Atari Pinball was established in 1976 as a division of Atari, Inc., a company already renowned for pioneering the video game industry. Atari’s entry into pinball was an ambitious move, as the company sought to leverage its expertise in arcade gaming to innovate the traditional pinball market. Under the leadership of Steve Ritchie, who later became a legendary pinball designer, Atari introduced machines that broke from conventional design norms. One of their most distinctive innovations was the use of extra-wide cabinets and playfields, which allowed for unique layouts and gameplay experiences not seen in standard pinball machines of the era.

Despite their innovative approach, Atari Pinball struggled to gain a strong foothold in a market dominated by established manufacturers such as Bally, Williams, and Gottlieb. The division produced a limited number of titles, including Superman (1979), which remains one of its most well-regarded releases, as well as The Atarians (1976) and Middle Earth (1978). However, due to internal financial difficulties at Atari and the overall downturn of the pinball industry in the early 1980s, the company ceased pinball production in 1979. Although short-lived, Atari Pinball left a lasting impression with its bold designs and experimental playfield layouts, influencing future game development and designers in the pinball world.