Glossary
A reference for common virtual pinball terms, acronyms, and jargon.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| VPX | Visual Pinball X — the main virtual pinball simulation engine |
| VPW | VpinWorkshop — community resource for VPX tables |
| B2S | Back2Screen — software that drives the backglass display |
| DMD | Dot Matrix Display — the score/animation screen on real and virtual machines |
| DOF | DirectOutput Framework — connects software to physical feedback toys |
| PinballX | A popular frontend/launcher for virtual pinball cabinets |
| PinUP Popper | Another popular pinball frontend with media support |
| Plunger | The spring-loaded ball launcher, often replicated physically in cabs |
| Nudge | Physically tilting the cabinet to influence the ball — simulated via accelerometer |
| ROM | Read-Only Memory — the game logic file for WPC-era tables |
| VPinMAME | Emulator that runs pinball ROMs inside VPX |
| SSF | Surround Sound Feedback — positional audio for cabinet immersion |
| Shaker | Motor that vibrates the cabinet in sync with game events |
| Solenoid | Electromechanical actuator that creates tactile pops and knocker effects |
| Contactors | High-current solenoids for flipper feedback |
| LedWiz / Pinscape | Controller boards used to drive DOF output devices |
| Batocera | Linux-based retro gaming OS with VPX Standalone support |
| VPX Standalone | A cross-platform port of VPX that runs on Linux/Mac/iOS |