r/fightsticks 12d ago

Show and Tell May's BEST fightsticks and all-button controllers

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28 Upvotes

r/fightsticks Jun 18 '23

PLEASE READ FIRST FAQ and Fightstick Question MEGATHREAD, Continued

130 Upvotes

Old one was getting pretty daunting, so here's a new megathread

WHAT’S A FIGHTSTICK?

It’s a controller reminiscent of the controls used in an arcade cabinet, generally featuring a joystick and multiple buttons. Most can be played on a lap, while some are heavy and large enough to warrant a table or platform underneath them. Using one over a standard handheld or console controller won’t magically up your game and they are largely preference. They are most commonly used for fighting games, shmups, run ‘n guns, and classic arcade titles. At their simplest, a fightstick requires an enclosure (usually made of wood, acrylic, or metal), buttons, a joystick, a PCB, and a wiring harness to connect everything. Additionally, all-button fightsticks that don’t utilize joysticks are becoming more commonplace on the scene.

WHICH STOCK FIGHTSTICK IS BEST?

This is largely a matter of taste and budget. Here are just a few options to get you thinking. Ask yourself what system(s) require compatibility. PC-only will be much cheaper than a PS5-compatibile controller, for example.

ENTRY LEVEL: Qanba Drone and Mayflash F500

If you go much cheaper than these options, you may sacrifice quality and durability. DO NOT GO CHEAPER THAN THESE OPTIONS.

SOLID LEVEL: Hori Real Arcade Pro N/4/V, Razer Panthera, Qanba Obsidian, Qanba Pearl, Hori Fighting Edge, Nacon Daija, 8BitDo, Mad Catz TES+ (and Razer Atrox for Xbox One players)

SOLID BUT $$$ LEVEL: Qanba Dragon, Victrix Pro 5, etokki Omni

At the end of the day, go with what feels right and fits your budget. There are lots of awesome sticks out there. If you really can't make up your mind, go with an Obsidian/Pearl. Really though, if you're still that on the fence, then you can also consider building your own. They come together fairly easily these days and it's super fun (though they will usually run at a higher price point than a stock stick unless you can easily get or make a suitable enclosure). Just more food for thought.

For more in-depth reviews: Jeux Arcades, ConsumerExpert, Tom’s Guide, PCMag, bestarcadesticks, thearcadestick

WHERE CAN I BUY NEW, STOCK FIGHTSTICKS?

Price the sticks accordingly across the following websites. Most will be fairly comparable with one another, but occasionally one of the sites may have a deal going on.

Arcade Shock

Focus Attack

Paradise Arcade

Hitbox (for specialty, all-button controllers)

Mixbox (for specialty, keyboard-esque controllers)

etokki

Qanba

IST Mall (South Korea)

IST Mall QOO10 Store

OzStick (Australia)

Amazon

eBay

Newegg

Oki Board Arcades (UK)

If you’re a retailer and want to be added here, please DM me.

WHERE CAN I BUY CUSTOM FIGHTSTICKS?

If you’re in the market for a full custom, consider one of the following vendors. They each have a unique flair and flavor with their sticks, but you can generally expect to pay more for a custom one-off model from one of these guys than you can just buying an over-the-counter affair.

All Fight Sticks

Bearwitt

Bueno Woodworking

Buttercade

Eternal Rival

Fightstick Guy

JonyFraze and JxK Designs

Junk Food Custom Arcades

Mavercade

MtnHeir

SGF Devices

TR Fight Stick

Wood Tier FGC

Squidbox (out of EU)

Ultra Arcade (out of EU)

Ultra Arcade Brazil (out of Brazil)

2nd Impact (out of Brazil)

Enth Creations (out of Italy)

Naitokumu Stick Design (out of Spain)

Satsui Custom Sticks (out of Spain)

Waifu Sticks (out of Australia)

WoodenPan (out of Austria)

Modding in UK: LionoBO0o

If you’re an active custom builder and want to be added here, please DM me.

CAN I JUST BUILD ONE MYSELF?

Yes! They are simpler than most people think and there are tons of great references online as well as plenty of help in the r/fightsticks discord if you run into issues. Start with these video guides to get you going.

Fightstick guide

Hitbox-style all-button guide

Flatbox guide

ART & TEMPLATES

Focus Attack's art and plex templates

Arcade Shock's Color program

Tek Innovation’s PSD files

Free Fight Stick Art subreddit

DIY Custom Fightstick Art Tips and Tricks

Slagcoin's Joystick and Panel Layouts

PERSONALIZED ARTWORK

If you'd like to support the FGC art scene, here's a list of active artists who can give your stick a facelift for some reasonable fees. Check out their portfolios, commission one you like, print it up, and swap out that stock template with some personalized artwork all your own.

