It's frustrating to put your money into a toy crane machine only to find it might be empty. Here are the key signs that indicate the crane game is out of prizes. First, look inside the machine. If you can clearly see the bottom of the prize compartment and there are no toys visible, it's a strong indicator. Sometimes, a few stray prizes might be in hard-to-reach corners, but a largely empty space is a giveaway. Second, check for any warning lights or messages on the machine. Many modern crane games have indicator lights, often red, or a digital screen that displays a message like "Out of Order" or "Needs Refill" when prizes are depleted. Third, observe the claw's behavior. If the claw seems unusually weak, fails to close properly, or moves erratically without grabbing anything, it could be a sign that the machine has been disabled because it's empty. The mechanism might be purposely weakened to prevent play. If you suspect the machine is empty, the best course of action is to report it to the arcade or location staff. They are responsible for refilling the machine. Avoid shaking or hitting the machine, as this can cause damage. Knowing these signs can save you time and money, ensuring you only play on machines that are ready to dispense fun prizes.