Round1 fans furious as arcade swaps claw machine prizes for sponges and tissues

by

People who frequent Round1 arcades are upset after noticing that some locations have replaced typical claw machine prizes with everyday items like sponges, tissues, sports drinks, and instant noodles.

Round1 is a popular entertainment center offering classic arcade games, bowling, karaoke, and crane games. It’s a favorite spot for many, especially those looking to win anime figures, stuffed animals, and other collectibles.

Recently, some customers have shared photos online showing that the prize machines at Round1 arcades are filled with items you’d typically find at stores like Target or Dollar Tree, rather than traditional arcade prizes.

Round1, what’s going on with your pricing? You’re really upsetting your customers. No one wants to pay six or more credits for things you can get at stores like Target and Dollar Tree.

— Kattywampus ↙️↙️↙️ (@Feanyx) May 4, 2026

Round1 claw machines filled with sponges and tissues

I was scrolling through X and saw this crazy post – someone found a Round1 arcade in Gurnee, Illinois, totally stocked with… cleaning supplies? Like, instead of games, the machines were filled with blue sponges, green cleaning stuff, and boxes of household items. It was a really weird sight!

A user reached out to Round1USA in Gurnee, Illinois, asking for clarification about why they received kitchen sponges and what they were intended to do with them.

Round1USA in Gurnee, Illinois, I’m confused – why are kitchen sponges being sent to me? Can you please clarify?

— wimmie 🦩 (@wimmiebear) May 4, 2026

A customer posted pictures showing vending machines stocked with inexpensive items like Gatorade, Pringles, and Band-Aids, questioning why anyone would spend six or more credits on things they could easily get at stores like Target or Dollar Tree.

Some people believe the new changes have already made the machines less popular. One arcade visitor reported spending three hours at their local arcade over the weekend and not seeing a single person playing the prize-food games.

“Who wants Gatorade & Pringles with the already up charge in credits?” they wrote.

Round1 prize selections: sponges, Gatorade, etc..
byu/tobyPuppy inround1

The negative reaction has also reached Reddit, where fans of Round1 are keeping track of which arcades seem to be changing. One user reported that the Danbury, Connecticut, location was getting ready to swap out games that require skill for simple prizes like ramen and tissues.

According to a Reddit user, a worker told them that the arcade location is switching from skill-based games to games where players win food prizes. They also said that the figures previously won in skill games will now be available in the claw machines alongside Round1’s yellow plush toys.

A recent Reddit post featured a prize machine stocked with items like sponges, Gatorade, and cereal boxes. The user who shared the post expressed their disappointment and sadness with the selection of prizes.

And so it begins, Danbury Round 1 will soon be replaced with ramen and tissues
byu/I_am_tofu inround1

They mentioned they’d really like the arcade to bring back its anime figurines, as it’s a place they and their girlfriend often go on dates.

It’s not yet known how many locations are affected by this prize change, or if it will last. Some customers have reported that staff mentioned the prizes might change periodically, while others think certain stores are simply trying out a lower-cost prize option.

Read More

2026-05-05 18:19