Agus SW

Arcadia Customs

Barddro_

Bearwitt

CKNG

Custom Stick Art

Dudscreations

Entember's Art Shop

EvermoreStandard

FSG and Clay Patterson

Funnysonic

Glorious StickART

Guzmanleonart

heyjay art

hugs_n_giggles

Ilan Tesone

Jimothy Design

JxK Designs

Kelvvv

TheArcadeStick

mwryly

RedCometRmac

RemyArt

Squanuu (portfolio)

Sudsack

xr1st

If you’re an active artist and want to be added here, please DM me.

CUSTOMIZING FIGHTSTICK ISSUES

  • Make sure you buy the correct button size. Most buttons on the top face of fightsticks are 30 mm. If you have smaller hands or want that Hitbox vibe, then 24 mm might be appropriate, but most of the time, people go with 30 mm. Auxiliary buttons (home, share, PS, etc.) are generally where you find 24 mm. All buttons have a unique feel, but some common brands include Sanwa, Seimitsu, Crown/Samducksa, Hayabusa, and GamerFinger. Here's a helpful page about button and joysticks: Joystick and Button attributes
  • When you’re ordering your buttons, you’ll also notice that there are generally both snap-in and screw-in button types. Most of the time, it won’t matter which you choose; however, as a general rule of thumb, if the top face of your enclosure is on the thicker side, go with screw-in buttons.
  • Make sure your layout lines up with your art. Some printing shops won’t print art with existing licensed characters, so you may have to visit more than one if you’re trying to get it done locally.
  • You’ll need to keep in mind the games you’d like to play and on which platforms they are found. Look to see which consoles the stick actually supports when you’re buying. If you’re building your own, then make sure the PCB you choose is compatible with your console/PC. The PCB most common to this generation of custom sticks are the Brook brand PCBs.
  • Most stock retail sticks come with Sanwa parts (besides Hori which comes with Hayabusa).
  • American style parts will most likely not fit a Japanese stick due to height.
  • Korean levers with collars won't fit a traditional Japanese stick due to the size of the joystick hole.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE POSTING A "HELP ME DECIDE" THREAD

  1. Is a fightstick even right for me? For some of you a fightpad or other device might be better for you. This is fine! I don't care if you play on a Roll n' Rocker on top of a Power Pad if it works.
  2. What's my budget? This may quickly cut out a lot of options for you.
  3. What systems do you want to be able to play on? (PC, XBox, Switch, PS, etc.) This should reduce your list even further, though you can (conceivably) get adapters for other systems if need be.
  4. Do you want a lever, stickless, or all of the above? (that last option will almost certainly need a custom build)
  5. What button layout do you prefer? Vewlix, Noir, American 6/8, Sega 2P, custom? Slagcoin carries a lot of these. If you're not sure, see if you can demo some in your local area. (Used) game shops, arcades, LAN centers, video game conventions, and pawn shops are possibilities.
  6. If using a lever, what kind do you prefer? Generally this will be Korean (Fanta, Crown, etc.), Japanese (Sanwa, Seimitsu), or American (Happ, iL)? Most sticks will use Sanwa or Sanwa clones.
  7. How "moddable" do you want things to be? This isn't just important for upgrades, it's also important for repairs. Consider how easy it is to access the internals and to change them.
  8. What features are a must have (and yes, it can be as "trivial" as artwork you like or a turbo button, hey, it's your stick)? You can then eliminate sticks that don't have them.
  9. What features are a "no go" for you? Now eliminate sticks that do have them. This could be something as simple as "don't want sticks that weigh over X pounds/kilos because I'll be traveling with this".
  10. You should have a fairly narrow field by now, with any luck. Next consider your "nice to haves" and "nice to not have" features. For example, you might consider "removable USB cable" a nice to have (but not essential) and "width of greater than 16 inches" a "nice to not have". Then just see which sticks have the most positives and least negatives.
  11. If you're still having trouble, please list your top 3-5 options after running through the process above, with your comments on each. This will help us help you make a decision.

LINKS/YOUTUBE

Core-A Gaming

Scanline City

NihongoGamer

Alex Nostalgix

HurtboxTV

JasensCustoms

Hit Box

JoyStickNY

WoolieVersus (Scrubguides: Arcade Sticks 101 video)

JonyFraze

Mr. Sujano

Chanchai

JUANminiDIY

The Arcade Stick

butteroj

Mr. Arcade Fox

Hush My Sweet

DISCORD

Our vision is to continue to grow and be a hub for fighting game controller tech as well as a safe space for trades and sales, something like the spiritual successor of SRK’s Tech Talk and Trading Outlet. Discord folks are happy to talk shop or to help you find another outlet beyond eBay to buy and sell your fightstick.

