This is a lengthy review but I feel it's necessary for anyone who is thinking about doing business with Hemispheres Amusements. In short they are amazing! No reason to look any further. Kurt and Mark Hill provided and continue to provide non-stop superior customer service. I recently bought my second pinball machine from Hemispheres Amusements since my experience with them three years ago was outstanding. I live in California and since pinball machines are not cheap and considering how fragile they are I really wanted to make sure that I found a company that had tremendous knowledge on pinball machines, great customer service, and equally as important a company that I felt comfortable doing business with. Hemispheres Amusements exceeded my expectations in every category. I had spoken with Kurt Hill several months earlier on the phone inquiring about The Munsters Premium Color edition pinball machine and pinball topper. Kurt answered all my questions and concerns. It took me a few months but I finally decided to purchase the pinball machine especially after remembering what great customer service Hemispheres had provided me when I purchased my Premium Walking Dead pinball machine a few years ago. The only issue I had was I didn't have all the money upfront to purchase the The Munsters pinball machine so I asked Kurt if he would allow me to put down a deposit. Kurt was more than happy to allow me to do this and the following month I was able to acquire the rest of the funds to pay for the pinball machine in full. Once my final deposit was paid, Mark Hill gave me a ton of great advice over the phone on things to look out for once the pinball machine arrived at my house because some freight carriers may not follow protocol. He told me to check that the box was strapped to the inside of the truck prior to them unloading it, ensure the pallet isn't cracked, check for any damage to the outside of the box and note ANY box damage on the paperwork before they leave the house, and ensure the Tip N' Tell sticker doesn't show any signs of misuse. My pinball machine arrived in perfect condition with no damage whatsoever. My advice to everyone is to pay the extra $75.00 for a larger pallet. This will greatly decrease the chances of box damage since the pallet will be larger than a standard size pallet. After playing the machine a couple of days, I noticed the cuckoo clock door on The Munsters topper wasn't closing. I called Kurt on the phone and he answered right away and I explained the issue I was having with the topper. He explained to me with great detail what adjustment needed to be made. He also told me that if I didn't feel comfortable making the adjustment on my own that I could send the topper back to him and he would fix it himself. I was able to make the adjustment by myself with no issues. The Munsters topper works perfectly now! In lieu of my Munsters Pinball machine purchase, I was also in the market for a commercial grade electronic dartboard. After extensive research I decided to purchase the Arachnid Spider 360 2000 Series dartboard from Hemispheres Amusements. The only issue I ran across was the Spider 360 dartboards come standard with red and black target segments which I was not a fan of. I spoke with Kurt about this and asked if it would be possible to switch out the black and red segments with the standard international colors (beige, black, green, and red). Kurt said he would have to contact Arachnid to see if that would be possible. A few days later Kurt drove to Arachnid located in Loves Park Illinois to pick up my electronic dartboard and asked the staff members if they could install the international color segments instead of the black and red segments. The folks at Arachnid agreed and were able to install the international color segments on my dartboard before Kurt drove it back to Hemispheres. This story further proves how both Kurt and Mark will go out of their way to make their customers happy. It was great to hear that Kurt was able to communicate with the right people in order fulfill my request. I just can't say enough good things about Kurt and Mark at Hemispheres Amusements. Their knowledge, customer service, and passion is amazing! I've purchased two pinball machines and one electronic dartboard from them in the last three years and I would do business with them again without hesitation. Kurt and Mark keep up the great work! read more

