Times are tough for a pinball wizard. There’s only one company left in the world, Illinois-based Stern Pinball, that manufactures new tables. The legendarily overpriced Big Buck Hunter is muscling its way into bars all over America. Pretty much every installation of Medieval Madness in Seattle is broken. But wait! This year’s Northwest Pinball and Gameroom Show is here for all of your wrist-wrecking, hip-checking needs. All this weekend’s featured machines are set to “free play,” meaning one lucky attendee has the opportunity to play Toobin’ for a grand total of 28 hours for only a $40 weekend pass. The local pinball curators/hot dog vendors at Shorty’s sponsor this epic congregation of vintage games, featuring thought-provoking seminars from legends in table design. Walter Day and Redmond’s own Steve Wiebe, stars of 2007 cult documentary hit The King of Kong, will also make an appearance (unfortunately, Billy Mitchell’s fabulous hair could not attend). If that isn’t enough, Clay “Shaggy” Harrell will provide the oft-overlooked perspective of an entirely different kind of pinball wiz: someone who can fix the damn things. A.J. TIGNER

Fri., June 11, 12-11:59 p.m.; Sat., June 12; Sun., June 13, 2010