On the other hand, you can get a new computer with a proper warranty certificate in the field of about $4500-$6000. When it comes to the maintenances cost of the machine, generally, most people do their essential maintenance of the device. It's improbable that you'll find local repair people for this purpose. What kind of machine are you looking for? Generally, there are 3 types or generations of the pinball machine. All you need to do is to select which one suits best for you. 1. The EM or Electro-mechanical devices – These are relay-based machines that are controlled by a score motor and stepper units. The range of EM machines includes all models up to about 1978. 2. Reliable State microprocessor electronic controlled machines – This range covers all the machine models from the late 1970s to the 1990s.