Pinball FX3

 Switch
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 56
  3. Negative: 7 out of 56

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  1. kenjab
    Dec 14, 2017
    9
    I'm a long time pinball fan, both traditional and digital, and this game fits the bill nicely. The big feature of this game is variety. There are numerous playing modes, play options, view angles, and tables (the first of which is free). I like the ability to play in vertical mode to be able to see the whole table, even if it means tapping the screen instead of using joy con buttons toI'm a long time pinball fan, both traditional and digital, and this game fits the bill nicely. The big feature of this game is variety. There are numerous playing modes, play options, view angles, and tables (the first of which is free). I like the ability to play in vertical mode to be able to see the whole table, even if it means tapping the screen instead of using joy con buttons to hit the flippers.… Expand
  2. Jack5switch
    Dec 18, 2017
    8
    Pinball FX3 contains well-designed original pinball tables with 3D elements and various special effects attached, accompanied by a lineup of recognisable franchises from Universal Studios, FOX Entertainment and Valve. By free-to-play, I mean you get one full table on download, and have to buy the rest. I managed to get two extra on launch for free and also bought the Portal table forPinball FX3 contains well-designed original pinball tables with 3D elements and various special effects attached, accompanied by a lineup of recognisable franchises from Universal Studios, FOX Entertainment and Valve. By free-to-play, I mean you get one full table on download, and have to buy the rest. I managed to get two extra on launch for free and also bought the Portal table for around 4 dollars, and I am very impressed with the amount of replayability this game has in terms of missions and multiplayer. The few gripes I have with the game are that there is no free table rotation, and the Son of Zeus table is too loud and lags when in handheld mode. But still, Pinball FX3 is a free download, why not try it out?… Expand
  3. Voodooseeker
    Dec 13, 2017
    9
    This game has all the needs for all pinball lovers. Prices are very fairly - and you can buy those tables you prefer. I love the ET and Aliens......totally me......The game offers a varity of challenges, high score battles ect. + some online features like leaderboards. Ofc for a good Nintendo game - you can enjoy "hot seat" in 2 player, nice for a party night.
  4. RUSArtemFokin
    Dec 25, 2017
    10
    So finally, free games for Switch are finally coming. This time we got a pinball game.
    Lots of cool DLCs.
    Easy and addictive
    Many types of pinball tables.
    IDK
  5. LadyKalma
    Jan 14, 2018
    6
    Well, here we are. Pinball FX3 is probably the most widely-regarded pinball game around. There are some with more prestige for licensing and accurately recreating real tables, or for having long legacies, but FX has spent the past decade, across 3 iterations, building itself up to be the de facto pinball game.

    First: The content. It's magnificent. The tables are all original, not based    Well, here we are. Pinball FX3 is probably the most widely-regarded pinball game around. There are some with more prestige for licensing and accurately recreating real tables, or for having long legacies, but FX has spent the past decade, across 3 iterations, building itself up to be the de facto pinball game.

    First: The content. It's magnificent. The tables are all original, not based on real tables, and do a wonderful job of covering every niche a player could want. There are some old-fashioned, back to basics tables. There are tables for beginners. There are complex, multi-tiered, evolving tables that go beyond what would be possible for real. There are tables full of flash and effects. It's reasonably priced too, you'll pay an average of maybe £3 per table, less if it's in a large bundle. There's plenty to be had too, with a couple of dozen tables. Not as many as on other platforms, for some reason the Marvel/Disney licensed content seems to be having trouble, but there's still way more than enough choice to be had.

    On top of that, there's various progression systems around the game. While any table can be played in "classic mode," there's also a sort of RPG-lite mechanic where you level up by playing, completing quests, unlocking powers (score multipliers, multiball etc), and generally getting this extra layer added on to every single table individually. Throw in online score challenges and all these other little functions, you get so much more than the simple joy of playing pinball.

    But then we hit the first big downer that professional reviews seem to not mention or care about: On other platforms, you can import your tables from one to another. Bought some Pinball FX2 tables on one system? They're imported to FX3 and then also imported if you get the game on another system. Switch is completely devoid of all that. I own two dozen tables on the PS4 and Steam version of this game but if I want them on Switch I have to rebuy them. This is just awful. I've heard it's Nintendo's doing, not allowing the developers to pull it off, but we're reviewing the game, not the developers here. It really sucks and I resent being asked to rebuy content that is being freely shared amongst all the other platforms because of Nintendo's greed.

