Singapore Arcade, Claw Catchers and Carnival Games Guide 2019
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Where do you go for your arcade, claw catcher and carnival fix in Singapore?
If you do not know by now, we are huge fans of arcades, ufo catchers and carnival games. We even have a feature on arcades and carnival on our youtube channel and an Instagram page - The Arcade Kidz dedicated to the arcade. There is even a post on tips to win at claw catchers.
Want to know where we get our arcade, claw catchers and carnival games fix, here is the complete guide to ALL the places you can go to for your arcade fix in Singapore for families.
ARCADES & CLAW CATCHERS
Do you remember the arcade heydays of the 1990s with names such as Wywy WonderSpace, Astropolis, Jackie Fun World, Uncle Ringo, Genie Funland, Country Fun World, Super Fun World, Paco Fun World, Circus Circus, E-Zone, Fun Plus, The Wonderful World of Whimsy and Magic Land? At one stage back in the 2000s, these names began to disappear from our memories as arcade centres appeared to go the way of the dodo with a handful remain. Thankfully, that did not happen and a revival began. During the last 2 years, we noted that arcades centres are now popping up in most malls. Today, you have more than 30 arcade centres island-wide to visit.
Some are new names while others are a revival of old arcade favourites. Here is the complete list (in no particular order) of the arcade , amusement centres and even carnival events in Singapore.
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1 Cow Play Cow Moo
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| Let's Play at Cow Play Cow Moo |
The biggest arcade in Singapore. If you are looking for a whole range of ticked arcade games and claw catchers, this is the place to be. Prices are affordable to as low as 0.16 cents for a game. There are 2 outlets with the one in Suntec City being the larger of the two. The original outlet in Downtown East is expanding as well.
Read about tips on how to win at Cow Play Cow Moo here
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| Cow Play Cow Moo Suntec City |
- Has the biggest selection of ticketed arcade games in towns
- Decent size claw catcher area with genuine plushies from Japan
- Jackpots are quite achievable with a little practice
- Largest Prize selection
What's Not
- High ticket count for decent prizes
- Machines tend to run out of tickets at times
- No simulation arcade Games
- Caters more to an older crowd
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| CPCM Down Town East (Image Credit -Cow Play Cow Moo) |
Cow Play Cow Moo (Suntec City)
Tower 3 & 4 Level #3-372
11am - 1 am
Cow Play Cow Moo ( Downtown East)
Level 4
E-Hub Building
11am-1 am
Website
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2 Fat Cat Arcade
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| Fat Cat Arcade Djitsunmall (Image Credit - Fat Cat Arcade) |
A worthy contender to Cow Play Cow Moo despite being on a smaller scale. Games are similar to Fat Cat Arcade. The gameplay also cost as low as $0.16 per play. They have 2 outlets. One at Dijitsu Mall and a newer bigger outlet at 313 Somerset
What's Hot
- Prizes are better in terms of tickets needed for redemption
- One of the fairer arcade with a good payout ratio for prizes
- Suitable for Tweens
- New Claw Machines from i-Claw Taiwan
- New Central Location at 313 Somerset
What's Not
- No Parking at Djitsunmall
- Expensive parking at 313 Somerset
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| A |
Find Them
Fat Cat Arcade (Djitsun Mall)
445 Bedok North St 1 Level 2
S469661
11 am to 1 am
Fat Cat Arcade (Somerset Mall)
313 Somerset
Level 5
Website
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3 OmOcha! World
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| Source: Omacha World |
A small but intimate arcade with tickets games and ufo catchers in the East. The store has expanded from one shop to three within the past year.
What's Hot
- Very family-friendly place. Usually filled with families with younger kids.
- Prizes are of better quality for lesser tickets.
What's Not
- Prizes are limited in selection
- Lesser ticketed games than Cow Play Cow Moo or Fat Cat Arcade
Find Them
KINEX
11 Tanjong Katong Road, #02-04/05/06
11am - 1030pm
Updated: Close in June 2019
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4 Timezone
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A familiar arcade name in Singapore with the existence of over a decade. Recently most of the stores are revamped with newer ticketed games. This is the place for ticketed arcade games, simulation arcade games and more!
