Convention - SDCC 2025 : Inside the Stern Pinball Booth’s Jaw-Dropping 50th Anniversary Tribute to JAWS

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center,, 27 july 2025

The San Diego Convention Center was once again the epicenter of pop culture in July 2025, but few booths managed to capture the magic, nostalgia, and excitement of San Diego Comic-Con quite like the one hosted by Stern Pinball at booth #4029. From the moment attendees entered the exhibit hall, the unmistakable hum of conversation, camera shutters, and the occasional pinball chime created a sensory beacon leading straight to their space. This year, Stern wasn’t just showing off its usual impressive lineup of machines—it was celebrating a milestone in cinematic history: the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. In collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, Stern Pinball unveiled the JAWS 50th Anniversary Premium Edition, a machine designed not just for gameplay but as a collector’s statement piece for cinephiles, pinball veterans, and anyone who’s ever felt a chill from the film’s iconic two-note theme. It was a launch steeped in showmanship, timed perfectly for the summer blockbuster season, and it instantly became one of the most photographed and talked-about attractions on the show floor.

The machine itself was a feast for the eyes and a masterclass in how to integrate theme, nostalgia, and technical artistry. The playfield shimmered under the convention lights thanks to glitter-enhanced artwork, the kind of detail that catches you off-guard and demands a second look. The brass powder-coated wireform ramps weren’t just functional; they added a touch of elegance that felt worthy of an anniversary celebration. Adding to the prestige, a distinctive hologram sticker proudly announced the machine’s 50th Anniversary status, while exclusive cabinet decals and a reimagined translite provided that “limited edition” visual punch serious collectors crave. But the real crowd-puller was the “Blood Red” armor kit—matching legs, hinges, front molding, and side armor—that gave the machine a menacing allure, as if the great white shark itself was waiting for its next victim. One attendee was overheard telling a friend that the combination of the deep red hues and the sculpted shark toys on the playfield made this version feel like “a cinematic prop you could actually play,” a testament to the design team’s attention to detail.

Gameplay-wise, Stern didn’t settle for just a cosmetic refresh. The booth was alive with the sound of flippers as players dove into the newly updated software, which brought with it a host of fresh features. Among them were the much-hyped Team Play and Co-op modes, allowing players to join forces against the virtual shark instead of facing it alone. These modes not only fostered camaraderie among strangers meeting for the first time at the booth but also sparked competitive banter as teams tried to outdo each other’s scores. Adding depth for seasoned players, two brand-new wizard modes were introduced: the “Wheel Award Final Wizard Mode” and the cheekily named “Smile you sonofa… Wizard Mode,” the latter a nod to one of the film’s most famous lines. Standing in line to play, I caught a father explaining to his teenage son that the wizard modes were like “boss fights in a video game,” which instantly hooked the younger player into trying a machine he might have otherwise walked past. The merging of cinematic reverence with modern multiplayer innovation gave the game a unique edge, bridging generations of fans.

But the Stern presence at SDCC 2025 extended far beyond the walls of booth #4029. Just a short walk away, the Marriott Marquis played host to the annual Stern Pop-Up Arcade, a tradition that has grown into a must-visit destination for pinball lovers during the convention. Open from July 24 to 27, it was a bustling hub where fans could play not just the new JAWS edition but also a curated selection of Stern’s greatest hits, from Godzilla to John Wick. The arcade had a casual, almost club-like atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the sensory overload of the main show floor. On Reddit, one attendee humorously reported, “Line isn’t too bad … We probably waited about 10 or 15 minutes,” a tip that quickly made the rounds among those looking to maximize their con schedules. The relatively short wait times were a pleasant surprise, especially given the buzz surrounding the JAWS reveal, and helped turn the arcade into a repeat destination for many badge holders over the weekend.

For all its celebratory flair, Stern’s presence at SDCC 2025 was also a testament to the company’s forward-thinking approach to keeping pinball relevant in a digital-first entertainment world. The Insider Connected™ platform, available in the JAWS 50th Anniversary machine and across Stern’s new lineup, transformed what could have been a one-off arcade session into an ongoing, connected experience. With a simple tap on an enabled machine, players could log in to track their scores, resume progress from previous games, and earn exclusive achievements. For dedicated players, these features weren’t just novelties—they were reasons to keep coming back. It’s this blend of old-school tactile gameplay and modern connected services that positions Stern as not just a steward of pinball’s legacy, but also as an innovator charting its future.

Of course, no coverage of the JAWS 50th Anniversary Premium Edition would be complete without acknowledging the cinematic roots it draws from. Directed by Steven Spielberg and released on June 20, 1975, Jaws redefined summer cinema, blending suspense, character-driven storytelling, and unforgettable imagery. The film’s legacy was palpable at the Stern booth, with players and passersby alike reminiscing about their first time watching the great white terrorize Amity Island. Some attendees shared stories of seeing the movie in theaters during its original run, while others recalled catching it on TV late at night, the suspense amplified by the creaks and shadows of their own homes. By capturing the film’s essence in pinball form—right down to mode names that wink at iconic lines—Stern managed to tap into a half-century of pop culture history while offering something fresh and interactive.

The price tag for the JAWS 50th Anniversary Premium Edition—$9,699 USD before taxes—sparked plenty of conversation on the show floor, with some fans calling it an investment in both gameplay and memorabilia. And Stern was more than ready to meet demand, offering the machine through authorized distributors worldwide as well as via the official Stern Store. Alongside it, fans could still find the company’s full range of editions, from Limited to Pro, plus themed accessories that extended the JAWS experience into home game rooms. This strategic mix of exclusivity and accessibility ensured that whether you were a die-hard collector or a casual fan, there was a way to take a piece of the celebration home.

In the end, the Stern Pinball booth at SDCC 2025 was more than just another product showcase—it was an event in itself, a gathering point where nostalgia met innovation and fans could connect over a shared love of cinema, gaming, and craftsmanship. Between the immersive design of the JAWS 50th Anniversary Premium Edition, the excitement of the new gameplay modes, the community vibe of the Pop-Up Arcade, and the forward-looking promise of Insider Connected™, Stern delivered a Comic-Con experience that will be remembered long after the convention floor is cleared. For a few days in San Diego, pinball didn’t just celebrate a shark—it became the shark, commanding attention and reminding everyone that some legends only get better with time.

You can discover our photos in our Flickr page

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville