The company that started it all in arcade basketball is making a comeback, as they are returning to form with their first pay-per-play commercial game in 25 years. Pop-A-Shot is a household name in the world of arcade basketball, having created the original coin-op basketball machine in the 1980s, followed by the wildly popular and affordable home models.
Now, with the introduction of the Pop-A-Shot Elite, the brand is stepping back into the pay-per-play arcade scene, bringing fresh features and modern technology to a classic game.
A Classic Reinvented
Pop-A-Shot originally pioneered the arcade basketball experience, and its name became synonymous with the game itself. Over the years, other companies entered the market, but Pop-A-Shot remained a major influence, particularly in home basketball arcade setups, which cost a tenth of what their commercial cousins do. Now, with the Pop-A-Shot Elite, the brand is looking to reestablish itself in commercial arcades, offering a game designed to compete with the best in the industry.
The Elite sticks to the core of what makes these games so fun—fast-paced, competitive basketball shooting—but introduces modern improvements. Instead of a fabric ramp, it features a sturdy wooden one as other commercial-grade ones do. It also boasts a 49-inch video screen as its main display, joining the fray of this growing class of basketball machines.
Smart Features and Online Connectivity
What truly sets the Pop-A-Shot Elite apart from its predecessors is its QR code-based tracking system. Players can create a profile on the Pop-A-Shot web app, generate a personalized QR code, and scan it before playing. This system allows users to:
- Track their scores across multiple locations
- See their rankings on a local, regional, and national leaderboard
- Participate in Pop-A-Shot-sponsored tournaments
This is a huge step forward for arcade basketball, bringing features similar to what’s seen in modern pinball machines with online connectivity. Plus, with WiFi-enabled hardware, every machine can stay up to date and connected to the larger competitive scene.
Designed for Any Arcade Space
One of the most notable aspects of the Pop-A-Shot Elite is its size. Measuring 96 inches tall, 96 inches deep, and 30 inches wide, it’s slightly smaller than many competing arcade basketball machines. This makes it a great option for locations that want a high-quality game but have limited space.
Additionally, while pricing details haven’t been revealed yet, Pop-A-Shot has stated that the Elite will be more affordable than similar machines on the market. For operators looking to add a recognizable, high-tech basketball game to their lineup, this could make it a strong choice.
Where to See the Pop-A-Shot Elite
The Pop-A-Shot Elite will make its first public appearance at Amusement Expo 2025, one of the biggest industry trade shows of the year. Pop-A-Shot will be showcasing the game at booth #2149, giving operators and arcade fans a chance to see the new features in action.
With its combination of classic gameplay, modern tracking features, and WiFi connectivity, the Pop-A-Shot Elite marks a big moment in the evolution of arcade basketball. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the game or a new player looking for a competitive experience, this latest release is set to bring even more excitement to the world of arcade sports.
Thanks for reading! Here at PrimeTime Amusements, we like to keep ahead of the curve in arcade game rental and sales and pride ourselves in providing the best service in the country. If you’re looking for a game in particular, or have a few questions about the industry, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.550.0090 or to swing by at 5300 Powerline Rd. Suite 210, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33309.