Taito Seeks Missing Crown 602: Historic Arcade Crane Machine's Search Offers Reward

Taito, a pioneering force in the video game industry, has initiated a public search for a pivotal artifact from its historical archives—the Crown 602 crane game machine.

Released in 1965, the Crown 602 stands as a critical milestone in Taito’s journey, influencing not just the company’s future, but also the broader evolution of arcade gaming.

Founded in 1953 by Michael Kogan, Taito originally dealt in imports of goods such as vodka, vending machines, and jukeboxes into Japan.

The company later pivoted toward electronic entertainment, leading to the creation of foundational arcade machines.

Most notably, Taito is renowned for the 1978 arcade sensation Space Invaders, developed by Tomohiro Nishikado—a title often credited with shaping the golden age of video games.

Taito is now a wholly owned subsidiary of gaming giant Square Enix, following its acquisition in 2005. However, before earning international acclaim with hits like Space Invaders, Taito designed mechanical amusements that helped define the global arcade experience.

The Crown 602, released six decades ago, was one such device.

It featured a glass top and sides, showcasing the intricate crane mechanism inside as players attempted to retrieve prizes.

The game's mechanical ingenuity—and its appeal to players—marked the start of Taito’s technological innovation in amusements and laid the groundwork for its future as a game developer. Taito has announced it possesses only photographs and incomplete blueprints for the Crown 602 and is now calling upon the public and collectors across Japan to aid in its search for a surviving machine.

As detailed in a report from Japanese publication Yomiuri, a company representative stated, “This machine represents the roots of our technology.

We believe a Crown 602 still exists somewhere in Japan, persevering quietly over the years.” In recognition of this effort, Taito is offering a reward of 100,000 Yen (approximately $650 USD) to anyone who can help locate a functioning Crown 602 unit.

If several machines are discovered, Taito says that the prize will go to the provider of the best-preserved example.

Additionally, the company is encouraging fans to share their memories or heartwarming stories related to the Crown 602 or crane games in general.

Three contributors will be selected by lottery to receive the latest product from Taito’s catalog, which may include recently released game software available through platforms like the Nintendo Switch eShop. The campaign not only aims to recover a piece of arcade history, but also acknowledges the deep legacy and innovation that Taito and its predecessors have contributed to the gaming world.

For industry followers, retro enthusiasts, and veterans of the Japanese arcade scene, the search for Crown 602 highlights the enduring importance of preserving and commemorating the milestones that shaped modern game development.

Taito arcade developer Arcade Crown 602 Square Enix Space Invaders Tomohiro Nishikado Michael Kogan Yomiuri