    Second: The system. This could easily be THE way to play digital pinball. In handheld/tabletop mode, hit the + button and it switches the view vertically, so you can see the whole table on one screen. Then you can hold the joycons however is comfortable for you and it's magic. It's so exciting and I really want it to be patched in to other Switch pinball games. But then we hit the second big problem pro reviewers ignored.

    There are two big technical knocks on this game. In docked mode, the resolution is only 720p. In handheld mode, the game runs at 30fps and sometimes even dips below that, which feels janky for an attempt to recreate the smooth movement of a steel ball rolling and the precision needed in flipping. It's unacceptable. We've seen what the system can do. The same tables actually look better on the Wii U than they do on a docked Switch. NO GAME SHOULD LOOK BETTER ON A WII U THAN A SWITCH.

    It's important to note that Nintendolife reached out to Zen, who say they're working to patch both these issues, bumping docked mode to 1080p and handheld mode to 60fps, but it's been a month and no signs of it yet. I asked them on twitter a few days ago if the patch is still underway and got stonewalled. I'm reviewing this based on what it is, and will revise if the patch happens, up to you whether you trust them to do it.

    Conclusion? If you like digital pinball, FX3 as a game is the best there is for it. Unfortunately, despite the massive amount of promise, Switch isn't the system to get it on unless those patches happen. If you're already invested in their game and own a bunch of tables, Switch is an expensive place to move your game to. It's sad because it's so close! I'm giving it a 6 because the core game *is* good and vertical mode is perfect. It's just horrible having to play said game at a low FPS while paying twice for the privilege. If you're new to FX3, like pinball, and the patch happens, then it's a no-brainer.

    Hell, it's free to try. There's one table free, and it's not a bad one. See how it fits you, but the combination double-dip and technical issues mean it's not for me, I'll stick with the Steam version wherever possible.

    I also have to mention an elephant in the room. Stern Pinball Arcade. It's released around the same time as FX3, with the same "one table free, rest as DLC" setup, but it's a polar opposite. They license real tables and work to lovingly recreate every little detail of physical pinball without the flash and the levelling up and the bells & whistles of digital pinball. And it runs in 60fps, though without FX3's fantastic vertical mode. If you want something more authentic than FX3, do go take a look at it.    … Expand
  6. Sanistus
    Dec 23, 2017
    8
    A solid game of pinball. You can set the game to play vertically, which makes perfect sense on the switch since if you have a 3rd party stand, you can set the console vertically on a table.

    There's a few different game modes for each table, as well as online multiplayer and leaderboards. For me, the leaderboards are the only thing that's really necessary, but it's nice to get more    A solid game of pinball. You can set the game to play vertically, which makes perfect sense on the switch since if you have a 3rd party stand, you can set the console vertically on a table.

    There's a few different game modes for each table, as well as online multiplayer and leaderboards. For me, the leaderboards are the only thing that's really necessary, but it's nice to get more options for gameplay nonetheless.

    I think having to pay for tables is a fine idea, especially when they're as detailed as these, but the prices could be just a tad lower. Instead of $9.99 for three tables, maybe $7.50 would be a bit better. Buying tables a la carte would also be nice. I might want to try the Archer table, but I have zero interest in the Family Guy and American Dad tables.

    Another thing I'd like to see is more customization for controls. This game doesn't have a set of preset schemes like some games, but it's also not fully customizable. It's sort of a combination of each. You can change the button for each action, but certain actions can only be bound to certain keys. I wanted to bind the flippers to the d-pad and y button like the old GB and GBA pinball games I used to play, but you just aren't allowed to do that.    … Expand
  7. kennfusion
    Jan 9, 2018
    5
    I have played Zen's pinball games on multiple platforms over the years and am a big fan of their tables. So when I got the Switch, I downloaded it and tried the 3 free tables. In handheld mode, the game is great, just like on my iPad....but I have 15 tables on my iPad, so I can just play it there. Docked is what I was looking for, and for some reason there is a half second flipper delayI have played Zen's pinball games on multiple platforms over the years and am a big fan of their tables. So when I got the Switch, I downloaded it and tried the 3 free tables. In handheld mode, the game is great, just like on my iPad....but I have 15 tables on my iPad, so I can just play it there. Docked is what I was looking for, and for some reason there is a half second flipper delay docked. Take it out of the dock, no flipper delay. There is no input delay with any other Switch game, so not sure why this is happening.… Expand
  8. Karbyman48
    Dec 13, 2017
    8
    This is ok i played one before and it was pretty good. But the one thing is some reason it does not download for the first couple of times. But in other then that the game is pretty good
  9. Jiminy_Cricket
    Mar 4, 2018
    9
    Surprisingly fun and addicting game. I have only played Sorcerer's Lair so far but would love to try another table soon. The table was well made. The controls are easy and responsive. Had tons of fun just from the demo!
  10. NickSlyCooper
    Mar 8, 2018
    8
    I like pinball and this is really fun if you are bored. However, I wouldn't recommend this if you expect this to be a great game to spend hundreds of hours on. However, the one thing I dislike is the amount of Micro-Transactions there are.
  11. BarcSsarc
    Dec 31, 2017
    4
    I have always loved pinball. I've found it captivating since I was really little. It's how this tiny, metal ball becomes infused with kinetic energy and rips through its own physics playground packed to the brim with the unexpected. It's the invisible underbelly; how the electronics can tie one plunger into countless flow charts. It's the way a consciousness can inhabit the ball itselfI have always loved pinball. I've found it captivating since I was really little. It's how this tiny, metal ball becomes infused with kinetic energy and rips through its own physics playground packed to the brim with the unexpected. It's the invisible underbelly; how the electronics can tie one plunger into countless flow charts. It's the way a consciousness can inhabit the ball itself just like any other vehicle, giving the player a whole new perspective of the physical world. It's the experience of using that perspective to explore every nook and cranny of a contained ecosystem wrought by unimaginable time and human effort. Pinball, man. Love.

