Welcome to Pinny Arcade!
Whether you’ve seen signs at booths, spotted people trading, or just been handed a shiny piece of metal and wondered, “What is this?” — welcome!
Pinny Arcade is more than collecting pins. There is something magical that draws you in — discovering amazing pins, building a collection, trading with other collectors, and realizing that they’re just like you.
This page is your starting point. We’ll give you a quick introduction to Pinny Arcade, how to get your first pins, the basics of trading, and where to go when you’re ready to learn more.
Everyone starts with their first pin. Let’s start your Pinny journey!
New to Pinny Arcade? Start Here!
Want a quick introduction? PinnyPals community member Axira57 has created a fantastic beginner-friendly video explaining the hobby and helping new collectors get started.
Video created by Axira5
What is Pinny Arcade?
Pinny Arcade is the official collectible pin-trading program of Penny Arcade and PAX, started in 2013. The idea was inspired by Disney pin trading, which gave Penny Arcade co-founder Mike Krahulik the idea of bringing collecting and trading to the PAX community.
Since then, Pinny Arcade has grown to more than 2,200 different pins, featuring Penny Arcade characters, PAX designs, video games and collaborations with participating companies.
Pins are mainly sold, earned or given away at PAX, although many can also be purchased online. At PAX, you might find them at merchandise booths, exhibitor stands, attending panels, trading boards, activities and giveaways, or — of course — by trading with other collectors.
Not sure whether a pin is an official Pinny Arcade pin? Flip it over! Official Pinnys can be identified by the Pinny Arcade logo stamped on the back.
That’s really all you need to know to get started.
See a pin you love? Welcome to the hunt.
Getting Your First Pins
There are lots of ways to get your first Pin!
Pins can be purchased from the Penny Arcade website, during PAX, or traded with other collectors.
If you're at PAX, keep an eye out for the Pin Quest, which shows this year's PAX pins available around the show. You can also visit official trading boards and community trading events — even if you're brand new.
Don't feel like you need to collect everything. Start with the pins you love and let your collection grow from there.
Trading 101
Trading is where Pinny Arcade really becomes a community. You can trade with other collectors, visit official trading boards at PAX, or join community trading sessions and meetups.
If you see a pin you like, just ask! Most collectors are happy to look at what you have and see if there’s a trade that works for both of you. It’s also completely okay for either person to politely say no.
Pins can vary greatly in rarity and value, so not every pin will necessarily trade one-for-one. You don’t need to know all of that when you’re starting out — collect what you love, be respectful, and have fun.
Want to learn more about trading, values and etiquette? We’ll link you to some fantastic community-created resources below.
Your First PAX
PAX is where Pinny Arcade really comes to life! You’ll find pins throughout the convention, collectors trading in the halls, official trading boards, and plenty of opportunities to meet other PinnyPals.
Don’t worry about trying to find everything or knowing exactly what you’re doing on your first day. Pick up the pins you love, ask questions, make a trade or two, and enjoy the experience!
Join the Slack channel for your PAX!
Each PAX has its own channel in the PinnyPals Slack, and it’s one of the best resources you can have during the weekend. Ask a question about that specific PAX and chances are someone in the community can help pretty quickly. It’s also much more up-to-the-minute than a website or guide can ever be.
Want to know where the community is trading?
(Our PAX section is coming soon, with community trading meetup times, useful information for each PAX, and post-PAX articles looking back at the pins, trading and community highlights from the weekend.)
For a much deeper look at trading and navigating PAX as a collector, check out Bandersnee’s Beginner’s Guide to Pinny Arcade Trading in our Want to Learn More? section.
Keeping Track of Your Collection
Once you’ve collected more than a handful of pins, it doesn’t take long before you start wondering, “Wait... do I already have this one?”
PinnyPals lets you catalogue the pins you own, create a wishlist and keep track of pins you have available to trade. It’s also incredibly useful when trading with other collectors, as you can compare collections and see what each other is looking for.
