Pinball machine:Star Trek: The Next Generation Pinball Machine

Williams released its science fiction-themed Star Trek: The Next Generation pinball machine during the sixth season of the Star Trek: The Next Generation television series. Destgned by Steve Ritchie, the game featured CD-quality sound which included the show's theme song and recorded speech from all eight regular cast members. The game also featured two cannon-style "probe launchers" that allowed players to shoot pinballs up ramps or across the playfield. Williams produced more than 11,700 units.

The history of pinball dates back to 18th-century Europe; many similar games gradually evolved from court games--games played with balls upon a playing surface, including bowls and even golf. Table versions, it seems, were inevitable inventions to make these games portable and to bring them indoors. What we recognize as pinball evolved in America during the 20th century. The year 1947 saw the invention of the "flipper," which added a whole new dimension to the game. In the 1960s, smaller and cheaper home versions were commonly available.