Sonic

Sonic was a Spanish pinball manufacturer established in 1972 under the umbrella of Segasa (Sociedad Española de Juegos Automáticos, S.A.) in Barcelona, Spain, at a time when European coin-operated amusements were gaining momentum. Although the specific founders’ names are not widely documented, Sonic emerged as a noteworthy producer of electromechanical (EM) and later solid-state (SS) machines, exporting to markets such as the United States and contributing to the international prominence of Spanish pinball design.

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During the 1970s, Sonic gained recognition through titles like “Faces” (1976), which featured distinctive artwork and portrait motifs, and “Mars Trek” (1977), lauded for its vibrant space-themed design and comparatively fast gameplay. In addition, “Butterfly” (1977) and “Cherry Bell” (1978) helped solidify Sonic’s reputation for colorful artistry and innovative layouts that appealed to collectors and casual players alike. Although their solid-state transition in the late 1970s was not considered revolutionary compared to American competitors, the games met the needs of European operators by emphasizing reliability and appealing aesthetics.

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As arcade video games grew in popularity in the early 1980s, smaller pinball manufacturers—including Sonic—faced mounting financial challenges. The brand’s production had largely ceased by the mid-1980s, reflecting broader industry shifts and the dominance of larger, better-resourced companies in the international market. Today, Sonic’s machines remain valued among collectors for their artwork and for embodying a distinct era in European pinball manufacturing.