PinnyDB is another great resource for exploring the huge range of Pinny Arcade pins that have been released over the years and learning more about individual pins.
PinnyTracker can help you find third-party pins that are still available to purchase and view current and historical listings, which can give you a very rough idea of a pin’s value. Just remember that pin values aren’t set in stone — one collector may value a pin very differently from another. Ask questions when you trade, and never feel pressured to agree to a trade if you don’t agree with the value being placed on a pin.
Pinny Arcade Glossary
Like any hobby, Pinny Arcade has picked up its own language over the years. Here are some of the terms you're most likely to hear while collecting, trading or wandering around PAX.
Pinny – An official Penny Arcade pin, identified by the Pinny Arcade logo stamped on the back.
LE – Limited Edition – A pin released in a limited quantity.
Time Sink Pin – A pin earned by spending time completing an activity rather than simply purchasing it. This might mean standing in line, playing a game, attending a panel or completing another activity.
Fodder Pin – a super common or low valued pin. Great to use to trade for the Show Set pins or at the Pin Boards.
Third-Party Pin – An official Pinny Arcade pin created in collaboration with another company, often to promote a game, event, character or mascot.
PAX – Short for Penny Arcade Expo, a series of conventions held throughout the year: PAX East in Boston, PAX West in Seattle, PAX Aus in Melbourne and PAX Unplugged in Philadelphia.
Pin Quest – A guide to the new Pinny Arcade pins released for each PAX, including the Show Set, Limited Edition pin and participating third-party pins, along with information about where and how to get them. Other pins may also be available throughout the show. The Pin Quest is traditionally released 1 week before the convention opens.
Show Set – A set of four pins released for each PAX, usually designed around that year’s show and location. The set always includes a pin featuring the name of the PAX and the year.
Main Merch / Merch Lite – Official PAX merchandise locations. Main Merch carries the larger selection, while Merch Lite is a smaller location where you can also pick up the show’s Limited Edition pin.
Trade Table – An official Pinny Arcade trading area located near Main Merch or Merch Lite. Trade one pin to play a game of chance—such as Spin the Wheel, Roll the Dice or Plinko— to receive a randomly won Trade Set pin. You’ll usually find official Trading Boards here as well.
Trade Set – A themed set of pins released throughout the year and available at each PAX. These evolved from the original Staff Pins into themed sets, beginning with the Horoscope Set. Trade Set pins are mainly obtained through the trading games and activities near Main Merch and Merch Lite.
Staff Pin – Part of the original yearly Staff Sets, these pins could only be obtained by finding and trading with the specific Penny Arcade staff member connected to the pin. The final Staff Set was the Food Set in 2017, before the system changed to the Trade Set, beginning with the Horoscope Set.
Trading Board / Pin Board – An official board where you can trade one official Pinny Arcade pin for one pin on the board. Trading Boards can be found at several locations around PAX. Before trading, check the back of the pin you want to make sure it has the official Pinny Arcade logo—you don’t want that heartbreak!
Blind Box / Blind Bag – a bag or box that includes official PA pin(s) but you don’t know which pin is inside until you open it.
Variant – A different version of an existing pin. Usually it is just a different production year on the back. Some collectors enjoy collecting every version, while others are happy with just one
Completionist – A collector attempting to collect at least one copy of every Pinny Arcade pin.
Proxy – Someone who agrees to buy or obtain pins at a PAX for another collector who can’t attend. This might be an arrangement between friends, within a group of collectors, or someone offering to proxy for the wider community.
Pin Mule - A person who will deliver pins from one person to another to save on shipping, usually from one PAX to another.
Hear a term that's not here? Ask!
Pinny Arcade has been around since 2013, and collectors have picked up plenty of shorthand, nicknames and community terms along the way. We'll keep adding to this glossary as we find more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I make a mistake or don't know all the trading rules?
Don't stress about knowing everything straight away. Tell the person you're trading with that you're new, ask questions and take your time. Nobody should pressure you into making a trade. You'll pick up the rest as you go.
