Step into a world where nostalgia meets innovation. -- Welcome to pinballSA, formerly Escapism Pinball, still the ultimate destination for pinball enthusiasts. With over 35 years of experience we craft unforgettable experiences the light up arcades, homes and businesses with the thrill of of classic gaming. Welcome to the home of the only pinball manufacturer in Africa. We build new machines, restore old ones and repair and service pinball machines of all makes and models. We are based in Pretoria, South Africa with Johannesburg in close proximity but we deal with customers from the Kruger to the Cape.
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Why Choose PinballSA
Masterfully Crafted Machines
Our state-of-the-art pinball machines are designed with precision and passion, blending cutting-edge technology with the timeless charm of pinball. From vibrant cabinet graphics and backglass artwork to immersive playfields, every machine we manufacture is a masterpiece, built to captivate players and keep them coming back for more. Whether you’re outfitting a retro arcade or adding a showstopper to your game room, our machines deliver unmatched quality.
Restorations
Got a vintage pinball machine gathering dust? Our expertise breathes
new life into classic games, meticulously restoring them to their
original glory. We preserve the soul
of every machine while upgrading components for modern reliability,
ensuring your investment stands the test of time. Turn your faded relic
into a dazzling centerpiece with Escapism Pinball’s restoration magic.
We restore and repair pinball machines from any solid state era as well as selected, hand
picked electro-mechanical machines
from the pre-microprocessor era and provide parts and advice to keep
your machine running like it should
Service and Repair
Downtime is the enemy of fun, and at Escapism Pinball, we keep the good times rolling. Our dedicated service team provides services and repairs, whether it’s a quick rubber change or a full service. We offer repairs to mechanical parts, cabinets or circuit boards so your machines stay in peak condition, delivering endless entertainment for you and your guests.
During a full service the machine is stripped back to reach the playfield and rubber for cleaning and replacement. If you bring me just the playfield of your EM I will do a rubber service on it for you for the price of a rubber kit.
Parts
Our playfields and backglasses are drop in replacements for the old machines. Made from 12mm Baltic Birch plywood and digitally printed with UV stabilised ink directly to the wood, then coated with a hard wearing layer of automotive 2 part clear coat, the playfields bring any old machine back to life.
If your machines playfield is not one we have you can donate the old playfield so we can make you a new one.
The same goes for your broken backglass. The glass in also printed directly to the back of the glass with a mask layer for backlit symbology. Plastics are done on 2mm PETG or Polycarbonate.
BackGlass Reproduction
Did you break your backglass? Did you lean it up against a cabinet that was on wheels? Did your minion step on it? Did someone use it for a coaster and put their glass down too hard? Bring me the pieces and I will make you a new one.
Custom Machines
From arcades and bars to corporate break rooms and private collections, we create custom pinball solutions that fit your vision. Want a machine branded with your logo or themed around your favorite pop culture icon? Our designs bring your ideas to life, making every flipper flip and bumper pop uniquely yours. All machines will be based on one of our classic machines providing a tried and tested playfield layout and game rule set
For the Aficionados
Frequently asked questions
- What is a bang back?
- What does EM stand for?
- What's my machine worth?
- Will you come fix my machine quickly?
Company history
How we ended up here. It's a long boring story. In a nutshell I started off as an electronic engineer and ended up doing software for a living. Those of you who've tried it will know there's nothing less rewarding.
So...
Here's the "Well, first the earth cooled down" version.
Contact Us for More Information
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you enhance your pinball experience.