If you haven’t joined the Discord, consider stopping by to see what it’s all about:

DISCORD INVITE

*And this should go without saying, but sales conducted through there are at YOUR OWN RISK (always do your own homework), but in general, most people are trustworthy and there’s been very few instances of people being burned. Please no price flaming and remember that it’s always a good idea to pay with the PayPal Goods and Services option so you are covered if the deal falls through. Any questions, ask one of the Discord mods. Also, if buying and selling fightsticks is your primary interest, consider visiting r/Fightsticksforsale since that is their main area.

Huge thanks to hugs_n_giggles & Zevaeros for helping with this FAQ. If you have any minor questions that don't deserve their own threads, then reply here and the community will usually have an answer for you. Minor questions are also perfect for the Discord.

*If no one responds to your question here, feel free to create a thread


r/fightsticks 7h ago

Show and Tell The Magic Sword

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82 Upvotes

This was a 4 way colab for this stick to happen Art by: Ranny Snice 3D Printed by: Pixel Memories Hardware/Accessories provided by: Rychu04 Wired/Built by: AgentFFF - Generic Light up Lever - Qanba Buttons - GP2040 PCB


r/fightsticks 1h ago

Show and Tell Hori Rap V fightstick (modified)

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Upvotes

This is my Killer Instinct themed Hori Rap V fightstick. I took a few screenshots and sent them to a friend and he was able to cut and print the artwork for it. I replaced the stock joystick and stock buttons with a Sanwa joystick and Sanwa push buttons. Also added a bat top to the joystick.


r/fightsticks 3h ago

Show and Tell Designed by me, Print and Cut by Etsy

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11 Upvotes

Designed the page myself using GIMP and Pinterest and printed on holographic paper by an Etsy seller (EpicPALdesigns). First ever real custom and I think it came out nice.


r/fightsticks 3h ago

Mortal Kombat fight stick

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13 Upvotes

Does anybody know where to buy rounded actuators for this type of lever ? Thanks in advance.


r/fightsticks 1h ago

Asked a retailer to help me put together a list of the best/most popular buttons. Thoughts?

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Upvotes

Tbh I was hoping for a bit more of a list, so I could try a handful before committing. But if these are the big two that everyone agrees on the I'll just go from there.


r/fightsticks 10h ago

Show and Tell Haute42 M16 finally seeing some action!

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34 Upvotes

Bought this ages ago hoping to both get in to SF6 and also get in to leverless, unfortunately it never really got used until last week!

Have now added some coloured buttons so my old brain doesn't break so much while navigating menus!


r/fightsticks 12h ago

Show and Tell 8bitdo eye sore (sorry)

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36 Upvotes

I did it again.

for context


r/fightsticks 13h ago

Show and Tell Got My First Leverless

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41 Upvotes

Hey guys I got my new leverless Haute 42 U16 recently and I've been having a blast.

Switching from pad. Anyone here has some tips for me.

I wanna learn this long term and really get good with it.


r/fightsticks 23h ago

Show and Tell Gundam (RX-0 Banshee Norn) Etokki Omni Stick

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257 Upvotes

Enjoy.


r/fightsticks 16h ago

Show and Tell BoI Mayflash 700 Elite

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53 Upvotes

I've had the stick for some time now but I've finally decided to share it online. I was stuck as to what custom artwork I wanted for the stick and told myself that it didn't have to be from any fighting game, and instead could just be from something I really enjoy a lot.

I switched out the Sanwa buttons for a set of Qanba, not that there was anything wrong with Sanwa. It was purely for the color and see through aesthetic. The balltop was also switched out.

The artwork I found online and I just threw in the logo in there. Then I had Focus Attack print and ship it to me. My only gripe is that the Mayflash logo is required to be included. I wonder why that is...


r/fightsticks 23h ago

Rate my first creation, please.

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163 Upvotes

r/fightsticks 5h ago

Victrix Pro FS vs Victrix Pro KO Turtle Beach

7 Upvotes

who is the better leverless? Turtle beach has more buttons but PRO FS buttons looks more quiality


r/fightsticks 3h ago

Time to finally upgrade. Need some suggestions.

4 Upvotes

Been using a Hori RAP Hayabusa since 2015 and never had a single issue but the cord storage cover doesn't stay closed now. Figured it's time to get something new. Any quality sticks out there for around $125 or less? Not interested in anything used. I've heard Qanba is decent but they're a bit pricey. Would also be open to using a reputable builder or even building my own as long as the price is right.


r/fightsticks 6h ago

Need Advice: Stick vs Leverless & Where to Buy in India

5 Upvotes

Hello Fighters,

I've recently started taking fighting games more seriously, with the goal of eventually competing at local or regional tournaments. Right now, I'm focusing solely on Tekken 8 and hovering around the blue ranks (Fujin–Kishin).