    I've always had a love-hate relationship with digital pinball. Part of me has always been excited at the idea of being able to play pinball any time. And, unless you have considerable money to burn, either to buy a table or play at a bar, digital pinball is really the only way to do that. When I was a pre-teen, I loved Full Tilt! for Windows 3.1. When I was a teenager, I had Pinball Fantasies, Epic Pinball, and Sonic Spinball. These were all great games, and I really enjoyed them. For a time. Eventually, the allure of digital pinball wore off. I got bored of all of them, and newer digital pinball games weren't doing it for me either. Every time I picked up a pinball videogame, I would stop playing within 15 minutes. And, every time that happened, I would remember that I'm just tired of pinball.

    Days or months later, I would find myself putting money into a pinball table at some bar or arcade, and part of me would wake up. Oh yeah, THIS is pinball. I will never be tired of pinball. It's just the videogames. They don't do it. They can't do it right.

    Recently, two different pinball games appeared on the Nintendo Switch as freebies: Pinball FX 3 (PBFX3 Hereafter) and Stern Pinball Arcade (SBA Hereafter). I tried SBA first, because it was the lesser-known, more-generic looking one. Better to just get it out of the way. What I didn't realize before I started playing was that this videogame is a licensed product, specifically designed to reproduce real, physical tables. After navigating a minimal menu system and surprisingly long loading screen to get a game started, I was shocked and amazed at how realistic SBA looks and feels. It is exactly what I had no idea I wanted. It is simply wonderful. I played it for an hour, totally engrossed.

    Then I decided to try PBFX3. By comparison, it has a slick interface. The menus are really responsive. There are online game modes. There's hotseat multiplayer. Bells and whistles. I chose from one of the three available free tables (which I thought was nice, since SBA only has one free table), and started a single player game. Immediately, my heart sank. The game looks really nice, but the table is small and simplistic. The game runs at ~15-25fps. The physics are just okay; everything feels a little mushy. It's ...a videogame. I played each table one time, then I deleted it from my console.

    Tonight, on a whim, I decided to re-install and give it another shot, because I was having so much fun with SBA (I bought extra tables and have put more time into it) that I just wanted a little more variety without paying more. I also don't like to form opinions on one short experience. Again, PBFX3 feels sluggish and overtly digital. Second impression: not good.

    After that experience, I became curious what critics thought of these two titles.
    PBFX3: Critics-87/100, Users-7.1/10. That's enough to put it at #4 overall by Metascore, though its User Score puts it at ~#64.
    SBA: No scores; not enough ratings. There are two Critic ratings: A 60/100 from Nintendo Life, complaining the game is too 'simplistic;' and a 40/100 from Digitall Downloaded, complaining about a lack of features and online play, also saying it can't compete with Pinball FX 3 for these reasons. There's one User review giving it a 9/10, which poetically describes exactly why physical pinball is so superior to digital. It's an inspired review.

    I'm trying to understand how someone can criticize a faithful recreation of an entire physical pinball machine as "simplistic." I'm struggling to empathize with the opinion that the presence of online leaderboards makes [a reasonably compelling pinball game that practically gives the finger to everything physically compelling about pinball] better than [aforementioned faithful recreations of tables that were painstakingly designed and masterfully manufactured]. I'm not a purist about many things, but I cannot disagree more with the critics on this one.