Newest Review for NIB Godzilla Premium (5/17/2022) Once again Kurt and Mark were outstanding!!!! This time Fedex Freight decided to damage my pin slightly resulting in a delivery refusal. The process went as smooth as I think would be possible given the circumstances. Literally arrived within a couple days back at the Stern factory and put in que immediately by Hemispheres for the shipping claim against the freight company. Kurt and Mark were on the phone with me in 5 minutes of the delivery refusal running all the paperwork and taking care of everything. Let's just say I was really stressed out after waiting for the production from the factory and to have the damage occur was disappointing. Hemisphere's took the reigns and made sure everything went smoothly and all the accessories were repackaged with the re-shipment. The pin was returned 4 weeks later in outstanding new showroom condition in new packaging and brand new replacements for anything that was damaged. 100% satisfied. Kurt and Mark made numerous calls and emails and were always available to answer all my questions and put me at ease during the process. This is why you choose an outstanding distributor like Hemispheres, to advocate for you when things don't go as planned. A+ once again!!!!! Jurassic Park PremiumNew in Box Review (Added 10/31/2019) Hemispheres knocked it out of the park once again. Perfect delivery of my NIB Jurassic Park Premium with all the accessories packaged very secure and wrapped with the box strapped very securely to the large pallet. Came off the delivery truck flawlessly and everything out of the box is perfect. Couldn't be happier and will always go to Kurt and Mark as they run a first class job. Star Wars Premium New in Box Review Where do I start? I can't say enough good things about Kurt and Mark from Hemispheres! I'm new to the hobby and after searching local and other distributors in Texas, I decided to try Hemispheres based on the positive customer feedback and their shipping practices on their website description. After sending in my initial quote request, my reply was the same day and communication was very open and informative. I talked to both Kurt and Mark on the phone and they always answered or got back to me immediately. They added a shaker motor, side art blades (perfectly applied), HD glass, and packaged the Stern box (which had plenty of custom foam) on a larger pallet with a tip and tell indicator and got the shipment sent out the following day. Payment went smoothly and my game arrived unharmed in about 4-5 days. My game room is upstairs and I opted to save some money and take the back box and play field out myself and move the machine separately rather than try to secure white glove service up a winding staircase, although they were perfectly capable and willing to try to find local accommodations. Kurt walked me through the steps on the phone and the machine was up and running beautifully in a couple hours. The Stern build quality is impressive and very easy to take apart and put back together...about 12 connectors in all and a little zip tie rewiring and done! You can tell just by talking to Kurt and Mark they they are excited about their business and have a lot of experience in the field and always have time for questions and give tons of feedback. Customer service this good is rare these days and I will definitely be coming back to make more purchases!!! read more

Worth Waiting For! Some of you - perhaps all of you ;-) - might consider it incredibly odd [at least ;-) ] that I would wait a full two weeks to finally press the 'on' button to play my new Star Wars pinball machine, especially after waiting quite a while* for it, but truthfully, I had been so very busy after it was delivered that I wanted to make sure I had time to savor that very first game. For many, many years, I've dreamed of having my very own Star Wars pinball game, and when Stearns came out with the newest version of the game, I thought I finally would have my chance. But from whom to make my purchase? There are no pinball dealers in the state in which I live which meant I would have to choose a store located far away, and trust that I'd get what I paid for - sight unseen. Doing my homework, I narrowed down my choices to three shops/vendors, and while I felt I couldn't really go wrong with any of them, I am so happy I chose Hemispheres Amusements in Illinois. For me, it was a match made in heaven. :-) Kurt, the owner, was incredibly kind and patient with me, spending loads of time on the phone with me, waiting for me to make up my mind as to which version of the game I wanted. I liked the simplicity of the Pro Edition - but what I really liked about it was the cabinet. Yet, I really liked the extras that made up the Premium Edition [I wasn't all that crazy about its cabinet, though]. *As I vacillated between the two, Kurt took my quandary in stride [better than I did since I normally do not have trouble making up my mind], and one day, without pressuring me whatsoever, offered a solution - take the Premium game and put it in the Pro cabinet! That's just what was done! It took some time for HA to get the necessary components - but after all the time I spent seesawing I could be patient. Then, one day in early September, I got the call from Kurt that my custom pinball machine was ready to be delivered! :-) I had opted for white glove delivery [while I live in a different state, Kurt assured me I lived within driving range]. Once here, Kurt and his son set everything up lickety-split! :-) [They obviously had done this many times before. ;-) ] They made sure the game survived the trip [which I appreciated immensely], gave me a quick rundown on some of the game's operations [which I appreciated even more!], and then were on their way on to their next dropoff point. They left me with a cheerful "Have fun!" Much to my surprise, I did not fire up the machine straight away! For days, I would pass the game with longing in my heart until two weeks - to the day! - later. Finally, I had ample time to relish my first game! Just as I knew it would be, it has been a blast to play! I'm not very good [yet ;-) ]. I spend a lot of time laughing at myself. And that's just fine. :-) Most enjoyable of all now is sharing the game with my family and friends. :-) [They all were patient so I could be the first to play.] This new Stearns Star Wars Pinball Machine is my birthday, Mother's Day, anniversary, Christmas, and every other gift-giving occasion present for the rest of my life, and that's fine with me, too. Thank you Kurt and Hemisphers Amusements. My new pinball machine definitely was worth waiting for! :-) read more