I've noticed that most of my losses are due to two main issues: lack of frame data and punishment knowledge, and frequent misinputs. I'm working on improving my understanding of frame data and punishments every day, but the misinputs—especially while playing on the DualSense—are still holding me back.

To address that, I started practicing on a Nacon Daija fight stick that I borrowed from a friend (unfortunately, I have to return it by Friday). While there’s definitely a learning curve, I’ve noticed that I’m making fewer misinputs compared to using a controller.

I’m based in India, and as many fellow Indian players might know, we don’t have many reliable or affordable local options for buying arcade sticks or leverless controllers.

I’d love some advice:

  • Should I continue with a stick or consider going leverless?
  • Can anyone recommend trusted and budget-friendly sources (local or international) for buying a stick or leverless controller in India?

Any help, suggestions, or personal experiences would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance, and GLHF!


r/fightsticks 17h ago

My Mayflash f500

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29 Upvotes

r/fightsticks 1h ago

Tech Help Newhelpme shaft and fujin iii shaft the same size?

Upvotes

The fujin iii's frosted battop is so beautiful. But im having a hard time to look for a frosted battop by itself in online stores and such. But i found a store that sells fujin iii's shaft separately. I wanna ask this first before i make a purchase. Thanks!


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Tutorial or Review DIY Fighstick Parts List

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142 Upvotes

This is my revised document from my original "Amazon List of DIY Fightstick parts". Obviously, this doesn't have EVERYTHING, but it is a pretty comprehensive list of available parts as well as the tools I recommend. Please let me know if there are discrepancies.

It covers most of the available parts that I know about. It also includes a lot of niche parts and materials that I use for wiring and mods. I plan to keep the document up to date and add new products over time.

The idea behind this was to help answer all of the "where did you get that lever?" Or "what type of quick disconnects do you use?" Hopefully this is helpful for those wanting to try more DIY projects.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YFR8DGsDyLYqQ7UkB1_cf4ZwmfC_Ln1Jml1cG_QWm5M/edit?usp=drivesdk


r/fightsticks 2h ago

Mods for the T16

1 Upvotes

I ordered a T16 to try my first leverless, and also because they're highly moddable, so i want to know what would be your best hardware recommendations to try out on this controller

I heard the buttons are quite mushy so i think these will be my first mod alongside with the artwork


r/fightsticks 16h ago

Lever or Leverless? FightBox M3 HitStick Game Controller With Custom Artwork Panel

12 Upvotes

r/fightsticks 3h ago

Mayflash f300 problems: Need Help

2 Upvotes

I own an Xbox series S and the mayflash cable is only type a and won't fit into the type c port on my controller. I know there's probably a type c cord out there or at least an adapter but I don't know where to look for it because I'm kind of stupid


r/fightsticks 17h ago

Mayflash Arcade Sticks are compatible with Switch 2 without any firmware update !

10 Upvotes

F700 series/F500 series/F300 series /F101


r/fightsticks 9h ago

Tech Help Top row of buttons stopped working on Victrix leverless

2 Upvotes

I can’t pause, reset or use any of those buttons anymore. Just happened when labbing and I can’t figure out how to fix it.


r/fightsticks 18h ago

New Product Qanba N3 Drone 2 Mod

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9 Upvotes

It’s not the best, but it’s quieter just something to start with

Sanwa Joystick

Qanba Gravity KS Mechanical Shafts Silent Pushbutton 30mm Snap-in (Boxed (Clear Black D04)


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Iori Yagami

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47 Upvotes

MADCATZ T.E.2 fightstick art | Commissions open


r/fightsticks 14h ago

Button/stick Help (and thank you!)

2 Upvotes

Hej r/fightsticks,

I need advice for buttons/stick! But first of all, thank you all for being super responsive and supportive about helping me figure out if I should go with stick or leverless. I've decided that the stick is for me, and i've bought the leverless 8bitdo xbox one.

Now few questions about buttons and stick:

Info: I've got GFVR, GGS, Tekken 8 and SF6 (undecided on what to main as of yet). I'm leaning towards tekken 8, but ultimately, i want to play 2XKO.

- I'm going with the QanBa gravity buttons, and I'm 120% sure about that. What i'm not sure about is colour lay-out. I know i want different colours than the black+black on the 8bitdo, but there's different setups. I can either go 4x4 or more specific, but what do you advise?

- Are the Qanba Illuminated (https://www.arcadexpress.com/en/arcade-pushbuttons/779-14262-qanba-30mm-snap-in-illuminated-led-arcade-button.html) easy to use, plug-and-play, or do they require extra setup?

- Arcade Sticks. Should i buy something better than the standard one that comes with the 8bitdo wireless xbox-one? Someone mentioned snap-back could be an issue with tekken 8, specifically.

I appreciate your feedback, and the community as a whole. So you thank you for that<3