    PBFX3: get it on another console; even if you like the Pinball FX series, it runs terribly on the Switch. Maybe they'll patch it. But hey this one's free so what the hell give it a shot I guess.

    SBA, though, is an amazing piece of software. I offer my strongest recommendation to anyone who loves physical pinball machines.    … Expand
  12. gustave154
    Apr 26, 2018
    10
    Pinball FX3 is the best pinball game ever. And it just gets even better on the switch when you can play it on the go. The performance might be lacking (there is a patch planned to fix this) and not all tables are available but its still a must buy game if you have a Switch and love Pinball.
  13. Digibutter64
    Jun 21, 2018
    9
    An accomplished pinball simulation with many online features. Your overall experience will probably depend on how much add-on content you choose to buy (I recommend the "Universal Classics Pinball"), as the one included table, while nice, is nothing extraordinary.
  14. jibbitt
    Jun 20, 2018
    9
    This is a great pinball game. It has a huge amount of tables, satisfying physics, great sound design and a host of game modes.

    This is not a realistic emulation of actual commercial pinball tables (like Pinball Arcade), but a more sensational, effects-laden experience. This very much works in its favour, having offered Zen Studios the ability to add characters with animations, 'magic',    This is a great pinball game. It has a huge amount of tables, satisfying physics, great sound design and a host of game modes.

    This is not a realistic emulation of actual commercial pinball tables (like Pinball Arcade), but a more sensational, effects-laden experience. This very much works in its favour, having offered Zen Studios the ability to add characters with animations, 'magic', and various larger-than-life mechanics, just not possible in a 'simulation' title. The name of the game here is 'maximum fun'.

    There is also a whole host of licensed tables, including table packs using major properties like Universal Movies, Jurassic Park, Bethesda Games, Fox Cartoons and more. The base game is completely free with one table (which allows you to play in the many different available modes). Although you could get several hours out of mastering just that one, additional tables (available as DLC) come in reasonably-priced, themed bundles, resulting in each table costing less than a beer at a bar.

    Then there are the various modes. Each table has a 'classic mode', which is a no-frills high score fest, a 'normal mode', which enables a host of unlockable assists and multipliers, and three challenge modes (1-ball, 5 minute and survival). The challenge modes are scored against 15 levels - you must hit a certain score in a run to reach the next one).

    That's not to mention match-up mode, cross platform tournaments (self-host or play any of those already available) and a huge selection of unlockables based on your mastery of tables. There really is a lot to get your teeth into here.

    Additionally, there is a huge array of options which allows you to tailor the experience to your liking. Even in game, you can easily pick between several views of the table.

    All of this is true of every version, but the Switch version also comes with delightfully tactile HD rumble. The game remains one of the best examples of its implementation on the system, outside first party titles. Every 'plunk' and 'click' is sent straight to your hands, being a rare example of haptic feedback genuinely adding to enjoyment of a title.

    With the Switch's portable screen, the game's vertical mode option is also available, allowing you to see the whole table at one time. Touch controls are also implemented, so you can even choose to play the game like a tablet.

    Along with this, the recent update to resolution and frame rate (60fps in all modes) means it does not significantly suffer against the PC version, and the portability is a huge advantage for this type of game. It's perfect for jumping in and playing a quick round in between daily tasks.