Do I need to go to PAX to collect Pinny Arcade pins?
No! PAX is definitely a great place to start, but you don't need to attend to be part of the community. Pins can be purchased online, traded with other collectors, and sometimes obtained through a proxy.
How do I know if a pin is an official Pinny Arcade pin?
Flip it over! Official Pinny Arcade pins have the Pinny Arcade logo stamped on the back.
Do I need lots of pins before I can start trading?
Not at all. Everyone starts somewhere. Even having one or two pins you're willing to trade is enough to get started.
Does every pin trade one-for-one?
Not necessarily. Some pins are harder to find than others and collectors may value pins differently. If you're unsure, ask questions before agreeing to a trade. You can ask other community members what they think about the trade or even ask on Slack or Discord.
Can I trade at PAX if I've never traded before?
Absolutely! Visit one of the official Trading Boards or come along to a community trading meetup. Tell people you're new—most PinnyPals are more than happy to help you figure things out.
Can I trade any enamel pin at an official PAX Trading Board?
No. Official Trading Boards are for Pinny Arcade pins. Check the back for the official Pinny Arcade logo before trading.
Where can I find out which pins will be available at PAX?
Look for the Pin Quest for that PAX on the official Penny Arcade website. It highlights the new pins and where to find them. You can also join the PinnyPals Slack channel for your specific PAX for more up-to-the-minute information from collectors at the show.
What if I can't attend a PAX but there's a pin I really want?
You may be able to arrange a proxy with another collector who is attending. The community also trades pins after each show, so missing PAX doesn't necessarily mean missing the pin forever.
How much is my pin worth?
There isn't an official price guide for traded pins. Rarity, availability and demand can all play a part, but ultimately a pin is worth what two collectors agree it's worth. PinnyTracker can give you a rough idea from current and historical listings, but those prices aren't rules.
Do I have to collect everything?
Definitely not! Some people chase complete sets, some collect particular games or characters, and some just grab whatever makes them smile. There is no right way to build your collection.
I still have a question. Where should I ask?
Ask us! The PinnyPals community is active on Slack, Discord, Facebook and Instagram, and newcomers are always welcome. Chances are, if you're wondering about something, another collector has wondered the same thing.
Want to Learn More?
A Deep Dive Into PAX's Pinny Arcade Community by Rock Paper Shotgun
Beginner’s Guide to Pinny Arcade Trading
Written by community member Bandersnee
This is one of the best Pinny Arcade resources you could ask for. Bandersnee has created an incredibly thorough guide built from his own experiences in the community. He covers everything from finding and valuing pins to trading etiquette, community events, online trading and all that wonderfully confusing Pinny terminology.
We cannot recommend this guide highly enough for new collectors!
Ready to Join the Community?
You know what Pinnys are, you know where to find them, and you know enough to make that first trade. Now comes one of the best parts — meeting the people who make this hobby so much fun.
The PinnyPals community is spread around the world, and there are plenty of ways to connect. Join us on Slack and Discord to talk pins, ask questions and keep up with what’s happening at each PAX. You can also follow The PinnyPals Gazette on Facebook and Instagram for pin news, community highlights and updates.
If you're heading to a PAX, make sure you join the Slack channel for your specific show. It's one of the easiest ways to find other collectors, keep up with trading meetups and find out what's happening while you're actually there.
And when you spot a group of people standing around at PAX staring intently at little pieces of metal...
Come say hi. You’re one of us now.
Didn't find answers to your questions??
Please let me know by either Slack or email and I'll get back to you and add it!
Email - AnastasiaCooper14@gmail.com
Slack Username - Luckycharm
The PinnyPals Gazette
Contact:
Anastasia "Luckycharm" Cooper - Editor
PPWebsite/Slack Username - Luckycharm
The PinnyPals Gazette is a community-run fan site and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially associated with Penny Arcade or PAX. Pinny Arcade, PAX and related names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.