Holy Pinball Machine Batman! What a way to end 2021, the delivery of my Batman 66 Premium pinball machine from Hemispheres Amusements! The delivery service was super to our rural area, and after the unit got off the truck, slowly moved thru the snow on a wagon and then finally into our home. It took a little bit more than an hour to unbox and set up the unit with the help from my brother and sister-in-law... and then you could hear the Batman theme music cranking away. All this was made possible... by the extremely helpful service from Kurt and Mark Hill! From the first phone call I made to Kurt, and several follow-up emails and phone calls as he helped me understand buying my first machine (I've been waiting for 20+ years till I retired and have time to play!) the customer support was out of this world! That darn COVID did put a delay on Stern building the unit, but once they finished it, Hemispheres Amusements had my extras installed and shipped out to me in days. What a way to start a new year! I have been playing it daily for over a month now and can't wait to have my "BATMAN" kickoff party next month. I was very nervous as I looked around of where and how to buy a machine, but after the first call with Kurt, I knew I found the right place. It was my first machine, but, I doubt it will be my last one! Next time, I know right were to go to... Hemispheres Amusements, with Mark and Kurt! Thanks guys! To the Batcave...... Howard B. Brackney PA read more

First time buyer here, also likely known as a pain in the rear for most vendors. I have to say, with all of the scam websites out there, I was initially hesitant to purchase my first pin from out of state. After submitting my purchase ticket on their website, I was promptly contacted by none other than Kurt himself. Right from our first conversation, I was taken aback by how quickly Kurt responded to my questions. It was evident he wasn't just looking to make a sale; he's genuinely passionate about pinball. His knowledge and enthusiasm made me even more excited about my purchase. I'll admit, I can be a handful for sellers, especially as a first-time buyer. Yet, Kurt treated me with nothing but kindness and patience, going above and beyond at every turn to make sure he had secured my business and confidence. In a world of endless choices and sellers, it's the genuine, above-and-beyond gestures that stand out. If you're thinking about diving into the world of pinball, I wholeheartedly recommend Hemispheres Amusements. Not only did I walk away with a fantastic machine, but I've also found a trusted and reliable source in the pinball world. Thanks, Kurt and team, for making this experience so smooth and seamless. I could not offer higher praise. Time to set some moderately okay scores on my new Deadpool Pro! read more

I have had a great experience with Hemispheres Amusements. I live out of state (from where they are located) and was quite nervous about having a pinball machine shipped. However, during the pre-purchase stage Kurt always answered my many questions/calls for information on the machine and then was very detailed about the shipping process. It is a big purchase so I wanted to make sure I was comfortable with the entire process. I finally purchased the Stern Kiss pinball and the process went exactly as described. Kurt and Mark gave me information every step of the way including all the key items to understand and know about the shipping carrier. They took extra precautions to ensure the machine would be safe during transit. It was a very easy process and they were there every step of the way. The video on their web site helps with an easy setup of the machine and when I had questions post purchase they answered them quickly. I am quite happy that I found this company! Anyone out of state should feel very comfortable buying a machine from Hemispheres even though it is shipped and not hand delivered. I'm sure if you live close to them it is even better! read more

