FAQ
General
This is it. In 1908, Joseph Fourestier Simpson of Vineland, N.J. applied for a patent around a new game idea that had a "skee-jump" mechanism on an alley to launch a ball into targets that had a built-in automatic scoring mechanism - the foundation of the Skee-Ball we have all come to know and love.
Fast forward more than a century, Skee-Ball® has become more than an icon and a brand, it's become a household name, one that sparks joy related to all the happy memories it evokes. We love what we do, and we love to play more - so consider adding a Skee-Ball machine to your home arcade, basement, man cave, rec room, or anywhere people gather together at home.
Anything else is just an imitation of The Original Alley!
We do not recommend interchanging Skee-Ball game balls between select arcade machines. Game balls need to be a specific size per machine in order to trigger sensors and not get stuck.
However, the Classic, Glow, and 1908 models all use the same size game balls and can be interchanged. View all game balls.
Yes, everything is Made in America, specifically in Wisconsin. From the router room to the cable corner, just about every aspect of your Skee-Ball alley roller is hand built from the ground up in the heart of the Midwest.
Free play means just that! There's no need for quarters, tokens, or game currency to play the game when it is equipped with Free Play. This is specific to our Skee-Ball alley models that you would find in a commercial arcade, including our Classic and Glow.
For those who want to use them in-home or in non-pay-to-play settings, they are available to be purchased on our site! For pay-to-play versions of these alley rollers, visit our sister company, Bay Tek Entertainment.
Yes! For decades, households around the world have been "bringing home the arcade" and adding authentic Skee-Ball alley rollers to their homes, mimicking the arcade games you'd find in a commercial arcade. While that is still an option, we are proud to have introduced a lineup of Skee-Ball alleys designed specifically for in-home game rooms, scaled down to 80% of the original arcade size - with all the authentic features. Shop our full alley lineup here.
Our traditional, arcade-style alleys come paired with heavy duty Skee-Ball balls - the ones that make that beautiful "clack" as they roll into gameplay.
In introducing our Skee-Ball alleys designed specifically for the home, it was made clear that some families and home settings were more conducive to "home-friendly balls." What does that mean you might ask? Our Skee-Ball Deluxe balls are made of high-density rubber. The gameplay is the same, but the feel is different as it is a lighter-weight ball. Or as we say a "dry wall" friendly ball!
Here's a description, not from us, but from someone who has experienced the difference:
"Skee-Ball Deluxe is perfect for having a blast with my family...and at a reasonable price point. The rubber balls are great for kids and safety purposes." - Abby
Ah, we're so glad you asked. While we cannot take credit for the beautiful design and creativity come to life in these game rooms, take a look at our Game Room Inspiration gallery for authentic in-home game rooms, official commercial arcades, luxury vacation rentals and more - all that feature your favorite games.
Technically the official brand name is Skee-Ball®. The only exception is if you are coming in after a day on the slopes, in which your Après-ski is a rendezvous around the lodge's authentic Skee-Ball alley. Then, and only then, can you consider calling it Ski-Ball. (But don't tell us.)
Ordering
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We accept all major credit cards, Google Pay, and PayPal. We've also partnered with Affirm to offer financing on applicable Skee-Ball® products, which means you can play now and pay later! See here for financing information and eligibility. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: Affirm Lending Partners
Right here on skeeball.com! But before you order, make note of what balls you need for your particular Skee-Ball alley roller.
We do not recommend interchanging Skee-Ball® game balls between arcade machines. Game balls need to be a specific size per machine in order to trigger sensors and not get stuck.
However, the Skee-Ball Classic, Glow and 1908 models all use the same size game balls and can be interchanged.
Shop our Skee-Ball alley replacement balls.
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