Read about our birthday party at Timezone
What's Hot
- A familiar name with families
- Has a wide range of simulation arcade games like racing, shooting and virtual reality
- The flagship store has a mini-bowling alley and a Bumper Car area
- Largest number of outlets for the franchise
- Able to host a birthday party there
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What's Not
- Games are not cheap compared to other arcades
- Claw catchers are all E-Claw machines. It is base on luck rather than skill
- Jackpots are notoriously difficult to achieve- Minimum scores for Jackpot are higher than competing arcade
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Timezone Flagship Store
1 Harbourfront Walk #02-43
S098585
Other outlets
- Timezone Waterway Point
- Timezone Plaza Singapura
- Timezone Causeway Point
- Timezone Tampines Hub
- Timezone City Square Mall
- Timezone Westgate
- Timezone Parkway Parade
- Timezone NorthPoint City
- Timezone Heartbeat@ Bedok
- Timezone Jurong Point
- Timezone AMK Hub
Full address and timings can be found here
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5 Paco Funworld
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The Brief
An old school arcade name that is making a comeback. Paco Funland had been in the arcade scene since the 1990s before it disappeared due to arcade decline in the 2000s. Now it is back and packed with a good mix of claw catcher, arcade, carnival games and even an indoor playground.
What's Hot
- Claw catchers are less than $0.99 per play for more and only $1.98 for the Jumbo Size one. One of the cheapest in town!
- Claws are comparatively stronger than some arcades
- There are ticketed arcade games, carnival games and even an indoor playground.
- Family Friendly environment
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- No old school arcade games such as racing or shooting games
1 Stadium Place
#01-59 Kallang Wave Mall
Website
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6 Prize Station
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| Prize Station @ Bugis + |
The Brief
Prize Station is one of the smallest arcade but it has been around for quite some time. Nestled at Bugis +, it is a well-known stop for a quirky time at the arcade. The claw catchers are challenging but a win is always possible.
What's Hot
- Claw Machines are one of the easier ones we encountered. A little skill and you can usually win a prize there
- There is a mixture of carnival games, arcade driving games and claw catchers
What's Not
- No ticketed arcade games
- Games are limited as it is not a big outlet
Find them
Bugis +
201 Victoria Street 03-25/26
S188067
11 am - 11 pm
Website
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7 Hollywood China Arcade
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The Brief
If you are in Universal Studios Singapore, you would be surprised to find a 'hidden' arcade there. Formerly a restaurant, space is now transformed into Hollywood China Arcade. There is a mixture of simulation games, ticketed arcade games and claw catchers.
Read our review of Hollywood China Arcade here
What's Hot
- There are USS theme prizes to be redeemed.
- The claw catchers are winnable.
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| USS Merchandise |
What's Not
- You need to pay admission to USS to get there
- The ticketed games are limited
- Prizes in claw catchers are not big
Find Them
Universal Studios Singapore
8 Sentosa Gateway S098269
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8 Jakarta Radiant World
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The Brief
3/4 of the shop are claw catchers machines. There are some other arcade and ticketed games but the main focus of the shop is claw catchers
What's Hot
- If you are a fan of claw catcher, you would love the place
- Cosy Outlet, perfect for a couple
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What's Not
- Claw catchers are tricky. Usually, need more than 1 play to win
- Limited simulation and ticketed games
- Plushies are mostly imported from China
Find them
Kallang Wave Mall
1 Stadium Pl, #01-49 S397628
Website
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9 Virtual land / Star Factory
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| Image Credit: Virtualand |
One of Singapore seasoned arcade centre, Virtual and Star Factory are managed by TKA Amusement. The arcade has the most simulation games in the market with a few claw catchers.
What's hot
- For those who are looking for old school arcade - Car games, fighting games, dance games, this is the place to be
What's not
- Not so suitable for younger kids due to the games there
Find Them
- Serangoon NEX
- Bugis +
- Century Square
- Singpost Centre
- Tiong Bahru Plaza
Website
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10 Zone X
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The Brief
Looking for an arcade in the airport, there is one at Terminal 3 called Zone X. Comprising of shooting, racing and simulation arcade games with a few claw catcher machines. There is a few ticketed games as well. There is another outlet at Lot 1
What's Hot
- A game before you fly, why not?
