X-Arcade brings new pinball controller and Judge Dredd preview to Chicago Expo

X-Arcade is returning to Chicago Pinball Expo 2026 with a new pinball-focused controller, hands-on demos for Zen Studios’ upcoming Judge Dredd™ Pinball, and a daily high-score contest. The rollout shows how X-Arcade is pushing deeper into VR and physical pinball hardware ahead of a major game launch on Oct. 22, 2026.

Why it matters: - X-Arcade is using Chicago Pinball Expo to push pinball hardware closer to digital and VR play without dropping the tactile feel that fans expect. - The company is pairing new hardware with Zen Studios content to give attendees an early look at where home pinball setups are heading. - The expo presence also sets up a broader audience for Zen Studios’ upcoming Judge Dredd™ Pinball launch on Oct. 22, 2026.

What happened: - X-Arcade is returning to Chicago Pinball Expo for the second year, with the show running Oct. 14–17 in Schaumburg, Illinois. - The booth will feature the new Arcade2TV Pinball FX Edition, created with Zen Studios as a dedicated pinball controller. - Attendees will be among the first to play the Arcade2TV Pinball FX Edition, with two units available at the booth. - Visitors will also get first hands-on time with Zen Studios’ upcoming Judge Dredd™ Pinball. - X-Arcade will display one Arcade2TV-XR MAX unit paired with a fully unlocked Pinball FX VR experience from Zen Studios. - The company will run a daily High Score Challenge using X-Arcade hardware and gift card prizes.

The details: - The Arcade2TV Pinball FX Edition is an officially licensed X-Arcade × Zen Studios controller built specifically for pinball. - The controller is single-player and designed around pinball-first play. - Hardware features include two-stage Hall-effect flipper buttons, a real spring-loaded analog plunger, an authentic green-lit launch button, four SSF haptic motors and separate Gen-2 flipper solenoids. - The unit also includes a chrome-plated joystick and buttons, an illuminated 2-inch trackball and an integrated spinner. - Zen Studios is positioning Judge Dredd™ Pinball for launch on Oct. 22, 2026. - The table is based on Bally’s 1993 Judge Dredd pinball classic and the 2000 AD comic book series from Rebellion. - X-Arcade says the Arcade2TV-XR MAX is the next evolution of the Arcade2TV-XR shown at the 2025 Expo. - MAX combines two-player arcade controls with X-Force haptics, flipper solenoids, an analog plunger, nudge detection, dual front spinners and a 3-inch trackball. - Existing Arcade2TV-XR owners can use their current pedestal with MAX and upgrade to the new controller top without buying another stand.

Between the lines: - X-Arcade is betting that pinball hardware can stay authentic while gaining new use cases in VR and digital play. - The company’s booth mix suggests a strategy built around repeatable demos, hands-on feedback and product comparison between standard arcade controls and pinball-specific setups. - Zen Studios benefits from the partnership by putting an upcoming release in front of a highly targeted pinball audience before launch.

What's next: - Chicago Pinball Expo attendees will be able to test the new controller and VR setup during the show. - Judge Dredd™ Pinball is set to launch Oct. 22, 2026. - X-Arcade’s Expo presence gives the company a live stage to gauge interest in its pinball-first hardware line before wider rollout.