u/jt2hobbies

Note: Second attempt at a mega thread. If this gets deleted again, be sure to follow us on social media. We are posting regular updates on @JT2Hobbies on IG.

As many of you have noticed, several Round 1 locations are undergoing a major shift. Skill-based machines like UFO catchers are being removed or filled with "filler" prizes like ramen, tissues, and crappy Dollar Tree-tier items instead of the licensed plush and figures we’re used to.

We are trying to put together a definitive list of impacted locations so we know where it’s still worth playing.

⚠️Here’s the updated list of impacted Round1 locations (as of 5/7/26)
Albuquerque, NM
Chandler, AZ
Danbury, CT
Grapevine, TX
Gurnee, IL
Hicksville, NY
Middletown, NY
National City, CA
Puyallup, WA
Temecula, CA

✅ The following locations have STOPPED testing the ramen claw machines
City of Industry, CA
San Francisco, CA
Arlington, TX

Please comment below with:

1. Location name
2. What changed? (e.g., "Skill games replaced with food," "All skill games replaced” etc.)
3. Share pictures if you have any!

🚨 Your feedback is working! At least one location has reported testing to potentially conclude by the end of the month.

@MOD - if there’s an issue with this post, please comment in this thread or DM us directly and we can edit as needed. Thanks.

As many of you have noticed, several Round 1 locations are undergoing a major shift. Skill-based machines like UFO catchers are being removed or filled with "filler" prizes like ramen, tissues, and crappy Dollar Tree-tier items instead of the licensed plush and figures we’re used to.

I’m trying to put together a definitive list of impacted locations so we know where it’s still worth playing.

So far, users have confirmed nerfs at:
Danbury, CT
Hicksville, NY
Eugene, OR
Willowbrook, TX
Gurnee, IL
Middletown, NY
National City, CA (Plaza Bonita)
Chandler, AZ

Not Currently a testing location (previously had ramen)
City of Industry, CA

Please comment below with:

1. Location name
2. What changed? (e.g., "Skill games replaced with food or sponges)

🚨 ACTION: How to Make Our Voices Heard
If your local spot has been gutted, corporate needs to see the feedback where it hurts their metrics. If you want the old prizes back, please take a few minutes to do the following:

Contact Corporate: Use the Round 1 Feedback Form on their website. Be specific: Tell them you stopped spending money because the prizes are no longer worth the credit cost.
- Set location to an impacted testing location
- Does anyone have a reliable direct contact to Corporate? 🥸

Google Reviews: Leave a 1 or 2-star review. Mention that the "skill games have been replaced with household items and snacks." This is the first thing new customers see.

Yelp Reviews: Same as above. Management often tracks Yelp metrics closely for regional performance.

Social media comments: Leave comments on their social media (especially IG) expressing disappointment in the prizes

Let’s keep the list updated to help other customers and so we can see if this is a regional test or a nationwide rollout.

Lastly, don’t waste any money on these type of machines!! They do not deserve to receive any revenue on these crap prizes.

Any other suggestions? We personally haven’t see any of these bad prizes at the locations we frequent in SoCal, but will be fully prepared to loudly complain and put pressure on Round1 Corporate and social media 😈