When you step up to a toy crane machine, the immediate question is: how do I control the claw? Is it the joystick or the buttons? The answer is both, but it depends on the specific machine's design.

Most modern toy crane machines use a combination. Typically, a joystick is used for moving the claw horizontally across the X and Y axes—left, right, forward, and backward. This gives you precise positioning over your desired prize. Once the claw is in place, a separate button, often prominently labeled "DROP" or "GRAB," is pressed to lower the claw and attempt the pickup. Some older or simpler models might use four directional buttons instead of a joystick for movement, but the function is the same.

The control mechanism is deceptively simple. The joystick or buttons send signals to the machine's internal computer, which moves a motorized trolley to the corresponding coordinates. Pressing the drop button activates the mechanism that lowers the cable. The real challenge isn't the controls, but timing and strategy. The claw's grip strength is often pre-set by the machine's programming, making a successful grab partly about skill and partly about chance.

Understanding the controls is your first step to mastering the game. Use the joystick for smooth, deliberate movements to center the claw perfectly. Avoid jerky motions. The button press should be confident. Remember, patience and choosing targets near the chute or those that are easier to grip will increase your chances of walking away with a prize. So, next time you play, you'll know exactly how to command the claw.