Coastal Amusements Vortex

The playfield rotates. The bonus hole moves with it. The plunger stays fixed.

Overview

The Vortex by Coastal Amusements is a skill-based redemption game built around a continuously rotating LED-lit playfield. Players use a plunger to launch a ball at a moving bonus hole — the playfield never stops, so every launch demands real timing. The rotating disc and on-target LED lighting make the game visible and legible from across the room.

Key Features

Rotating LED-Lit Playfield

The playfield spins continuously during play, moving the bonus hole target in a circular path. LED lighting runs along the rotating surface, keeping the target area visible at every position in the rotation cycle. The motion of the lit disc is readable from a distance.

Plunger Launch Mechanism

Players launch the ball by pulling and releasing a physical plunger — a fixed mechanical input that puts launch power directly in the player's hands. Because the plunger position is stationary while the target rotates, the timing of the release determines whether the ball hits the bonus hole.

Skill-Based Play Structure

Coastal Amusements designed the Vortex as a game where the player has full control over the outcome. Ball trajectory and launch timing are the sole variables — there is no random element introduced by the machine between the plunger release and the ball's contact with the playfield.

Upright Cabinet Format

The cabinet stands 106 inches tall with a 49-inch width and 42-inch depth. The tall profile keeps the rotating playfield elevated and visible above neighboring machines. The footprint fits within the standard spacing of most arcade floor plans.

How It Plays

The player pulls the plunger back and times the release to intercept the bonus hole as the playfield rotates past the launch window. Getting the ball into the bonus hole requires reading the rotation speed and committing to a release moment — there is no corrective action once the ball leaves the plunger. From across the arcade, bystanders see the LED-lit disc spinning and watch the ball arc toward the moving target, making the hit-or-miss outcome immediately clear at a distance.

Specifications

Why Operators Love It

Compact Footprint for Standard Floor Plans

At 49 inches wide and 42 inches deep, the Vortex occupies a footprint that fits standard arcade wall slots and mid-floor arrangements without requiring a dedicated zone or custom spacing.

Single-Player Cycle, Fast Turnover

Each play is a single-player launch sequence with a short, defined cycle. The game resets quickly between plays — no multi-player sequencing or extended rounds that hold the machine between earning cycles.

Bystander Visibility from the Floor

The 106-inch cabinet height positions the rotating LED-lit disc above neighboring equipment sightlines. The spinning surface and lighting are visible from multiple approach angles without requiring signage or additional display hardware to draw attention to the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the Vortex arcade game?

The Vortex is manufactured by Coastal Amusements. It is listed under item number CADM 029258N.

What is the assembled footprint of the Vortex?

The Vortex assembles to 49 inches wide, 42 inches deep, and 106 inches tall. Verify ceiling clearance before placement — at just over 8.8 feet tall, the cabinet requires standard commercial ceiling heights.

How does the Vortex determine a winning play?

The player launches a ball via a fixed plunger and must land it in the bonus hole on the rotating playfield. Because the playfield spins continuously, the outcome is determined entirely by the timing of the player's plunger release — Coastal Amusements designed it as a game of full player control.

Ideal Placement

The Vortex is well-suited for family entertainment centers, bowling center arcades, trampoline parks, and mini-golf clubhouses where a single-player game with a short cycle fits the traffic flow. Its 106-inch height and rotating LED surface also make it a functional anchor piece in larger arcade rooms where vertical visibility helps define zone boundaries on the floor. The 49-inch width allows placement in standard wall-slot configurations without custom spacing.

Shipping & Setup

We offer flexible freight delivery options, including curbside and lift-gate services. Shipping costs and timing are calculated at checkout based on your location and requirements.

Warranty & Support

Your purchase includes a standard manufacturer warranty and access to technical support to ensure long-term performance and uptime.