Wizard Mode is about smart pinball machine operation and running a successful business with an appreciation of the silverball. We are proudly located in Chicago, IL and are here to help Arcade operators across the globe build and grow their businesses.

The Full Story Behind the Meaning of the Phrase “Wizard Mode”

In 1969, The Who released their legendary song “Pinball Wizard” as part of their rock opera Tommy. You might assume the band was passionate about pinball, especially since the song tells the story of a talented pinball player who happens to be blind, deaf, and mute. But oddly: the song wasn’t inspired by pinball at all. It was actually written to impress music critic Nik Cohn, a big pinball fan. When Pete Townshend learned about Cohn’s love for the game, he added the pinball element to Tommy in an attempt to win over the critic.

So, the famous phrase “Pinball Wizard”—which went on to inspire three pinball machines—wasn’t about the game itself. It was a clever strategy to sway a rock critic. Though Tommy was initially hailed as a masterpiece, its strange plot and niche appeal have caused its reputation to waver over time.

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What is Wizard Mode in Pinball?

The first true Wizard Mode appeared in 1989 with Black Knight 2000, designed by Steve Ritchie. Some argue that Super Frenzy in the 1990 game Funhouse, designed by Pat Lawlor, was the first true Wizard Mode since it required players to complete multiple tasks before reaching it.

In both cases, the theme is clear: mastery and expertise. A “wizard” represents someone with exceptional skill or knowledge—fitting perfectly with the concept of Wizard Mode.

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The Pinball Machines Inspired by “Pinball Wizard”

Did The Who or Elton John Even Like Pinball?

While “Pinball Wizard” is closely tied to The Who and their rock opera Tommy, neither The Who nor Elton John were particularly interested in pinball. In fact, Pete Townshend, who penned the song, admitted that he wasn’t a fan of pinball at all. It was simply a tool to engage Nik Cohn, the critic who loved the game.

But what about Elton John, who famously performed “Pinball Wizard” in Tommy? Surprisingly, he wasn’t particularly fond of pinball either. In interviews, he’s mentioned that he never played pinball much and wasn’t especially drawn to the game. It seems the song, the film, and the pinball machine all carry more significance than Elton’s personal interest in the game itself.

The irony is that while both The Who and Elton John have been deeply connected to pinball culture through the song and film, neither was really a fan of the game. Pinball, it seems, was more of a cultural symbol than a personal passion for these rock legends. Conversely a sizeable amount of pinball players are not particularly known for being huge Elton John or the Who fans.

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A Full-Circle Moment: Pinball and Rock History Collide

In 2023, things came came full circle when Steve Ritchie—who invented Wizard Mode—designed a pinball machine with Jersey Jack Pinball celebrating Elton John, who famously performed “Pinball Wizard” in the 1975 Tommy film. This marked a perfect intersection of rock music and pinball, bringing the iconic song and its connection to the game back into the spotlight.

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The Wizard Mode Website: A Resource for Arcade Owners and Pinball Operators

The Wizard Mode website is more than just a celebration of pinball —it’s a valuable resource for arcade owners and pinball route operators. The site provides insights and tools to grow your business.