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If you’ve got a vintage or even modern pinball machine gathering dust—and not flipping the way it used to—you might be wondering: Is it worth anything if it doesn’t work? The short answer is yes. In fact, non-working pinball machines can still hold significant value, depending on several factors.
Whether you’re a casual owner, a collector, or considering selling, understanding the real-world value of a non-functional machine can help you make better decisions about restoration, resale, or storage.
While a fully operational pinball machine will usually fetch a higher price, value doesn’t disappear just because it’s out of order. Collectors, hobbyists, and restoration specialists often seek out non-working machines as project pieces, especially if the title is rare, in good cosmetic condition, or comes with mostly original components.
That said, the extent and nature of the issue matter. Machines with minor electrical faults or aging components are often easier to restore than those with broken playfields, water damage, or missing boards.
A few key factors can make even a non-operational machine desirable:
Title Popularity: Some pinball titles are so collectible that their demand stays strong regardless of functionality. Machines like Medieval Madness, The Addams Family, and Twilight Zone often command attention even if they need repair.
Cosmetic Condition: A clean cabinet, intact artwork, and a solid playfield can make or break a deal. Buyers will often overlook mechanical issues if the aesthetics are still appealing and original.
Completeness: Machines with all their parts—including circuit boards, displays, wiring harnesses, and backglass—tend to be more valuable than incomplete units. Even if not working, a complete machine is often easier and cheaper to fix.
Restoration Potential: Some hobbyists specifically look for machines to restore. As long as the machine is restorable and not too far gone, there’s likely a buyer out there.
Parts Value: In cases where full restoration isn’t practical, machines can still be parted out. Flippers, coin doors, legs, circuit boards, and glass can all be resold individually, and sometimes that total adds up to more than the value of a complete low-tier game.
It’s difficult to assign hard numbers without seeing the machine firsthand, but here’s a general guide:
Some classic electromechanical games, even when non-functional, are often picked up by collectors looking for a challenge—or decorators seeking vintage arcade appeal.
This is one of the most common questions pinball owners face. The answer depends on:
In many cases, selling as-is to a knowledgeable collector or reseller might be the most practical route—especially if repairs are expensive or uncertain.
However, if the machine is a high-value title and only needs a minor fix (like a new fuse, board repair, or flipper rebuild), investing a few hundred dollars might net you a significantly higher return.
While a working pinball machine will generally sell for more, a non-working machine can still hold meaningful value, particularly if it’s rare, complete, or cosmetically strong. Collectors and tinkerers are always on the lookout for machines with potential—and the right buyer will often be willing to take on the repair work if the title is right.
So if you’re holding onto a dusty, unplugged pinball machine, don’t assume it’s worthless. There’s a good chance it still holds appeal—for the right audience.
