Most arcade operators face the same problem: different machines from different suppliers mean different cabinet sizes, different spare parts, and a messy-looking floor layout. At Hiclawcrane, we solved this with a simple but powerful idea — four completely different game types, all built into the same standard cabinet size.
That means you can mix and match claw crane machines, clip machines, gashapon machines, and snack machines in any combination, and they'll line up perfectly side by side — uniform appearance, unified spare parts, and maximum flexibility to adjust your game mix as your venue evolves.
All 4 machine types can be freely combined in any order or quantity. Build a row of 2, a wall of 8, or a mixed zone of 20 — every machine fits perfectly next to any other, because they all share the same 600×600mm cabinet footprint.
The 4 Machine Types
Note on revenue figures: The monthly revenue ranges shown below are reference estimates based on operator experience. Actual revenue depends primarily on location foot traffic, venue type, prize selection, pricing, and how well the machine is operated — not the machine type alone. A well-placed snack machine can outperform a poorly-placed claw machine. Use these figures as a starting point for planning, not as guarantees.
1. Claw Crane Machine (520cm Gantry)
The flagship of any arcade zone. Our 520cm gantry claw crane machine is a full-size, coin-operated prize machine where players use a joystick to control the claw and grab plush toys, figures, or other prizes. The claw strength is fully adjustable by the operator, giving you precise control over win rate and prize payout.
- Best for: High-traffic venues — shopping malls, FECs, cinemas
- Player appeal: High excitement, skill element, spectacle that draws crowds
- Operator control: Full win rate adjustment via mainboard settings
- Reference revenue: $500 – $2,500/month (varies by location and foot traffic)
2. Clip Machine
The clip machine displays prizes — plush toys, keychains, small figures — clipped or hung on a rotating or static display rack inside the cabinet. Players insert coins and the machine releases a prize. Every play wins, making it highly satisfying for players and easy to operate.
- Best for: Family venues, supermarkets, retail environments
- Player appeal: Visual, impulse-driven — players can see exactly what they might win
- Operator advantage: Wide prize flexibility — stock anything that can be clipped
- Reference revenue: $300 – $1,500/month (varies by location and prize selection)
3. Gashapon Machine (Capsule Toy Machine)
The gashapon machine dispenses a sealed capsule containing a small toy, collectible, or accessory with every play. Players don't know which specific item from a set they'll receive — the surprise element drives repeat plays and collector behavior.
- Best for: Anime stores, hobby shops, cafes, convenience stores
- Player appeal: Collectible sets drive repeat plays — players come back to complete the series
- Operator advantage: Very low prize cost ($0.30 – $2 per capsule), highly consistent revenue
- Reference revenue: $300 – $1,200/month (varies by location and capsule selection)
4. Snack Machine
The snack machine uses the same standard cabinet to dispense candy, snacks, or small food items. It broadens your audience beyond prize-seekers to everyday shoppers and families, and generates consistent revenue with very low maintenance.
- Best for: High foot traffic venues — malls, cinemas, transport hubs
- Player appeal: Impulse purchase — no skill required, immediate reward
- Operator advantage: High turnover, low restocking complexity
- Reference revenue: $200 – $800/month (varies by location and product selection)
The Real Driver of Revenue: Location & Occupancy
It's important to understand that machine type is only one factor in profitability. The single biggest driver of revenue is occupancy rate — how many people walk past your machine and how many of them stop to play.
A claw machine in a quiet corner will earn far less than a snack machine next to a busy checkout queue. Before choosing your machine mix, prioritize:
- Foot traffic volume — more passersby means more plays
- Demographic match — families, teens, and young adults are the highest-converting demographics for prize machines
- Visibility and placement — machines near entrances and high-traffic corridors consistently outperform machines in corners
- Prize relevance — prizes that match your venue's audience drive significantly higher play rates
- Pricing — price per play should match the spending habits of your local market
The advantage of Hiclawcrane's unified cabinet system is that if one machine type underperforms at a location, you can swap the internal configuration without changing the footprint or renegotiating your venue placement.
Why the Same Cabinet Size Changes Everything
When all four machine types share the same standard cabinet dimensions, you gain advantages that operators with mixed-supplier fleets simply don't have:
- Uniform appearance — your arcade zone looks professional and intentional
- Unified spare parts — one set of spare parts covers your entire fleet
- Flexible game mix — swap machine types without changing your floor layout
- Easier venue negotiations — a clean, uniform setup is far more persuasive to mall managers
- Scalable operations — replicate the same proven combination at every new location
Recommended Combinations
Here are three proven arcade zone setups using Hiclawcrane's 4 machine types:
Shopping Mall Setup (4–6 machines)
- 2 × Claw Crane Machine (anchor machines — high visibility, high revenue)
- 1 × Clip Machine (family-friendly, impulse plays)
- 1 × Gashapon Machine (collectible appeal, repeat players)
- 1–2 × Snack Machine (broadens audience, consistent revenue)
Supermarket / Retail Setup (2–3 machines)
- 1 × Clip Machine or Gashapon Machine (compact, low noise)
- 1 × Snack Machine (impulse purchase near checkout)
- 1 × Claw Crane Machine (if space allows)
Anime / Hobby Store Setup (2–4 machines)
- 2 × Gashapon Machine (collectible sets — core revenue driver)
- 1 × Clip Machine (themed prizes matching store inventory)
- 1 × Claw Crane Machine (spectacle and excitement)
Wholesale Pricing & OEM Options
All four machine types are available for wholesale ordering direct from our factory in Guangzhou. We offer:
- Factory-direct pricing with no middleman markup
- OEM branding — custom colors, logos, and cabinet wraps available
- Mixed-model orders — combine machine types in a single shipment
- Full spare parts availability for all models
- Pre-sales and after-sales technical support
Browse our claw crane machines and gashapon & clip machines, or contact us to discuss a custom combination order for your venue.