Game tokens are the “currency” of any amusement venue. Choosing the wrong type means higher costs or even machine failures. Here are the four mainstream types.
1. By Material
Zinc Alloy (the mainstream choice)
Die-cast then electroplated — the best balance of cost and premium feel. Supports 3D relief, color logos, glow-in-the-dark, and scent effects. Roughly $0.05–0.15 per piece depending on process and quantity. The default choice for most venues.
Iron (lowest cost)
Stamped from sheet iron — cheapest, but thin feel, limited relief, and prone to rust. Suited to short-term events or tight budgets.
Brass / Stainless Steel (maximum durability)
Wear- and corrosion-resistant with long service life, but pricier with fewer design options. Best for high-traffic or humid venues (water parks, beachfront).
2. By Structure: Standard vs RFID Tokens
RFID tokens embed a chip that stores value, play counts, or time — enabling precise revenue tracking and anti-counterfeiting when paired with a management system. They cost 3–5x more than standard tokens and suit chained venues and premium clubs.
3. Choosing the Size
| Diameter | Common Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 28–30mm | Claw machines, small arcade cabinets | Most universal size, best machine compatibility |
| 31–33mm | Large arcade machines, coin pushers | More reliable reading, wide acceptor support |
| Custom shapes | Branding, anti-mixing | Unique shapes prevent tokens from other venues |
4. Quick Recommendations
- Standard indoor venue: zinc alloy ~30mm — best value;
- Humid/outdoor venue: stainless steel or well-plated zinc alloy;
- Multi-location operator: RFID tokens + card system — the long-term data value is worth it;
- Worried about neighboring venues’ tokens mixing in: custom-shaped tokens or a dedicated mold.
Our next article covers token specifications in depth — how to match diameter, weight, and thickness to your coin acceptors.