Seattle's only Interactive Pinball Museum & Free-play Arcade!
Seattle's only Interactive Pinball Museum & Free-play Arcade!
Date of Manufacture: 1973
Number Produced: ~4,280 units
Manufacturer: Bally Manufacturing Co.
Creators:
Game Type:
Rating: 7.5/10
Fun Rating: 8.5/10
Released during the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball, Nip-It is celebrated for its innovative Balligator mechanism—a unique ball-grabbing device operated by a separate “Gator” button on the right flipper. This feature allowed players to actively interact with gameplay in ways unseen before. The game's use of “zipper flippers,” which closed together to reduce the gap between them, added a layer of strategy and player control.
The machine gained additional cultural significance due to its appearance in the popular TV show Happy Days, where Fonzie frequently played it at Arnold’s Diner. This exposure helped cement Nip-It as an iconic piece of Americana during the 1970s.
The game also featured a compelling two-ball multiball mode, making it one of the few electro-mechanical machines to incorporate this advanced feature. Its vibrant artwork, designed by Dick White, complemented its dynamic gameplay and contributed to its enduring appeal.
Nip-It introduced several key innovations:
The primary objective in Nip-It is to score the most points by interacting with its key features—specifically the Balligator Mechanism, Zipper Flippers, and Multiball Mode. The game combines fast-paced action with a high level of player control, especially with the unique "Gator" button that allows you to grab the ball for a bonus scoring opportunity. The game includes a set of target sequences and features designed to maximize your scoring potential, including a two-ball multiball mode.
The Balligator Mechanism
Zipper Flippers
Multiball Mode
Pop Bumpers and Kickout Holes
Target Sequences
Activate the Balligator Early
Control the Ball with Zipper Flippers
Multiball Mastery
Maximize Bumper Hits
Finish Target Sequences
By effectively using the unique features of Nip-It, including the Balligator, zipper flippers, and multiball, you'll be on your way to maximizing your score and enjoying all that this fun and challenging game has to offer!
"Nip-It Pinball Machine (1973)." Pinball Museum, www.pinballmuseum.org. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
"Nip-It Pinball Machine by Bally." Elite Home Gamerooms, www.elitehomegamerooms.com. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
"Nip-It Pinball Machine Rules and Features." Internet Pinball Database, www.ipdb.org. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
Nip-It Pinball Machine by Bally. Kineticist, www.kineticist.com. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
Kurtz, Bill. Arcade Treasures. p. 84.
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