Split Second

Split Second is a pinball machine with a carnival and circus theme released by Stern Electronics in August 1981. Designed by Harry Williams with artwork by Doug Watson and Gerry Simkus, it is a wide-body game running on the Stern M-200 MPU system. The game is known for its distinct split-level playfield and early use of synthesized speech.

The game centers around a challenging lower-to-upper playfield design connected by a left-side ramp and an innovative springboard wireform delivery device. Scoring revolves around hitting three sets of drop targets to spell out S-P-L-I-T S-E-C-O-N-D, which triggers an exciting three-ball multiball mode. It features four flippers, two pop bumpers, multiple target banks, and a unique left-side loop shot that tests precise timing.

With an estimated production run of only around 1,300 units, Split Second remains a rare and sought-after vintage machine among collectors today. Its combination of a widebody layout, complex dual-level shots, and early audio integration showcases a fascinating transitional era of 1980s arcade engineering.