11-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) A passionate fan of claw machines has been frequenting a durian-themed one installed at a Toa Payoh pasar malam (night market), spending up to three hours playing each day.
The dedicated enthusiast, a 45-year-old self-employed man named Ning, expressed no hesitation in traveling from his Woodlands home to the night market. In an interview with Shin Min Daily News, Ning revealed that he first learned about durian claw machines in Taiwan through an online video. Subsequently, he proposed the idea to arcade operator PlayUnited.
As soon as Ning discovered that the durian claw machines were installed, he wasted no time in giving them a try. He confessed to spending a minimum of two to three hours at the machines daily and occasionally bringing his family along to join in the fun.
Claw machines are arcade games in which players maneuver a grabber, or “claw,” to capture a prize within a box and drop it into an exit chamber.
“I’ve been playing claw machines since I was eight years old; it’s my hobby. Ever since the durian claw machines appeared, I’ve been coming here every day to play,” shared Ning.
Shin Min reported that there are currently three durian claw machines at the pasar malam, featuring varieties such as D13 and D101. A sign displayed at the machines notifies players that caught durians cannot be exchanged.
Ning stated that the difficulty level of the durian claw machine is similar to other machines, with the main technique still being to “swing the claw” in a way that gradually moves the durian towards the opening.
Moreover, Ning noted that the claw machines at this market are more user-friendly, as the claws are sturdy and not excessively loose, making it easier to catch the prizes. On Friday (June 9), a reporter from Shin Min witnessed Ning successfully grabbing five durians within just 15 minutes.
According to the Chinese evening daily, the durian claw machine was set up on June 2 and will be available at the Toa Payoh night market until June 11, after which the machines will be relocated to Tampines.
Fans need not worry, as the operator has announced that the machines will also be accessible at PlayUnited’s arcades in Tampines One and Hougang Mall.
The person in charge mentioned that the crowd typically becomes busiest from around 8pm to 9pm, and they have to replenish the machines with approximately 200 durians on a daily basis.
Weird and Unusual Claw Machine Prizes
Durians are not the only peculiar prizes that have been featured in claw machines. According to Shin Min, a reader reported seeing a claw machine filled with laundry detergent pods at Queensway Shopping Centre last Friday.
However, in China and Taiwan, claw machines offering even more bizarre prizes such as live hairy crabs, fresh vegetables, and even frogs have garnered mixed responses
