Bell Games (Nuova 11)

Bell Games (later Nuova 11), an Italian pinball manufacturer founded in Bologna in 1978 by Mr. Cavazza, initially gained recognition by producing conversion kits that refreshed older Bally pinball machines with new artwork and themes. Throughout the early to mid-1980s, the company offered budget-friendly solutions to operators who preferred updating their game libraries rather than purchasing brand-new tables. Notable conversion titles from this period include “The King” (1978) and “Saturn II” (1985), the latter earning considerable success with an estimated 1,200 kits sold, prompting Bell Games to manufacture custom electronic boards and limited new cabinets. By 1986, Bell Games shifted toward creating original pinball machines, debuting “Dark Shadow” as its first wholly original design, quickly followed by more ambitious releases such as “Cobra” (1987) and “F1 Grand Prix” (1987). These titles integrated novel gameplay features, including alternative ball-launch mechanisms and complex target assemblies, underscoring the company’s growing technical experimentation.

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Despite these advancements, Bell Games’ business model faced pressure as market shifts and the declining cost of U.S.-built pinball machines eroded the competitive edge of its conversions. In 1988, the firm released “U-Boat 65,” widely regarded as its final pinball product, prior to moving away from pinball manufacturing altogether. The company’s closure in this segment was primarily attributed to heightened competition and changing currency valuations that made importing newly designed American games more feasible for European operators. While Bell Games’ pinball output was relatively small in scope, collectors and enthusiasts now regard the brand’s kits and original releases as unique examples of independent Italian craftsmanship during a dynamic era for the global pinball industry.