Arcade Glossary – Key Terms for Claw Machines & Arcade Parts
Whether you are an arcade operator, a DIY builder, or a hobbyist, understanding the terminology used in the arcade industry helps you choose the right parts and maintain your machines with confidence. Below is a comprehensive glossary of key terms used in claw crane machines and arcade hardware.
A
Arcade Cabinet
The physical housing or enclosure that contains the arcade game hardware, including the monitor, control panel, speakers, and PCB. Cabinets come in upright, cocktail, and sit-down configurations.
Arcade PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
The main electronic board that runs the arcade game software. Also referred to as a game board or motherboard. Common examples include JAMMA boards and multi-game boards like the 60-in-1.
C
Claw Machine (Claw Crane Machine)
A coin-operated arcade machine where players use a joystick to control a mechanical claw to grab prizes. Also known as a crane game or UFO catcher. Key components include the gantry, claw, motor, control board, and coin acceptor.
Coin Acceptor (Coin Mechanism)
The electronic or mechanical device inside a coin-operated machine that validates and accepts coins or tokens. It detects the size, weight, and metal composition of coins to prevent fraud. Common types include single-coin and multi-coin acceptors.
Control Board
The electronic board that manages the operation of a claw machine, including claw strength, timing, movement speed, and prize dispensing logic. Also called a claw machine motherboard or main board.
CRT Monitor
Cathode Ray Tube monitor. The traditional display technology used in classic arcade cabinets. Many JAMMA boards support both CRT and VGA output.
G
Gantry
The overhead rail system inside a claw crane machine that allows the claw to move horizontally (left/right and forward/backward). The gantry is driven by motors and controlled by the machine's control board. Gantry size (e.g., 53cm) determines the play area of the machine.
Game Board
See Arcade PCB.
J
JAMMA (Japan Amusement Machine and Marketing Association)
An industry-standard wiring harness and edge connector specification used in arcade cabinets. A JAMMA connector has 56 pins (28 per side) and standardizes the connection between the arcade cabinet and the game PCB. Most classic and modern arcade boards use the JAMMA standard, making them interchangeable across compatible cabinets.
JAMMA Harness (Wiring Harness)
The cable assembly that connects the arcade cabinet's wiring to the JAMMA edge connector on the PCB. A standard JAMMA harness is typically 150cm long and includes connections for power, video, audio, controls, and coin mechanisms.
Joystick
The input device used by players to control movement in arcade games or claw machines. Joysticks are classified by the number of directions they support: 4-way (up, down, left, right) or 8-way (including diagonals). Long-shaft joysticks are common in fighting game cabinets and claw machines.
M
Motherboard (Arcade Motherboard)
See Arcade PCB. In the context of multi-game systems, the motherboard runs multiple games from a single board, such as the popular 60-in-1 JAMMA motherboard.
Motor (Claw Machine Motor)
The electric motor that drives the gantry movement and claw operation in a claw crane machine. Motors control X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis (up/down) movement of the claw.
P
Pinball Shooter (Ball Shooter / Plunger)
The spring-loaded rod mechanism used in pinball machines to launch the ball into play. The shooter rod typically has a chrome or rubber-tipped handle and is a common replacement part in pinball machine maintenance.
Prize Sensor
A sensor inside a claw machine that detects when a prize has been successfully dropped into the prize chute. It triggers the win signal and may activate lights or sounds.
T
T-Molding
A flexible plastic strip inserted into a groove along the edges of an arcade cabinet to protect the edges and provide a finished appearance. T-molding comes in various widths (commonly 19mm) and colors.
Token (Arcade Token)
A metal or plastic coin substitute used in arcade machines instead of standard currency. Tokens are accepted by coin acceptors configured for the specific token size and weight.
V
VGA Output
Video Graphics Array output. A video connection standard supported by many modern arcade boards, allowing the game to be displayed on a standard PC monitor or VGA-compatible display instead of a CRT monitor.
W
Wiring Harness
See JAMMA Harness. A bundled set of wires and connectors that link the various components of an arcade cabinet (power supply, monitor, controls, PCB) into a single organized assembly.
Have a term you don't see here? Contact us and we'll add it. For parts related to any of the above components, browse our full product catalog or visit our FAQ page for common questions about claw machine parts and arcade hardware.