Pokémon Pinball has no cheat codes: everything comes down to skill and knowing the tables. Here are the tips that really make a difference, from your first games to the hunt for all 151 Pokémon. Each one links to the guide page that explains it in detail.

Keep the ball alive

Put Pikachu on the right side

Pikachu guards the exit lanes on either side of the flippers, as long as he is on the right side and his Thunder gauge is charged. Pressing the left flipper button puts him on the left, and pressing the right flipper button puts him on the right. Get into the habit of watching the ball’s path and moving Pikachu accordingly: it is the most rewarding move in the game. Details in ball savers.

Pikachu.

Make the most of the ball saver

The Saver light, between the flippers, protects the ball for about 20 seconds at the start of each ball, and for 60 seconds when Catch’em Mode and Evolution Mode begin. During that time, go for risky shots, such as the right loop to light the third GET arrow. When it starts flashing, go back to playing it safe.

Nudge, but in moderation

Nudges (by default: Down on the D-pad to push left, B to push right, Select to push up) move the ball a few pixels, with a short cooldown. They are for correcting an angle or freeing a stuck ball, not for forcing a shot. See getting started.

Catch faster

  • Aim for the bumpers during Catch’em Mode. Each hit on a bumper reveals a piece of the silhouette; it is the only way to make the Pokémon appear. Catch’em Mode.
  • Light the third GET arrow before starting a catch in a location that hosts a rare Pokémon: the list of appearances changes. Rare Pokémon.
  • Stay put as long as the location suits you. Losing a ball does not change the location; only start moving when you want to reach other Pokémon. The map and locations.

Evolve without wasting time

  • Only Pokémon from the current game can be picked for an evolution: catch, then evolve right away.
  • Eevee evolves at random into Vaporeon, Jolteon or Flareon: plan for several catches. Evolutions.
  • A Pokémon with no evolution can still start the mode: no new Pokédex entry, but you get the points and two Poké Balls lit under the central panel.
Jolteon.
Vaporeon.
Flareon.

Bonus stages and scoring

  • Three lit Poké Balls under the central panel open a bonus stage. A catch lights one, an evolution lights two.
  • The Mewtwo stage is worth 1.25 billion if it is fully cleared: that is the goal of every high-score game. Scoring strategies.
  • The Slot Machine can give direct access to a bonus stage: the Slot Machine.
Mewtwo.

Mew without the 1,024 hits

Mew appears at the Indigo Plateau after two successful Mewtwo stages, with three GET arrows and a one-in-sixteen chance. Catching it takes 1,024 hits, but seeing it is enough: it is then registered in the Pokédex. Getting Mew.

Saving, records and accessories

  • Save a game in progress: the Start button opens a SAVE or CANCEL menu. Ideal for resuming a long high-score game.
  • Check the records: press B from the main menu. Each table keeps its five best scores.
  • Print or share: from the records screen, Start opens a menu with the “Print” option (Game Boy Printer) and “Send”, which transmits your records to another Game Boy Color by infrared.
  • Save the rumble pack battery with the “light” setting of the European version. The rumble pack and the cartridge.

Know a tip that is missing here? Write to us via the Contact us page.