Claw machines are some of the most challenging arcade games and the most addicting! While some may say these machines are rigged, we say it's all fun and games. In America, claw machines are pretty popular. If you head to Japan, you'll find a whole country in love with the crane machine. From physical claw machines to apps that simulate the claw game, Japan has a strong passion for trying to win plush toys that dangle from the metal claw.
Below, we explore the history of these games and why they're so popular.
The history of claw machines is a little bit foggy. The early versions of the crane vending machine were created in the late 1800s in America. These early versions were inspired by a steam shovel, though they were not launched to the public until the 1900s. The initial prizes in these games were tasty candies.
In 1960, Sega and Taito launched the first crane game in Japan. At this point, the prizes were still candy and cookies. In the 1980s, America saw a spike in the game's popularity. In contrast, Japan had already developed a love for this game in the 70s. As the popularity grew, the number of crane machines also grew.
There's no simple reason why claw machines are so popular. Perhaps it's the adorable or fun prizes that you can win. It may also be a competitive nature that drives consumers to want to get the toy or prize to drop into the bin. Either way, it's undeniable that they're highly addictive games.
The cost of the claw machine depends on how high-end the prices are. However, you can expect most claw vending machines to be around 100 yen (about $0.80). Depending on where you go for a claw machine, you may find some as low as 10 yen (about $0.09) for small prizes per game.
You can still expect cookies and candy from some machines. However, most of these claw machines are all about soft, squishy plush stuffed animals. These stuffed animals make it challenging to walk away from the claw machine.
You can also find figurines of beloved anime characters, prize figures, and hikkake figures. Hikkake figures are kawaii, aka super cute, figures that sit on top of a box or other similar surface. Many people love that these characters are perched on a box, so you can have them keep you company on any surface.
We love the noodle stoppers that you can get from the crane vending machine! These toppers come in the form of different character figurines. They help hold your ramen cover from opening, so you get perfectly steamed ramen noodles every time.
Sure, you can play a few games at a nearby claw machine to try to win a prize. Or, you can enjoy these claw machine-inspired prizes without spending hours and money at the crane machines. Here are a few adorable plush toys that you'll love!
Alpha Mini Yoshi Plush
This mini Yoshi plush is super adorable, squishy (a prerequisite), and small enough to carry around or display. This Super Mario plushy will add a cute touch to your room. They also make great gifts.
Alpha Mini Kirby Plush
Need a friend for your mini Yoshi? Try adding this mini Kirby plush to your collection. It even comes with a keychain, so you can easily attach it to a purse or backpack.
Lig Gudetama Talking Plush
If you want to take your plush collection to the next level, you can check out this Gudetama plushy that talks! It does a little dance and repeats what you say in any language. This is one plush that you’ll want to display front and center.
While Bokksu Boutique has adorable toys, it's also full of delicious Japanese snacks and Japanese candy. You can enjoy Japanese sweets or try a Japanese candy box if you have a sweet tooth. Not sure what to order? Try a Japanese snack subscription box. This Japanese snack box is packed with authentic Japanese treats that are sweet and savory.
See a real crane game in action with our TikTok!
By Krystina Quintana
If you need claw machines
One of the most popular forms of carnival amusement and arcade game is the claw machine. You probably know what we’re talking about before we even describe it. The claw machine involves maneuvering a claw across a playing field and then strategically picking up a prize within the cabinet and getting to the prize doors.
Easier said than done, claw machines are some of the most challenging and rewarding arcade games out there.
Beyond that, there are many different varieties of claw machines as well as a ton of different prizes you can win.
Before we discuss prizes, we’re going to outline the five best aspects of claw machines:
1. Combines Chance with Skill
One of the best aspects of any claw machine is that it combines chance – such as in gambling – with skill, like as in playing a video game or sport. This unique combination makes it compelling and just a little addicting. But, unlike an electronic game, you aren’t going to be rewarded with a “high score.” You get something much better instead.
2. Awesome Prizes
Points in a claw machine are literal prizes that you can take home with you. If you don’t think that’s better than topping a leader board on an arcade cabinet then we don’t know what is wrong with you. As we will discuss later, the variety of prizes you can get in a claw machine pretty much encompasses anything under the sun though there are variations by country depending on local laws. (for example, you won’t find tobacco products in any US-based claw machine but many East Asian claw game machines offer this prize).
3. Tons of Variety
Claw machines come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. This means that once you’ve mastered one style you will invariably be able to find another style to start playing. And when we say variety, we mean variety. From dual-claw cabinets to having to grab at objects from different angles, the different types of claw machines means you will never have the chance to get bored.
