If you are hunting for plushies in the wild, you must understand the machine mechanics. Round1 and Dave & Buster's operate on fundamentally different philosophies.
Round1: The Physics Engine (Skill)
Round1 uses authentic Japanese cabinets (SEGA UFO Catcher / Namco Gemini).
- The Claw: Usually 2-pronged. It does NOT cradle the prize.
- The Mechanic: The claw generally lacks the voltage to lift the prize vertically.
- The Strategy: You must use the "Push" (atsuge) or "Table Flip" (chabudai gaeshi). Use the claw to drag the item or tip its center of gravity over the edge. This is skill-based; the physics are constant.
Dave & Buster's: The Payout Algorithm (Luck)
D&B uses Western-style claws (Elaut) with 3-prongs.
- The Mechanic: These run on a Variable Probability Payout (VPP) system. The machine calculates the "Coin-In" vs. "Value-Out."
- The Tease: On losing turns, the claw grips but drops the voltage at the top, simulating a slip. This is a programmed feature, not a malfunction.
- The Strategy: You are playing against an algorithm. You must wait for the machine to hit its payout threshold, at which point the claw receives full voltage. Advantage Players (APs) often watch machines to count losing plays before stepping in.
