You may have noticed … old-school claw machines are hot again, but with a fresh new look. So what’s behind the global obsession as it trends especially hard in Las Vegas?
🕹️ The Claw Machine Comeback
Back in the day, claw machines were an afterthought at video arcades, shopping malls, and the occasional grocery store. Today, they’re enjoying a comeback, thanks in part to the popularity of Pokémon merch and Labubu dolls, which are sometimes used as prizes (along with fake versions — beware) and have lifted overall demand for plush toys as claw machine rewards.
🤑 A Gen-Z Alternative
With fewer shopping malls around and record prices at movie theaters, Japanese-style claw machine arcades have become an enticing, affordable option for low-cost, casual fun. You can even view the arcades here in Vegas as casino alternatives for those who like to mix elements of risk and chance with games of skill.
👀 Tricks and Tips
There are all sorts of strategies for beating a variety of games. There’s even a hack to rig the machines out there, although some question how often it works. According to one gamer who resells prizes as a side hustle, difficulty settings can be adjusted by operators, so study which machines cough up prizes easily and often — and stick with those.
👍 Claw Machine Arcades in Las Vegas
Claw machines — or “crane games” — are showing up everywhere, including my local Smith’s 🛒 But top arcades are drawing passionate players:
- Claw Planet, between Henderson and Silverado Ranch on Eastern Ave., encourages winners to exchange smaller prizes for larger ones. You can also earn free tokens after filling up a stamp card.
- Go Go Crane in Chinatown has a variety of games, including Gashapon machines, which dispense guaranteed prizes inside small plastic eggs.
- Doll Warrior Claw is another one of several Chinatown arcades — in this case, inside Shanghai Plaza, which is also home to restaurants like ShangHai Taste and China Mama. Eat, play, repeat.
- Claw World on Flamingo is known for Labubu prizes, viral ice cream treats, and a monthly membership program.
- Cosmic Cat Claw Arcade in the Rhodes Ranch area on Durango loves to throw birthday parties for kids and is known for having Labubu dolls in the machines.
We’ve noticed a consistent trend. Most arcades report friendly staff that will offer advice and even reshuffle the prize stacks to help make sure visitors — especially kids — leave with at least one prize.
- Local journalist Melinda Sheckells couldn’t stop raving about Labubus and her favorite claw machine arcade on the City Cast Las Vegas monthly guide for August.
