Novelty goods maker S-Trust is transforming another iconic crane game machine into a miniature, playable toy. The latest addition to the company’s “play-at-home arcade” series is Bandai Namco’s Clena Flex machine.
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The revolutionary Clena Flex
The Clena Flex was first released by Bandai Namco in December 2004. It comes in two colors, pink and blue, and weighs 378 kilograms.
The machine was revolutionary in that it introduced a “free hole” function not previously seen. For earlier claw machines, the position of the prize chute was fixed. With the Clena Flex, however, operators could freely set the size and shape of the chute. Any combination of nine different tiles in a 3×3 grid could be configured in the playfield to make a customised layout. Furthermore, the position where the arm released the prize could also be freely set. The prize retrieval opening was also made significantly large, allowing for more versatile prizes.
The gold standard hashi-watashi setup commonly used for figurines became much easier to implement with the introduction of Clena, which has since become widely adopted in game arcades.
Miniature versions of arcade legends
The scaled-down version of the Clena Flex joins a re-release of the Clena 3, which first came out in July 2025. These aren’t just display models but functional “gimmick” toys that replicate the claw machine experience in miniature form.
No batteries are required thanks to a simple rotate and push mechanism. The arm descends, grabs small capsules, and lifts them just like the real thing. The production was overseen by Bandai Namco Experience Inc., so you know it is going to look authentic.
Each unit comes with 2 mini capsules and a decorative stickers, letting users assemble and customize their own tiny arcade machine. Dimensions: approx. 12.3×17×8cm.
Where to get them
The mini Clena machines will be rolled out gradually nationwide from late April 2026. But not on store shelves. They will be available only as prizes at selected game arcades and online crane game platforms. In other words, the only way to get one is to win one. Or buy it on Mercari/flea markets from others who have won it.
The meta appeal: a mini crane game machine you win from a real crane game machine.
Other mini figures in the series
- January 2025: S Trust launched the lineup with a non-branded “Dekakure,” a mini figure replicating the large 3-claw crane game machines often used for large plushies. The play mechanics are the same as the Clena mini figures, so no batteries are needed. Dimensions: 10×22.5×9cm.
- June 2025: Release of BUZZCRE4 mini claw mini figures, made in collaboration with arcade machine supplier Buzzgames. These nifty little figures come in seven different colours and light up (batteries sold separately). A limited edition released with Me Tokyo replicates the machines in that arcade exactly. Dimensions: 8×3.6×2.8cm.
- October 2025: Release of 1/20 scale Trypod mini figure. These are the crane games machines with a circle of flashing lights, and you try to press the button when the light stops at the target slot. The mini figure lights up in rainbow colours and genuinely looks like someone shrunk the real thing down. Dimensions: 6.4×7×4.2cm.
Verdict
While I hesitated to get the Flying Tiger mini claw machine, I was immediately sold on these novelty items. Not only because they take up less space, but because they are actually modelled after real machines. For an avid crane gamer, they are the ultimate display collectibles that promise to fuel nostalgia for years to come.
Given that I only found out about the series now, most are long gone from arcades. So I purchased the earlier releases off Mercari. For the upcoming Clena Flex mini figure though, I intend to play for it. Because what is more meta than that?
Want to know more about crane gaming in Japan? Head to the main index page for curated lists of the best arcades across the city, crane game strategies and more.