Which Godzilla Pinball Should You Buy? The Ultimate Pro vs Premium vs LE vs 70th Anniversary Guide

Few modern pinball machines have achieved the legendary status of Stern's Godzilla. Designed by Keith Elwin, it's consistently ranked as one of the greatest pinball machines ever made and currently sits at the top of our Stern Pinball Top 10 list.

But choosing the right version isn't always easy.

Should you save money with the Pro? Is the Premium worth the extra investment? Is the Limited Edition really that special? Or should you hunt down the stunning 70th Anniversary model?

Here's everything you need to know before buying.

Godzilla Pro – The Best Value in Modern Pinball

If you're looking for the best value for money, it's hard to beat the Godzilla Pro.

Unlike many Pro models that lose significant gameplay, the Godzilla Pro keeps the exact same rule set, code and incredible Keith Elwin shot layout. Every major mode, battle and strategy remains intact, meaning you're still playing what many enthusiasts consider the greatest modern pinball machine ever created.

The biggest differences are mechanical rather than software-related.

The moving UFO building remains fixed, while the Mechagodzilla area uses a simpler ball return instead of the rotating ramp found on the Premium models. As a result, the playfield feels slightly cleaner and even a little faster, with more predictable feeds that many competitive players actually enjoy.

Despite being the "entry-level" version, the Pro never feels incomplete.

If your priority is pure gameplay rather than toys and moving mechanisms, you'll probably never regret buying one.

Godzilla Premium – The Complete Gameplay Experience

For most buyers, the Godzilla Premium is the sweet spot.

This version includes everything Keith Elwin originally envisioned. The collapsing skyscraper, the moving UFO bridge, the rotating Mechagodzilla ramp and the additional mechanical interactions make the playfield feel more alive and cinematic.

Unlike the Pro, the Premium constantly changes how certain shots behave, creating more variety during gameplay while making every battle feel more immersive.

The Premium also shares exactly the same gameplay package as both the Limited Edition and the 70th Anniversary Edition.

So if you're primarily a player rather than a collector, the Premium is arguably the smartest purchase. You get the complete gameplay experience without paying collector premiums for a limited edition.

And once you personalise it with our Godzilla Pinball Mods, especially our premium WizPanels, the artwork feels even more complete, transforming one of Stern's best-looking cabinets into something truly spectacular.

Godzilla Limited Edition – The Collector's Dream

The Godzilla LE isn't just another Premium with a different badge.

Mechanically it's identical, but visually it's a completely different experience.

The beautiful grey powder-coated armour, matching legs, side rails and lockdown bar immediately set it apart. Add the exclusive holographic cabinet artwork, mirrored backglass, numbered plaque and Keith Elwin's signature on the apron, and you have a machine that feels genuinely exclusive every time you walk into the room.

Although all LE units sold out years ago, they still appear regularly on the second-hand market. They're expensive, but they're not impossible to find.

One feature we're especially proud of is our exclusive LE WizApron, which has been carefully designed with a precision-cut window allowing Keith Elwin's original signature to remain fully visible. You get the benefits of a custom apron while preserving one of the machine's most collectable details.

For collectors, the LE remains the ultimate Godzilla.

Godzilla 70th Anniversary – A Stunning Tribute to the Original Monster

If the LE is the most luxurious version, the 70th Anniversary Edition is undoubtedly the most distinctive.

Instead of colourful artwork, Stern celebrated the original 1954 Japanese film with an incredible black-and-white art package accented only by striking red highlights.

The result is unlike anything else in modern pinball.

The artwork immediately transports you back to the era of classic Japanese monster cinema while still celebrating the entire Showa-era Godzilla universe, featuring iconic monsters such as King Ghidorah, Mothra, Rodan and Mechagodzilla.

Mechanically, the 70th Anniversary Edition is identical to the Premium.

The differences are entirely visual—but what differences they are.

It's one of those machines that people stop and admire before they even press the Start button.

Our black-and-white WizBlades were created specifically to complement this artwork, creating an incredibly cohesive appearance that enhances the monochrome theme without distracting from Stern's original design.

Because this was a special commemorative release, it sold out quickly and is now only available on the used market.

Buying New vs Buying Used

If you're shopping today, the decision is fairly straightforward.

The Godzilla Pro and Godzilla Premium are still available new through Stern distributors, making them the easiest models to buy. Considering how well Godzilla holds its value, many buyers find that paying slightly more for a brand-new machine is worth the peace of mind.

The Limited Edition and 70th Anniversary Edition, on the other hand, are no longer in production. If you want either of these models, you'll need to keep an eye on the second-hand market. Fortunately, because Godzilla remains such a popular machine, both versions appear for sale reasonably often—even if the LE commands a significant premium.

Quick Comparison

Model	Best For
Godzilla Pro	Best value for money
Godzilla Premium	Complete gameplay experience
Godzilla LE	Serious collectors
Godzilla 70th Anniversary	Unique artwork and presentation

So... Which Godzilla Should You Buy?

If your budget is limited, buy the Pro without hesitation. You're still getting one of the greatest pinball layouts ever designed.

If you want the full Keith Elwin experience, the Premium is the obvious choice and the version we'd recommend to most players.

If collecting matters just as much as playing, the Limited Edition offers beautiful exclusive finishes, collectability and long-term appeal.

And if artwork is what makes you fall in love with a machine, the 70th Anniversary Edition is arguably one of Stern's most beautiful special editions ever produced.

Whichever version you choose, Godzilla remains one of the finest pinball machines ever made—and with a few carefully chosen upgrades from our Godzilla Pinball Mods collection, it's easy to make an already incredible machine feel even more personal.

If you're looking for even more inspiration for your next machine, don't miss our guide to the Best Godzilla Pinball Mods, or explore more of Keith Elwin's incredible designs in our Keith Elwin Pinball Machines feature.