What's Not
- A small place to play with limited games
- Limited Prize Selection
- Usage of card and tokens for different games making it confusing
- Good for a one time visit but not repeated ones
Find them
Zone X ( Changi Airport Terminal 3)
65 Airport Boulevard, Basement
S819663
Zone X ( Lot 1 Shopper's Mall)
21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4
S689812
Website
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11 Kidzland
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| Image Credit : Kidzland |
The Brief
An arcade in a playground?
It's a kid's fantasy coming true.
What's Hot?
- This is one-stop entertainment place for families. There is the arcade, an indoor playground, craft area an more
- Games are catered to younger kids
What's Not?
- You need to pay admission to play the arcade
- Limited games for the older kids
Find them
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road #02-14
S287994
Website
The Brief
A small arcade store located in #PlayatJcube
What's Hot
What's Not
Find Them
JCube
2 Jurong East Central 1 04-05
S609731
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12 Whimsy
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| Image Credit: Capitaland |
A small arcade store located in #PlayatJcube
What's Hot
- Part of the #PlayatJcube entertainment concept that includes a skating rink, virtual reality, movie screen and claw catcher
What's Not
- Small compared to other established arcade centres
Find Them
JCube
2 Jurong East Central 1 04-05
S609731
CLAW CATCHERS
If you are a fan of UFO catchers in Japan, you would be glad to know that this trend is picking up in Singapore with dedicated shops for claw catch. Some of it has the Kawaii atmosphere too.
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13 Ton Amusement
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| Ton Amusement at Orchard Central |
The Brief
Tucked away on the 5th floor of Orchard Central, this place is a gem for Japanese UFO catchers fans. Modelled similarly to a UFO Catcher store in Akihabara with toys from Japan, it is the closest you can get in Singapore to a Japanese UFO Catcher store
What's Hot?
- With Japanese anime music in the background and UFO catchers from Japan, it is quite an experience just being there
- Japan Style 2 Claw catchers. This requires skill rather than just luck.
- Original toys from Japan
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- A UFO Catcher only store.
Find Them
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road 5 F -43/44
S238896
11am-130pm
Website
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14 Arcade Planet
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| Arcade Planet |
An Offshoot of Cow Play Cow Moo. This is the place to go to if you would like to catch a plushie or play music games like dance, drums and keyboards
What's hot
- With 40 Claw Catchers, it is a heaven for UFO catcher fans
- Music Lovers would love the music focus arcade games
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| Image Credit: Singapore Toy Sale |
What's not
- No ticketed games and simulation games
3 Temasek Boulevard
#02-408/9
S038983
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15 Pick a Prize
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| Image Credit: Pick a Prize |
The Brief
A smallish shop at Bugis, It has only claw catchers on site.
What's Hot
- The plushies are winnable with some skill. Most Plushies are quirky but familiar quirky items
- Occasion $1 per play promotion on special dates
- Small Plushies suitable for placing them around your desk
- Able to exchange small plushies for a big toy if you win for a number of times
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| Image Credit: Pick a Prize |
What's Not
- Only Claw Catchers in this arcade
Find Them
Bugis Street
02-CSLD6 (Near Crepe Shop)
2pm-10pm
Website
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16 Play United
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| Image Credit: Play United |
The Brief
Play united started off as a small claw catcher store. They have since expanded to be the king of claw catchers at Pasar Malam. They have a storefront but the main action will be at their over 100 claw catchers around Singapore's Pasar Malam
What's Hot
- King of claw catchers at Pasar Malam
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| Image Credit: Play United |
- The actual store is not very big
- Pasar Malam locations are temporary and relocate once it is over
Find Them
01-11 Yew Tee Point, 21 Choa Chu Kang North 6, S689578
Various Pasar Malam Stores
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17 Pooka-oo
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| Image Credit: Capitaland |
In addition to #PlayatJcube to complete the entertainment concept of Jcube
What's Hot
- Part of the PlayatJcube entertainment concept that includes a skating rink, virtual reality, movie screen and claw catcher
What's Not
- One of the smaller claw catcher shops in town
Find Them
JCube
2 Jurong East Central 1 04-05
S609731
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18 Claw Couple
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| Add caption |
Claw Couples started as a Youtube Channel and brought their love for claw catching to life with their own storefront.