    I can't recommend this game enough for anyone who remotely likes pinball and, considering you can get started for free, there's no reason not to dive right in.    … Expand
  15. KlingonGamerYT
    May 11, 2018
    9
    some pinball games leave me cold bored but original pinball tables with unique features makes this one of the better free to play games you get two tables free or three if like me you got it on the first week of release.... that was pretty cool
    all tables are interesting featuring dialogue from the characters from the shows movies games they come from
    gameplay is good but gets better    some pinball games leave me cold bored but original pinball tables with unique features makes this one of the better free to play games you get two tables free or three if like me you got it on the first week of release.... that was pretty cool
    all tables are interesting featuring dialogue from the characters from the shows movies games they come from
    gameplay is good but gets better with power ups and perk levelling new to me and at first I didn't pay attention to that
    the boys at Zen studios do giveaways and decent prizes too with every table pack update price wise some packs are better than others the classic tables are really average but the movie game ones are much better ...a lot of effort went into them
    recommended you bet!    … Expand
  16. bl1rt
    Jan 3, 2019
    10
    As with all pinball games, you will not like every table, and if you don't like pinball, you won't like the game at all. But if you do, there are a so many great tables here that will keep you busy for hours and hours.
  17. hunter328
    Nov 12, 2019
    10
    PBFX3 is THE Pinball game to get if you like video pinball. The Switch version plays and looks great and adds mobility, so you can play it’s huge catalog of original and real world tables anywhere. Zen Studios pinball physics are second to none. I can’t recommend this game highly enough.
    Negative review refers to original, unpatched version, btw. PBFX3 runs as well on Switch as other    PBFX3 is THE Pinball game to get if you like video pinball. The Switch version plays and looks great and adds mobility, so you can play it’s huge catalog of original and real world tables anywhere. Zen Studios pinball physics are second to none. I can’t recommend this game highly enough.
    Negative review refers to original, unpatched version, btw. PBFX3 runs as well on Switch as other consoles now.    … Expand
  18. JJTX
    Mar 24, 2019
    9
    Easily the best pinball game on Nintendo Switch, Pinball FX3 has a superb selection of tables and options sure to please any player. Try it in tate (vertical handheld) mode, especially with an accessory like the Flip Grip!
  19. nusco
    Dec 3, 2019
    8
    Pinball FX3 is known as one of the best pinball simulations around, and it deserves its fame. It has more options than you probably need, including a vertical layout for the Switch and plenty of multiplayer challenges. The free version on the Switch is generous, offering two good tables and no time limits–and dozens more tables, classic and otherwise, if you're willing to pay for them.Pinball FX3 is known as one of the best pinball simulations around, and it deserves its fame. It has more options than you probably need, including a vertical layout for the Switch and plenty of multiplayer challenges. The free version on the Switch is generous, offering two good tables and no time limits–and dozens more tables, classic and otherwise, if you're willing to pay for them.

    For purists, Pinball FX3 has a few shortcomings. Zen Studios removed all "adult" references such as alcohol to get a lower rating, and added a few digital animations that are frankly little more than useless noise. They also made the ball's physics slower and "floatier" than a real pinball, to make the game more accessible to people who didn't grow up playing real pinball in arcades. However, you can remove the extra animations and switch to realistic physics, that makes the game as challenging as a real pinball.

    All in all, Pinball FX3 is a must have for pinball enthusiast, and a great free download for everybody who could use a quick nostalgia trip.    … Expand
  20. Phuz
    Oct 9, 2021
    10
    One of the best games ever.

    I hate DLC, I usually refuse to buy DLC but this whole game is DLC and you know what? I don't care because me and the girlfriend play it for hours everyday. Stop pissing about though guys, fix the frame rate issues. I have 2 tables left to get and can't wait to complete the collection. I hope they add more.
  21. DecoyDoctorpus
    Jun 25, 2020
    10
    There is really nothing bad to say about this game. I say 'game' but really it is an incredible catalogue and portfolio of tables. Some, like the free 'Sorcerers Lair' and the purchasable Aliens package, are insanely good. I dont even play anything else on my Switch at this point, and the online tournaments are great and still running. Simply one one of the best things you can get onThere is really nothing bad to say about this game. I say 'game' but really it is an incredible catalogue and portfolio of tables. Some, like the free 'Sorcerers Lair' and the purchasable Aliens package, are insanely good. I dont even play anything else on my Switch at this point, and the online tournaments are great and still running. Simply one one of the best things you can get on Switch. The added benefit of Switch version is vertical (tate) mode, which makes it 10/10.… Expand
  22. kgdr
    Jul 21, 2022
    6
    well this game is nothing special but it gets the job done, so it's pretty standard stuff

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best Switch Game of 2017
61
#61 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Nintenderos
    Mar 9, 2018
    70
    Pinball FX3 brings to Nintendo Switch the feeling of holding a real table in the player’s hands, each joy-con becoming a flipper button. FX3 is possibly the best virtual pinball game ever created, but truth being told, sometimes, following the ball can be a bit exasperating, due to the high number of elements on the board.
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  2. PLAY! Zine
    Jan 28, 2018
    80
    Nintendo Switch delivers easily the best version of the game. If you are a pinball fan, you shouldn't miss this pretty detailed and complete game you can play on the go, in handheld or handheld portrait mode. Or on a TV that you gently lay down on your knees to simulate the pinball machine like a true old school fan you are. It's only a joke, don't do that.
    Read full review
  3. DarkStation
    Jan 23, 2018
    90
    Pinball FX3 is a well-constructed platform for the old pastime. I appreciate Zen Studio’s take on pinball, favoring video game logic over a realistic one, while keeping consistent physics intact. Its online infrastructure and single-player progression are what keep me coming back and craving more, and this system can only continue to improve its appeal as more tables launch. But even as it is now, Pinball FX3 should be enough to make pinball wizards flip out.
    Read full review
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