Just two doors down from Café Meow, you will find a niche claw machine arcade that opened in October of last year: Neko Clawww. Located in Lexington Plaza Shoppes, the arcade practically announces itself with a bright, inviting entrance that hints at the experience inside. With over 50 machines packed with plushies and anime-themed prizes, there is no shortage of fun here. Whether you are a seasoned claw machine expert or just looking for a cute place to spend an afternoon, something is exciting about the thrill of the claw.
When you first step inside, you are immediately surrounded by a mix of lights and playful colors, creating an atmosphere that feels both exciting and welcoming. Unlike some arcades that can feel overwhelming with loud noises and flashing screens, this place is more soothing, which is perfect for those who might get overstimulated easily. The light glow of the machines and cheerful music in the background makes it easy to focus on the fun without feeling overloaded. Its cozy quality makes it a space where you can comfortably take your time, strategizing your next grab without the usual arcade chaos.
One of the most unique aspects of this arcade is the ability to upgrade your prizes. If you win smaller plushies or trinkets, you can trade them in for bigger and even cuter prizes, making every play feel like a part of a bigger challenge. With over 50 machines, there is something for everyone, whether you are aiming for tiny keychain-sized figures or larger stuffed animals.
As for pricing, tokens cost roughly about a dollar each, but the value is surprisingly great. Most machines only take one token per play, giving you plenty of chances without feeling like you are draining your wallet. Some machines feature collectible figures, which are a little more expensive to play, but well worth it for the collectors who want to leave with something special.
The staff at Neko Clawww are incredibly friendly and helpful, making the experience even better. If it is your first time visiting, they will walk you through how the machines work and help you get set up with tokens. And if a machine gets too packed down, making it harder to grab the prizes, they will re-fluff the pile to give you a better chance at winning something. Because let’s be honest … who does not like winning at a claw machine?
I am personally someone who does not particularly enjoy or watch anime (though I do have a soft spot for “Ponyo”), but this arcade was still a lot of fun. It brought back memories of being the voted sibling to play the claw machine when our parents let us play. There is something nostalgic about that moment when the claw grabs the prize. What is even better is that knowing Neko Clawww makes winning feel easier than your average arcade – and with the chance to trade up for even bigger prizes, you are never walking away empty handed.
