Tampa Bay's first Tokyo-style claw machine arcade debuts this weekend in Treasure Island

Atomic Claw Arcade, featuring over 40 claw machines, opens on Friday, February 7th in Treasure Island | St Pete Rising

Almost everyone has been unfairly let down by a claw machine at some point in their life. They lure you in with the illusion of skill, only to betray you with a weak grip and an unfair payout system, leaving you frustrated and broke.

However, there is a new generation of claw machines that are designed to offer a completely different experience, reversing the game’s negative reputation by featuring improved claws with stronger grips, more consistent payouts, and a better prize selection.

After exploding in popularity in Tokyo in recent years, arcades dedicated to this new era of claw machines have been popping up in big cities like New York, Chicago and Las Vegas.

This Friday, the first claw machine arcade, or “clawcade”, opens in Tampa Bay.

Atomic Claw Arcade debuts this Friday, February 7th at 245 107th Avenue in Treasure Island, introducing the growing trend of Japanese-style claw machines to the local community.

The new generation of claw machines feature improved claws with stronger grips, more consistent payouts, and a better prize selection | St Pete Rising

“I took a trip to Japan last year and that’s what made me want to pursue this here,” owner and resident James Austin said to St. Pete Rising. “The amount of claw arcades in Tokyo is incredible. They are on every street corner.”

The 2,000-square-foot Atomic Claw Arcade will have 40 to 45 different claw machines and other prize-winning games with machines stocked with plushies and toys from Pokemon, One Piece, Hello Kitty, Bluey, and more.

“You’ll be able to win about 25% to 30% of the time”, Austin said. “Our goal is that everyone leaves with a prize.”

Customers will also be able to trade in a few smaller toys for a larger item.

Austin, who also owns the Super Scoops ice cream shop on Gulf Boulevard, has been in the amusement industry for the past three decades, operating arcades and miniature golf centers in Washington.

“Unlike many of the common games in arcades today, you will have instant gratification with claw machines,” Austin said. “I think the appeal also comes from a combination of nostalgia, challenge, and the universal allure of prizes.”