Like many pinball enthusiasts, I started as a kid in local arcades, but never dreamed of getting a home machine some day. When I finally had sufficient funds to pursue a home machine (some 40 years later!) I came across Hemispheres and liked the thoroughness with which the people took in older machines and lovingly restored them to original (or better) condition. I was located many states away from their shop and that worried me a bit, but it turned out that the prices for machines plus delivery were not nearly as high as I thought. The end result is that I now have a small personal arcade of three games at home! The inevitable little tweaks that are needed after shipping cross country have been dealt with quickly and professionally, and just talking with Kurt on the phone or through e-mails has actually made me semi-capable with minor fixes, although I have always considered myself electronically illiterate up until now! Can't say enough about Hemispheres, the selection and prices, the delivery process and the care and followup after the sale. If I should ever buy a fourth machine, I know where it's coming from! read more

Words alone simply cannot express my gratitude to Kurt at Hemispheres Amusements! He is truly a class act individual and a first rate businessman, without a doubt an asset to the community. Not only did he help make this dream purchase a reality but, he did it with honesty, integrity and enthusiasm! His commitment to customer satisfaction and willingness to go above and beyond both before and after the sale made my entire experience a rewarding one. These machines are big purchases and making them sight unseen and online can be nerve-wracking. I am fortunate that I happened upon Kurt and not someone looking to just "move product". I could tell from the first of our many conversations that he was extremely knowledgeable, fully invested in what he does and in it for the long term. Anyone looking to make a purchase owes it to themselves to call Kurt. There are still people out there that have respect for others and their hard earned money and conduct themselves with the utmost of professionalism. I wish Hemispheres continued success, as it is much deserved! read more

This is my first time dealing with Hemispheres and here's my story: I contacted them about finding a Stern Munsters Premium pinball machine and was contacted by Kurt within hours of my query. I was advised that Stern was making a final production run and if I was interested, send a deposit to secure one of two they had available. Within 5 weeks Mark called me to let me know it had arrived and would ship out once he received my final payment. Shipping was set up, and honestly within 7 days I had a brand new Munsters Premium machine that is absolutely mint. They used Fed Ex Freight as well as re-palletizing the machine and it arrived without even a dent in the box. The tip n tell indicator was still in tact and the driver was fantastic. So, I couldn't be happier and when you spend that kind of $$, it's really nice to be in contact with a company that truly cares and Mark and Kurt absolutely do!! Thanks again Hemispheres and I'll be in contact about another purchase soon!! read more

Of the many pinball distributors I reached out to, the ONLY company that took my inquiry seriously was Hemispheres Amusements. Aside from one local distributor in California, the rest did not respond. Since I was looking to purchase a Rush pinball machine, it only made sense to buy from someone that was a fan. They even named their company after one of their best albums. Both Kurt and Mark followed through on every aspect of my order and answered my questions promptly. Any problems that came up were tended to immediately. Based on the shipping experience, these guys care about doing it right. My machine arrived one day earlier than scheduled, and it was flawless right out of the box. I would have never dreamed of owning my own pinball machine, and they helped me check a box off of my bucket list. I would definitely consider another game from Hemispheres, as well as accessories, in the future. They have earned my trust. read more

I ordered a Jurassic Park Premium pinball machine from Kurt shortly after Stern announced the device. It took a while for Stern to put the Premium model on their line but Kurt kept me informed and updated on delivery date. I also ordered art blades, side armor, Pin Stadium lights, and an amber shooting rod to be installed by Hemisheres. All were expertly installed, the machine tested and reboxed, and yesterday it all arrived at my house. Delivery in Iowa was free and flawless. This is the second pinball machine I have ordered from Hemisheres Amusement. I came back to them because of their positive and professional customer service, friendly advice and my overall good buying experience. Kurt was very helpful with advice and recommendations even before my purchases. I can not recommend Kurt and Mark highly enough and I would buy from them again. read more

Just got my new CGC Monster Bash Limited remake from Hemispheres. Can't say enough about Kurt and Mark and how well I have been treated by them. This is my second purchase, as I had previously purchased a Chicago Gaming remake of Attack From Mars Limited Edition machine. I was apprehensive about purchasing those expensive machines online, but Kurt and Mark have made it incredibly easy. They've always kept me in the loop & updated me while waiting for CGC to ship the games to them, which relieved any anxiety I had about my purchase. Both machines arrived undamaged and were secured on shipping crates so that damage was unlikely. Opting to pay a little bit more to have it put on a bigger pallet was a great idea suggested by Mark. you can't go wrong purchasing machines from Hemisphere Amusements, read more

