Elvis

Stern's Elvis pinball machine, released in 2004 and designed by Steve Ritchie, celebrates the life and music of Elvis Presley. The game includes unique elements such as a dancing mechanical Elvis figure positioned centrally on the board that hips-swings and lifts in sync with the gameplay, and a tiered mini-playfield themed after "Heartbreak Hotel."

This game features an array of Elvis's hit songs, including "Hound Dog", "Blue Suede Shoes", and "Jailhouse Rock," with actual singing by Elvis. Voiceovers are provided by an Elvis-sound-alike performer, Jamie Kelley. Legendary tour manager Al Dvorin also serves as an in-game announcer, famously echoing his classic sign-off of "Elvis has left the building" across the machine's speakers.

The core mechanics of the game challenge players to complete three primary objectives to access the ultimate wizard mode: a virtual trip to Elvis’s famous home, Graceland. To get there, players must navigate the silver ball to spell out the letters E-L-V-I-S, ascend the ranks of the Top-Ten Countdown, and collect various musical hits. A magnet system near the right loop acts as a temporary ball-lock mechanism, giving players vital split seconds to calculate their next shots or spell out letters to activate high-scoring multiball modes.

While praised for its excellent thematic execution, the table holds a polarized reputation among competitive pinball players. Enthusiasts praise its satisfying flow, high-speed ramps, and the novel "Encore" post-drain multi-ball feature, whereas critics argue the rule set leans too simple, and that the pop bumpers can occasionally stall the momentum of an otherwise fast-paced game. Overall though, the machine remains highly sought after, and commands a premium market valuation for its deep nostalgia and unique design pedigree. Stern produced 3,500 units of Elvis, utilizing a modified Whitestar electronic board system.