Guangzhou Shicheng Technology Co., Ltd.

Core Definition A Gashapon Machine is a vending machine that dispenses sealed, random toys in plastic capsules in exchange for coins. The name is onomatopoeic, representing the two sounds of the process: Gasha (or Gacha): The cranking sound of turning the knob. Pon: The sound of the capsule dropping into the collection tray. It’s the physical, real-world origin of the "gacha" mechanic now famous in mobile games. How It Works: Insert Money: You put in coins (typically ¥200 to ¥500 in Japan, or $1-$5 elsewhere). Turn the Knob: You rotate a large, satisfyingly clicky knob (or sometimes press a button) one full turn. Receive Mystery Capsule: A random, spherical plastic capsule (about the size of a tennis ball) rolls out from a chute. You don't know which specific toy from the displayed set is inside. Open & Reveal: You twist open the two halves of the capsule to discover your prize. Key Characteristics & Appeal: Blind-box Model: The core appeal is the "luck of the draw" thrill. Machines have a set series (e.g., "Series 5: Popular Anime Characters") with a visible list of possible toys, but the one you get is random. High-Quality, Collectible Figures: Modern Gashapon prizes are not cheap junk. They are often highly detailed, officially licensed miniature figures, keychains, or gadgets from popular anime, manga, games (like One Piece, Demon Slayer, Genshin Impact), as well as unique novelty items. Fixed Price & Guaranteed Prize: Unlike a claw machine where you can fail, you always get a toy for your money. You're paying for the specific toy you want, but taking a chance on which one you receive. Collecting & Trading: This encourages collecting full sets, trading duplicates with friends, or even reselling rare "chase" figures on secondary markets. Dense Clusters: In Japan, you rarely see just one machine; they are lined up in rows of dozens or even hundreds in arcades, department stores, and dedicated Gashapon shops, creating a dazzling spectacle.

The Basic Concept It's a vending machine-sized arcade cabinet filled with stuffed animals, toys, electronics, or other prizes. Players insert coins or credits to control a mechanical claw (usually a three-pronged "claw") with the goal of picking up a prize and dropping it into a chute to win it. Key Components: The Cabinet: The main box with a large, transparent front. The Prize Pool: The interior filled with toys, often strategically arranged or "stuffed" to make grabbing difficult. The Claw Mechanism: A metal claw suspended from a movable gantry (the assembly that allows it to move in X, Y, and Z directions). Controls: Typically one or two joysticks (for left-right and forward-backward movement) and a prominent "Drop" or "Action" button. The Chute: The opening where the won prize is delivered. How It Works (The Player's Experience): Insert Coin/Credit: Payment activates the machine and starts a timer (usually 15-30 seconds). Position the Claw: Using the joystick(s), the player moves the claw horizontally over the desired prize. Press the Drop Button: This sends the claw straight down into the prize pool. The Grab: The claw's prongs close (supposedly) automatically when it reaches the bottom. The Lift & Carry: The claw retracts and carries the prize (if successfully grabbed) to the chute, where it opens and releases it. The "Catch" and The Controversy Toy Claw Machines are infamous for being incredibly difficult. This isn't just player skill; it's by design through programmable settings: Grip Strength/Power: The operator can set how forcefully the claw closes. It's often set to a "weak grip" for most plays, making it drop prizes easily. Payout Cycle: Many machines are set to only deliver a "strong grip" once every certain number of plays (e.g., 1 strong grip every 20 plays). This ensures the operator makes a profit. Slippery/Light Prizes: Plush toys are often packed tightly or made of slick material, and cheaply made toys can be hard to grab. Because of this adjustable win rate, they exist in a legal gray area in many places, often regulated as "games of skill" (where settings are legal but must be disclosed) or banned as "games of chance" similar to gambling, depending on local laws. Variations and Related Terms: Skill Claw: Emphasizes the (theoretical) skill aspect, often with better-regulated settings. Prize Crane / Candy Crane: The same mechanism, but prizes can be candy, capsules with toys, or even higher-end electronics. Digital/Video Claw: Uses a video screen interface where you control a virtual claw over digital representations of prizes. "UFO Catcher": The iconic Japanese name for these games, popularized by SEGA and Bandai. They often feature a two-pronged "pusher" claw designed to slide or push prizes off a ledge, which requires a different strategy than the traditional "grab."  

1. The Physical Arcade Game This is the most literal meaning. A Double Claw Machine is a specific design of prize crane (claw machine) that features two separate claws housed in a single large cabinet. Typical Setup: The cabinet is divided into two adjacent prize pools, each with its own claw, controls, and chute. Sometimes the prize pools are connected. Gameplay: The player controls one claw at a time, usually by switching between them with a button. The challenge and appeal come from having two different sets of prizes to choose from, or from using one claw to manipulate items closer to the other. Purpose for Arcades: It's a novelty that attracts attention and can increase revenue, as players are tempted to try both claws or believe one claw might be set to a "better" tension. 2. The Gaming Strategy / Meta (More Common Meaning) This is the meaning you'll most often encounter online, especially in gaming communities discussing "Maimai" (the popular arcade rhythm game by SEGA) and other arcade games with claw machines. In this context, "Double Claw Machine" (ダブルクロー, Daburu Kurō) refers to a clever strategy where two players team up on a single claw machine to drastically increase their odds of winning. How the Strategy Works: Two Players, One Machine: Instead of taking turns on different machines, both players put their credits into the same machine. Simultaneous Control: When the claw is activated, each player grabs one of the two control levers (one for left-right movement, one for front-back movement). Precision Operation: Each player is responsible for only one axis of movement. This allows for much faster, more coordinated, and more precise positioning of the claw than a single player could achieve alone. The Goal: To maneuver the claw perfectly over the target prize and secure a win, especially for high-value or difficult-to-grab items. It turns the game into a cooperative, skill-based challenge rather than a game of pure chance.