The machine does take some assembly.  But, the majority of the assembly can be done by one person with a nut driver or a screwdriver.  I had to add some extra material over large gaps in the ball return areas to prevent the balls from falling into cavities of the machine.  I use small pieces of masonite and contact cement to cover the gaps.  After the large gaps were filled the balls seemed to work in the return system flawlessly.  The lights and point counter all seem to work fine and the kids really enjoy playing the game against each other.