4. You Get Better the More You Play
Despite popular misconceptions, you can actually improve your skills at a claw machine. Naturally, the best way to get better is to play more often. Like we said above, there are a lot of different claw machines out there and each one has a different feel but trust us when we say this: You can beat them and become a master player. Just look up any video on YouTube with claw machine and master or winner and you will see what we are talking about when it comes to the skill aspect of the game.
5. Easy to Find
Trying to find a claw machine is not a hard task. In fact, you’ll probably have an easier time finding one of these than you can find a traditional electronic arcade game. From boardwalk venues to carnivals to arcades, plazas, and many more locations, claw machines are the single most ubiquitous coin-op game on the planet.
Now that we’ve gotten some of the best aspects of playing a claw machine out of the way we can focus on how claw machines are different by country or region.
Basically, there are no rules as to what can and cannot be a prize in a claw machine. This versatility is what makes them so popular with attractions and business owners that are looking to make some extra money on the side.
But there are some restrictions when it comes to prizes if laws prohibit the prize or restrict it based on age. Because anyone of any age can play a claw machine, anyone can theoretically win the prizes inside. That’s why in regions of the world where tobacco and alcohol are restricted you won’t see those as prizes in a claw machine. Of course, there might be some options depending on where the claw machine is located, but, for the most part, prizes aren’t going to violate local laws.
Common prizes in the United States and the West include items such as stuffed animals, electronic devices, cellphones, and even money.
In regions of East Asia, it is not abnormal to see tobacco or toys, games, and many of the same items as in the West.
One big distinguishing factor between the two regions is that claw machines in East Asia tend to be way more complex than those found in the West. What that means in practice is that the prizes are often a lot better as well.
What, exactly, determines the kind of prizes a claw machine has? Look no further than how much it costs to play the claw machine.
Typically, lower priced claw machines offer the lowest tier of prizes for their players. These can include cheap toys and stuffed animals or other low-priced items. Expensive claw machines, on the other hand, can have some of the most expensive prizes out there. Don’t be surprised if you’re fishing for a smartphone at $5 or more a pop.
Some of the most popular claw machines in Japan offer figurines and anime or manga-inspired collectible items as the prizes. In fact, many of Japan’s most popular claw machines are driven by collectors who need to “catch them all.” Here, the claw machine mechanics in Japan are similar to the gatcha games that are also very popular there.
Gatcha games comes from the sound of the turning mechanical wheel that vends a plastic ball with an item inside to the user. Like claw machines, gatcha games range in price but tend to hew closely to a few types of items – all of which tend to be small – that are collectible.
From promoting a new video game, show, manga, or movie to iterative releases of classic lines, gatcha prizes emphasize collecting and are purely based upon chance. There’s no skill required in a gatcha game, but in a claw machine you can turn the tables and use your skill to get what you want.
Given all of the different varieties of claw games and all the different prizes out there, what are some things to look out for when you’re playing a claw machine? Here are ten suggestions for picking the claw machine right for you
1. Look at the Prizes
Probably one of the most important things to consider when choosing a claw machine is what kinds of prizes are on offer in each game. Pick the one that you like the best and give it a shot!
2. Look at the Price
Aside from prizes, you should probably also look at the prices of the claw machines to help you decide upon which one you want to play. If price isn’t important then it doesn’t matter but if you plan on playing for a while you need to check out the prices.
3. Try Out Different Claw machines
There’s no better way to take advantage of a selection of items than to sample each one out first.
4. Stick with One You Like
After trying out the claw machines, pick one that you like and stick with it. It’s the only way you can get better – and hopefully win a prize!
5. Pick One with Tons of Stuff in It
Aside from the first four suggestions, you should also pick a claw machine that has a ton of stuff in it. This will make it easier to win prizes as well as uncover new prizes while you play.
6. Pick One with Good Lighting
You want to see what you’re doing, right? That means you should pick a claw machine with good lighting/
7. Play a Claw machine in a Public Place
Just in case you need help and something goes wrong with the game.
8. Play for Prizes for Someone Else
Nothing motivates someone more than trying to win a cool prize for someone else. If you can’t find something you like, play for something for someone else instead.
9. Pick One That Makes It Fun to Play
Lights and sounds help make a claw machine that much more fun to play. Look for a game that lights up when you interact with it and buzzes and beeps as well. It just adds so much to the atmosphere.
10. Pick One You Can Afford If You Want to Play for a Long Time
If you’re planning on a long gaming session then you need to pick a claw machine you can afford.