A new arcade in Queens lets adults win luxury items, charging $50 per game for a shot at high-end prizes
Queens: There’s a new arcade in town that’s turning heads. Gatcha is a cool spot where adults can try their luck at winning luxury items like Hèrmes bags and Chanel wallets. But don’t think you can just stroll in with a handful of quarters. It’ll cost you $50 for a single try at the claw machine.
Imagine this: you pay $50 for a shot at a $3,600 Hèrmes bag or a $600 Chanel wallet. One lucky player even snagged a fancy handbag after 12 tries, spending about $600 in total. Gatcha’s owner, Jason Lian, says most of his customers are over 14 and usually drop around $40 to $55.
These luxury bags are hard to come by, often sold out in stores, making the arcade’s prizes even more enticing. Inspired by similar spots in East Asia, Gatcha is part of a growing trend in the U.S. where arcades cater to “kidadults.”
Now, here’s a little insider info: arcade operators can tweak the games to make them tougher to win. They might even set it up so that a win happens after a certain number of plays. So, while it sounds fun, it’s also a bit of a gamble.
In Las Vegas, another arcade owner, Navid Jannati, tests his machines to ensure they’re profitable. He says about 70% of his customers are adults, and he sources valuable prizes like anime figurines. It takes about 12 tries to win a toy, which keeps the arcade making money.
Some players, like Carson from Detroit, think the flashier machines are often rigged. But others, like Jonathan from San Antonio, have their own strategies for winning. He’s racked up over 1,000 prizes by figuring out how to play smart.
