Kicker machine vs boxer machine: both are strength-testing arcade games, both turn idle floor space into a revenue point, and both draw a crowd. But they don’t fit every venue the same way. The real differences come down to footprint, audience, and how each game keeps people playing. Here’s a side-by-side comparison using the specs of the machines we sell at Uplay America, so you can decide which one fits your venue — or whether you need both.

How Each Machine Works

Boxer machine: the player presses start, the punchball drops, and they hit it as hard as they can. The machine measures the strength of the punch and shows the score. Models like the Champion are built around that classic, instantly understandable challenge.

Kicker machine: instead of punching, players kick a ball to score points, testing both their power and precision. Uplay America offers two models in its Kicker line: the Kicker United and the Kicker Americas — two kicker machines with the same specs and different football-themed designs.

Both share the same operator-friendly base: adjustable difficulty levels, a free play mode, and flexible payment options that adapt to different currencies.

Footprint: Tall and Deep vs Wide and Low

This is the biggest practical difference. A standard boxer machine like the Champion is tall and narrow: 221 cm / 87″ high, 72 cm / 28″ wide and 115 cm / 45″ long. A kicker machine is the opposite shape: 170 cm / 67″ high, 133 cm / 52″ wide and only 66 cm / 26″ long.

In practice, a boxer fits well in a narrow spot with room in front for the swing, while a kicker suits a wall where you have width but limited depth. A lower ceiling or a tight corridor also favors the kicker, while a narrow gap between other games favors the boxer.

Weight and Moving the Machine

Kicker machines are lighter: 100 kg / 221 lbs, versus 121 kg / 265 lbs for a standard boxer like the Champion. That makes kickers a little easier to move between locations — a real advantage for event operators and rental setups.

“Game on. Profit up.”

Audience: Who Plays Each Game?

Both machines work for kids and adults, and both are suited to arcades, sports bars and family entertainment centers. The difference is in the appeal:

• Boxer machines are the classic test of strength — the game people instantly recognize and challenge their friends on. Within the boxer line, you can go further with multiplayer models like the Boxer Fist (head-to-head, up to 3 players) or leaderboard models like the Boxer TV.
• Kicker machines bring football (soccer) into the venue. They’re a natural fit for sports bars, football fans, and venues that host match nights — and they add variety for players who have already tried the boxer.

Payment Options and Upgrades

Both lines accept bills, coins, tokens, tickets, credit cards and card readers, and can be adapted to different currencies. Upgrades differ slightly by model:

• Kicker machines: dollar bill acceptor, coin acceptor mechanism, and custom stickers and branding (advance orders).
• Boxer machines: bill acceptor and/or coin mechanism, Nayax device, ticket dispenser, protective cover, custom sticker and branding, and silent mode (advance orders), depending on the model.

If you run a redemption arcade with tickets or a cashless Nayax setup, check the specific model page before ordering.

Kicker Machine vs Boxer Machine: Side-by-Side Comparison

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Can’t Decide? Get Punch and Kick in One Machine

If your audience wants both — or you only have space for one cabinet — combo machines let players choose:

• Combo Double Strike — press the top Start button to release the punchball, or hit the bottom button to kick the football. Two challenges, one machine, with vibrant LED lights.
• Combo Double Hit — the same punch-and-kick concept in a more compact cabinet: 85 cm / 34″ wide, versus 142 cm / 56″ for the Double Strike.
• Monster 3 in 1 — Boxer, Kicker and Hammer in a single cabinet, so players pick punching, kicking or hammering mode.

“Make every square foot count.”

So, Which Is Better for Your Venue?

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Many venues end up with both: a boxer as the main attraction and a kicker to add variety and keep groups playing longer. For a broader look at matching machines to venue types, read which arcade machine is right for your venue. Already leaning toward a boxer? Compare models in our guide to the best boxer machine for arcade floors, and check what to look for before buying.

What Every Uplay America Machine Includes

Whether you choose a kicker or a boxer, every Uplay America machine is brand new, European-designed and manufactured in Poland by Pro-Games, and covered by our 3-year warranty on electrical parts. We stock spare parts — including punchballs, kicker balls and bladders — in our Florida warehouse, and offer phone support 7 days a week in English and Spanish. In Florida, you can also rent machines or join our revenue sharing program with no upfront cost.

Frequently Asked Questions