Long overdue review here as I bought my first ever pinball machine from Hemispheres back in July, but let me tell you I could not be happier with everything from the moment I contacted them to now having the machine for around 4 months. Kurt and Mark are a stellar team. Communication was great, the process was extremely smooth and straightforward, and the machine arrived exactly as expected and played flawlessly from the start (and still plays that way 4 months later for that matter). To top things off $85 for upgraded pallet + fully insured shipping felt like a steal, and gave me peace of mind in case anything unexpected might have happened (which it didn't). I couldn't recommend Hemispheres enough and would gladly purchase another new or used machine from them in the future. read more

I bought a Kiss LE from Kurt. He had it in my house 4 days after I ordered it. He gave me a great price, awesome delivery, service and discounts. He set it up and left. After I stared playing it there were issues. I called him up and he came out at 7:30 on a Friday night and was at my house for 2 hours fixing it. I thanked him profusely and he said "when you own a business that's what you do" and "it has to get dealt with why put it off". I feel like I bought more than a pinball machine I bought Kurt and his awesome attitude and service. I can't praise him enough and would not hesitate to do business with him again. This is the kind of person you want to do business with because he has a great work ethic and cares about his customers. read more

I was looking for a pinball machine for my home and I did some exhaustive research and Hemispheres was by far the best value for many reasons. Kurt am Mark we're so knowledgeable and provided that extra customer service that you don't see from many businesses. I couldn't be more pleased with their guidance as I made this purchase. Being out of state and making this type of purchase was as flawless as I have seen. I would definitely recommend that if you are looking for any of their products to make sure you consider the overall package. From their friendly service to their detailed buying process ( make sure you read and follow their advice) I could not be more satisfied. Keep up the great work guys, you have a customer for life. Thanks! read more

I was looking for a pinball machine for my husband for Christmas/Anniversary and could not have been happier with the level of service and care that Kurt and Mark and hemisphere provided. They were both quick to respond to e-mails and texts and always answered phone calls even though it was the middle of a busy Christmas season. They answered all my questions and kept in constant contact about delivery. Since this was our first pinball we went with the white glove delivery and well worth it. They hand delivered themselves, set it up and took the time to show us all the ins and outs of the machine. We're hoping to purchase another machine in the next couple years and will only go through Hempishere, they're just great! read more

When I first looked to buy a pinball machine, I didn't know where to start. I contacted a dozen places to ask questions, but most were slow to respond (if at all) or came back with very basic info. Hemisphere was different from the first email. Their communion was far beyond every other company, and the patience they took in explaining the details to me was more than I could have hoped. If you are spending this type of money, price is important (and yes they had the best price), but you need to feel like you can trust the person you are dealing with. This is why, even though I live in New York, I opted to buy from a company in Illinois. After all is said and done, I truly believe I made the right choice. Thank you! read more

Kurt and Mark were amazing to work with. First, I would like to commend them on actually having what they advertise. Many companies show items in stock--yet don't have. They were quick to respond to my numerous emails and didn't make me feel like a bother. Once I pulled the trigger to purchase, the machine was delivered to my home within a week due to the weekend. It left their facility within two days. The machine arrived well packaged. The carrier they use was also, top notch. Very professional and zero damage to the machine. The machine was exactly as shown in photos and in perfect condition. Definitely will do business with them again and highly recommend. read more

Hemisphere Amusements is an example of great American business. I had a ton of questions when purchasing my first pinball machine (a Metallica Pro made by Stern Pinball) that was answered honestly and thoroughly. Kurt has a lot of experience & made the process of buying a pin machine super smooth & basically worry free. I appreciate that he automatically puts hassle free, full coverage shipping insurance on the products he sells. I received my pinball machine quickly and couldn't be happier. I can give my recommendation to Hemisphere Amusements since I personally will be calling Kurt first for any of my own future Pin/arcade machine purchases! read more