The primary objective of Pin Bot is to score points by hitting targets and completing simple objectives. The rules of the game are for the most part identical to those of the pinball machine: The player starts with a lit marker set on Pluto and advances through the Solar System by hitting various lit targets. Reaching a certain flashing checkpoint planet (Saturn, Jupiter or Mars) awards a Special, which in this version lights an Extra Ball. Reaching the Sun also awards a Special, lighting another Extra Ball.
A 5x5 grid sits in front of Pin Bot's visor, and two banks of targets on the top and side of the grid allow the player to light the grid one or two units at a time. Once the grid is fully lit, the visor opens, allowing the player to lock the ball. Locking a second ball in the visor starts a two-ball multiball mode, during which scores are doubled. The player can then re-lock one of the balls and shoot the other up the Solar Ramp, collecting a bonus score.[5]