Essential Pinball Mods Every Machine Should Have

Some pinball upgrades add a little personality.

Others completely transform the machine.

After designing mods for hundreds of different pinball models, we've noticed something interesting: regardless of whether you own a Stern, Jersey Jack Pinball, Spooky Pinball, Chicago Gaming, Barrels of Fun, Pinball Brothers or American Pinball machine, there are a handful of upgrades that consistently deliver the biggest visual improvement.

If you're wondering where to start, these are the essential pinball mods we'd recommend for almost any modern machine.

1. WizBlades – The Biggest Visual Upgrade You Can Make

If you only install one mod, make it WizBlades.

Nothing changes the appearance of a pinball machine more dramatically.

The inside walls of the cabinet represent one of the largest visible surfaces on any machine, yet they're often left completely black. By extending the factory artwork into that space, WizBlades make the playfield feel wider, deeper and far more immersive.

The effect becomes even more impressive on modern Stern Spike 3 machines equipped with Expression Lighting, where our Transformers MTMTE EL Cut WizBlades allow the lighting effects to remain fully visible while seamlessly continuing the artwork. Owners without Expression Lighting can choose our Pokémon Full Cut WizBlades for a completely enclosed artwork experience.

Whether it's Godzilla, Batman '66, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Sonic, Jaws or James Bond 007, cabinet blades are almost always the first upgrade collectors install—and for good reason.

2. WizPanels – Completing the Front of the Machine

Once you notice it, you can't unsee it.

Modern pinball machines feature incredible artwork everywhere... until your eyes reach the speaker panel.

Suddenly there's a large empty area interrupting what should be one continuous design.

That's exactly what WizPanels solve.

By continuing the artwork naturally between the translite and the cabinet, they remove one of the biggest visual interruptions on the machine. The improvement is especially dramatic on Spike 2, Spike 3 and Jersey Jack Pinball machines, where the speaker panel occupies a large part of the player's field of view.

It's one of those upgrades that immediately makes the entire machine feel more complete.

3. WizBats – Small Upgrade, Huge Impact

Some of the simplest upgrades create the biggest surprises.

WizBats are a perfect example.

Your eyes spend almost every game following the flippers, making them one of the most visible parts of any pinball machine. Adding artwork to the flipper bats immediately gives the lower playfield extra personality while matching the rest of the machine's theme.

They're also one of the easiest upgrades to install and one of the most affordable.

Machines like Batman '66 show just how much difference a pair of themed flipper bats can make to the overall presentation.

4. WizDoors – Transforming the Coin Door

The coin door is often described as the "black hole" on the front of a pinball machine.

Everything around it is beautifully illustrated...

...then suddenly there's a large black metal rectangle interrupting the artwork.

Our WizDoors continue the cabinet artwork across that area, helping the entire front of the machine feel connected rather than broken into separate sections.

It's a surprisingly dramatic transformation that many collectors don't fully appreciate until they see one installed in person.

5. WizEmblems – The Finishing Touch

Sometimes the smallest details are the ones you notice most.

Many modern machines feature a large empty area around the lockdown bar button.

Our WizEmblems were designed to fill that space with artwork that feels like a natural extension of the factory design.

They're quick to install, inexpensive and add personality to one of the areas players interact with every single game.

It's exactly the kind of finishing touch that makes a machine feel truly complete.

Other Upgrades Worth Considering

While the five upgrades above are the ones we'd consider essential, several others can further personalise your machine depending on the model.

WizAprons extend the artwork into one of the most visible areas of the playfield, with selected versions remaining fully compatible with features such as Insider Connected.

WizShooters add themed artwork around the shooter lane, making every plunge feel just a little more special.

WizWings continue the artwork onto the cabinet hinges, helping the machine look finished from every angle.

None of these are absolutely essential, but together they create a machine that feels completely customised while remaining faithful to the original artistic vision.

Building Your Perfect Machine

One of the best things about pinball is that every collection is unique.

Some owners prefer subtle upgrades.

Others enjoy transforming every visible surface.

The important thing is choosing accessories that complement the factory artwork rather than compete with it. That's always been our philosophy at Wizard Mod.

When every upgrade works together, the result doesn't look modified.

It simply looks like the machine was always meant to be that way.