What's Hot
- Introduce 8 times sure win for some machines
- Restock with authentic prizes
- Catch the local YouTubers in the store
What's Not
- Only claw catchers games in this arcade
Find Them
Wisteria Mall
598 Yishun Ring Rd, #01-16
S768698
Website
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19 Seven Stop
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A new addition to Changi Airport Terminal 3. It is so new that it is not even listed on the directory. IT is an interesting concept with vending machines dispensing all sorts of plushies and electronic stuff.
There are only a handful of claw machines, but they are very popular due to the cute kawaii plushies and the fact that you have a sure win prize after only 10 tries ($1 each try)
What's Hot
- Sure Win prize after 10 tries
- Cute and unique plushies
- Kids friendly and pocket-friendly price
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| Sure win after $10 |
What's Not
- Only a handful of machines
- Because it is easy to win, there are a few aunties on site who would hog the machines ( we saw a couple of them with 2 to 3 bags full of plushies!
Find Them
Basement, Changi Airport Terminal 3
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20 Kiap Kiap
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The Brief
If claw catching is your game, this is the place to catch them all
What's Hot
- A shop dedicated to claw catching
What's Not
- Only claw catchers games in this arcade
Find them
18 Yishun Ave 9
|S768897
Website
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21 DinoMao
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First local Virtual claw catcher store. Now you have the arcade in your pocket and you can play it anywhere, anytime
What's Hot
- Play at the comfort of your own home
- Exchange wins for tickets or actual plushie to be shipped to you
- Free Local Delivery
What's Not
Catching virtually is not the same as winning it on the spot
Website
CARNIVAL GAMES
Before arcades centers, there are carnival games. These are good old school games that had trilled generations for decades. Today , it is a familiar site on open spaces around Singapore.
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22 Uncle Ringo (Roving Location throughout the year)
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| Uncle Ringo @ Beauty World |
The Brief
The Father of Carnival Games in Singapore. Uncle Ringo has been entertaining kids and adults for the past 3 decades. Find old school carnival games and old school rides with some new addition to the carnival.
Read about our review of Uncle Ringo @ Beauty World
What's Hot
- Carnival Games that appeals to all ages
- Old School Carnival rides
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| Add caption |
What's Not
- Minimum $5 per ride or game
Find Them
It's a roving carnival and location changes at different period. Check out the website for latest listing
Website
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23 Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
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| Prudential Marina Bay Carnival |
What started off as a novelty could very well turn out to be an annual affair. This 3 month long carnival is making its return for its sophomore year.
Read about our latest Prudential Marina Bay Carnival Experience
What's Hot
- The latest carnival rides from overseas
- Thousands of toys to be won from the largest carnival games in town
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- Prizes can be quite small for a win
- Some games are quite challenging
- Minimum $5 for games and rides
Find them
Marina Bay Bayfront Event Space
On till 24 March
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24 Ultimate Fortune Games @ RWS ( Till 28 Feb)
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A new carnival game operator is in town. This roving set up has carnival games only. Games are at $5 per try .
What's Hot
The Prizes , especially the plushies are huge for a win
What's Not
$5 per try. If you pay more, you would have more chances
Games are quite challenging for kids and more geared towards adults
Find Them
RWS The Bull Ring
From now till 28 Feb
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25 Prosperity Games @ Bedok Mall (Till 24 Feb)
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The Brief
Similar mode of operation to the one at RWS. It might be the same thing as we had spotted similar large plushies from both of them
What's Hot
- The Prizes , especially the plushies are big for a win
- Games here are more winnable compared to RWS
What's Not
- $5 per try. If you pay more, you would have more chances
- Games are quite challenging for kids and more geared towards adults
Find Them
Bedok Mall Open Space
From now till 24 Feb
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