Boyhood nostalgia is fuelling a pinball revival, including a new league for Illawarra "pinheads".
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The machines began disappearing from arcades and milk bars more than 30 years ago but many have found small but devoted followings in man caves across Australia and overseas.
Horsley dad Mark Watson took a job as a paper boy when he was 14 to feed his pinball habit. He would spend hours feeding 20? pieces into some of the 400 machines at the Engadine Leisure Centre.
Now with an adult's wage, he can afford entire machines and has set up a private, miniature arcade in his front room.
There, they are completely ignored by his own two children. Mr Watson said he was not surprised the machines did not appeal to younger generations.
"My son is used to the incredible graphics of the current computer games and to look at what he sees as a ball and two flippers is boring to him," he said.
"There's still a few [pinball machines] out there, but the attraction's not there for kids.
"Most of the guys who are into it are between 40 and 50 years old and we all sort of share the same story; we all grew up with pinball as a massive, major part of our youth and today it ties us back to our youth."
Dedicated pinheads are hooked in to an online network of Australian and international parts suppliers.
Mr Watson has restored and sold about 40 older games but favours more modern titles from the 1990s onwards for his personal collection of six. His favourite is The Simpsons.
Next month, Mr Watson will launch Southern Wizards Pinball League, a league of 15 players playing six events and a final over 12 months.
Players will compete for World Pinball Players Ranking Points, prizes and trophies.
Although the league is now full, Mr Watson has invited people interested in future leagues to email brainsnap@kooee.com.au for possible places.