1948

Introduction of the Flippers. 

The introduction of flippers marks one of the most important innovations in the history of pinball.

The Gottlieb technician Harry Mabs developed the first electrically controlled flippers.

 

They were first used in the machine “Humpty Dumpty” (Gottlieb, 1947).
For the first time, players could actively control the ball and hit it back into play.
This fundamentally changed the gameplay.

Before this invention, pinball was largely a game of chance and ball launching, with little player control.
Flippers introduced true player interaction with the ball.

Players could now aim for targets, save the ball, and control shots.
The game became much more dynamic and skill-based.
Timing, reaction and precision became essential skills.
With this innovation, pinball evolved from a pure game of chance into a game of skill.
The invention of flippers is still considered a major turning point in pinball history.