Unique claw machines in Singapore
Claw machine arcades are loads of fun. But after a while, it kind of feels like you’re plonking tokens into the same ol’ machines with the same ol’ prizes. There comes a point where you’ve either mastered the art of kiapping, or are tired of scoring just plushies during your arcade dates.
If you’re looking to get the same thrill but with a twist, here are some unique claw machines in Singapore that have different game mechanics and interesting prizes to win. We’ve sorted them based on permanent locations as well as pop-up ones, so keep a lookout for them.
– Permanent –
1. Ben & Jerry’s – Catch ice cream tubs for $1/play
Image adapted from: DancingBacons via YouTube
Ben & Jerry’s for a dollar? Well, not exactly – it’s a dollar per try at Ben & Jerry’s ice cream claw machines. These machines have sprouted at several malls around Singapore and have both mini tubs as well as regular ones up for grabs – literally. While they can be yours for just $1, you’ll need the skill and precision to get it on your first try.
While there isn’t an official list of all the machines available for now, several have been spotted at malls like Sembawang Mall, AMK Hub, Junction 8, and Heartland Mall.
2. Claw Story, Claw Bae & Claw Gey – Sure-win Japanese concept
Image credit: @claw.story via Instagram
The Claw Story, Claw Bae, and Claw Gey franchises are slightly different from one another, but they all use the Kuji system – commonly found in Japan. These are more luck-reliant than skill-based crane games. To claw machine purists, this might sound like blasphemy but it’s hard to deny that Kuji games are addictive – especially since they’re sure-win.
Essentially, the Kuji system involves getting a raffle ticket that could win you one of the prizes from a set, with each item only being able to be claimed once. Although the original Kuji system in Japan simply involves you pulling a ticket from a box, the Kuji claw machine games are a more fun and hands-on way to secure the raffle tickets.
Image credit: ClawBae via Facebook
For example, the Plinko-esque variation requires the player to grab a ball with the crane and drop it on the ramp. From there, all you can do is pray that it drops into the hole denoting the most attractive prize. Possible sure-win goodies include anime posters, figurines, and plushies flown in from Japan.
Claw Story
Address: 51 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, #03-01, Singapore 569922
Opening hours: 11am-1am, Daily
Contact: Claw Story website
Claw Bae
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #07-10/11A Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Opening hours: 12pm-11pm, Daily
Contact: Claw Bae website
Claw Gey
Address: 220 Geylang Road, Singapore 389280
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily | Staff service hours 5pm-11pm
Contact: Claw Gey website
3. Ofun Kiko – Win collectible cars like Hot Wheels
Image credit: @dailydiecastsg via Instagram
Located in Aperia Mall, this machine at Ofun Kiko arcade is stocked with interesting model cars that aren’t your usual claw machine prizes. We’re talking Hot Wheels and even more detail-oriented model car brands like Matchbox and INNO64.
The arcade holds a monthly challenge where the prizes are kept in opaque bags, so you won’t know what you’re gunning for. Fret not if you end up catching some designs you don’t fancy, as there are set targets where you can trade in a certain number of blind bag wins for your desired non-mystery prize.
Address: 12 Kallang Avenue, #01-08 Aperia Mall, Singapore 339509
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 9005 3522 | Ofun Kiko website
4. Cow Play Cow Moo – Massive plushies in a giant claw machine
Image credit: @wanxin_belle via Instagram
You won’t be hearing any complaints about size at Cow Play Cow Moo’s Suntec City branch, where the largest claw machine in Singapore stands. Naturally, the plushies you can win here are pretty massive too – you won’t find them squeezed within your average claw machine, that’s for sure.
That said, controlling the claw could prove to be a challenging task that takes some getting used to. The good news is, you’ll have plenty of reason to practise as they regularly switch up the prizes.Past bangers include giant unicorns, Winnie the Poohs, and XXL versions of loveable Tsum Tsum characters.
Cow Play Cow Moo (Hall A)
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-372 Suntec City, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: 10am-1am, Daily
Contact: Cow Play Cow Moo website
– Event-based –
5. Human claw machines – Become the claw to scoop up prizes
You often hear complaints that claw machines are rigged – whether it’s about how the claw isn’t strong enough to pick up the prizes or that they can’t hold onto them before it reaches the collection chute. Now it’ll all be in your control at these human claw machines – just make sure you’re gripping on tight and that you bring along a trusty “pilot” to take you both to victory.
There aren’t any available to play currently, but keep an eye out for future events that may have this station set up. One was spotted at the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2023 but if you can’t wait for the next event, you can rent one for your own party. While you’ll have to provide your own prizes, hunting for your own birthday presents as a human claw does sound fun.
Rent a human claw machine from BigTop.
6. Play United at pasar malams – $1 attempts to get durians
Image credit: The Local Tourist SG via Facebook
Nothing screams “uniquely Singapore” more than the durian claw machines by Play United. For just $1/play, you could win one of these fruits that were hand-picked and restocked by the Play United staff themselves. These seasonal machines were spotted at the Toa Payoh Centre and Choa Chu Kang pasar malams, which have since ended their run.
If you’ve missed your chance to try your hand at one of these machines, keep an eye on the Play United Instagram page for their return at future pasar malams. In the meantime, you could head over to their permanent outlets to practise on good ol’ regular claw machines.
Tampines One outlet
Address: 10 Tampines Central 1, #05-20 Tampines One, Singapore 529536
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 9082 5039
Hougang Mall outlet
Address: 90 Hougang Avenue 10, #05-01 & #05-15/19 Hougang Mall, Singapore 538766
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
City Square outlet
Address: 180 Kitchener Road, #B2-125 City Square Mall, Singapore 208539
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
7. Play United Tampines One – “Supermarket” claw machines
In their recent instalment of innovative claw machine ideas, Play United @ Tampines One has turned their arcade into a “supermarket”, complete with trolleys and baskets for you to stash your loot. The prizes from the claw machines here are essentials you would buy from supermarkets – think snacks, instant noodles, bottled drinks, and even tissue paper.
After you complete your “grocery run”, bring your basket or trolley over to the self-checkout area where you can pack your own prizes in the plastic bags provided to take home.
Address: 10 Tampines Central 1, #05-20 Tampines One, Singapore 529536
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 9082 5039 | Play United Singapore website
Check out these unique claw machines for new ways to catch prizes
As our collective love of claw machines grows, more unique and interesting machines will eventually pop up around Singapore. We just have to make sure that these innovations are ethical, though – no more crabby situations like what House of Seafood’s Punggol branch caused with their live crab claw machine fiasco.
Those who are too lazy to even leave the house can try playing live online claw machines like the Toreba, based in Japan but offering worldwide delivery for the prizes you catch. Control the claw via the app or through your browser, and get real prizes – ranging from anime figurines and plushies to practical items like lunch boxes and even kids’ tents – shipped right to your doorstep.
Now go forth and practise your claw machine prowess, snagging prizes from supermarket staples and anime merch to ice cream and durians.
For more fun things to do, check out:
Cover image adapted from: GuocoLand, DancingBacons via YouTube, The Local Tourist SG via Facebook