The 5 Best Arcade Fight Sticks
Video games started at the arcade. Whether it's nostalgia for the arcade games of their youth, or just personal preference, some gamers prefer the joystick and big buttons on arcade games to the typical console controller. This is especially true for fighting games. Enter the home version of the arcade controls - the arcade fight stick. They add a lot more movement to video game-playing and involve your other fingers besides your thumbs. Compatibility with your system, durability through extensive use, responsiveness, and accuracy are all key criteria we used to evaluate fight stick. Because when you get a good one, they really make fighting games a blast. Give your thumbs a rest, and read on for our reviews of the 5 Best Arcade Fight Sticks.
Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai
Play Like The Pros
Officially licensed by Sony, the Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai from Hori is a tournament-level fight stick. True to its name, this stick gives you the arcade experience on your Playstation 3/4 or PC. No need to mod this one, guys. It comes with Hori’s Hayabusa joystick, which is super fast with pinpoint accuracy. The buttons are Hayabusa buttons, which are very slim with a matte finish. Their response time is exceptional, and their beveled edges make them very comfortable for your fingers. The Hayabusa parts are in Japanese arcade machines and only in Hori products. They have been designed to fit the requests of pro players to be faster, more accurate, and last longer. You’ll be playing like the pros with this arcade fight stick.
Pros
- Original Hayabusa parts
- Designed for pro players
Cons
- The restrictor plate is a little clunky
Mayflash F300 Arcade Fight Stick
This is an excellent fight stick for beginning gamers, as well as advanced gamers who want to mod their fight stick. The included joystick and buttons are responsive and easy to use and will satisfy weekend warrior gamers, so to speak. For those more serious gamers, this fight stick is incredibly easy to mod, even if you’ve never modded your stick before. This stick is made to be compatible with Sanwa Denshi buttons and joystick, which you will need to buy separately. The weight and rubber feet of this stick keep it in place on hard surfaces, so it won’t slide all over the place during vigorous gaming sessions. This stick is compatible with Playstation 3/4, Xbox One/360, PC, Android, Switch, and NeoGeo mini.
Pros
- Great as is
- Great for modding
Cons
- A little small for big hands
Mad Catz Arcade Fight Stick TE2+
Fight All Night
This PlayStation fight stick from Mad Catz is the Tournament Edition 2+, and it is ready for the big leagues. Though the artwork is for Street Fighter V, it is ideal for any fighting game on the PlayStation 3/4. This fight stick is made with top-of-the-line Sanwa Denshi parts, the same parts used in many Japanese arcade games. They are known for being accurate, responsive, and durable. If you don’t like the Street Fighter V artwork, you can easily switch it out for other artwork without having to remove any buttons. There is even a screwdriver included for you to use. This fight stick has a built-in touchpad, a storage compartment inside for extra parts and tools, and a removable ProCable that connects directly to the console via USB to avoid dropouts or slowdowns during gameplay; they really thought of everything for this one.
Pros
- Sanwa Denshi parts
- Removable ProCable
- Removable artwork
Cons
- Only for PlayStation
YF2009 Arcade Fight Stick
Arcade Fire
This arcade fight stick from YF2009 will give you everything you need without breaking the bank. It’s a seamless transition from a regular controller to this stick, and it definitely gives you that classic arcade feel. From the eight-direction ball-top joystick to the eight well-spaced buttons, this fight stick delivers when you need it to. You can rock any game on PlayStation 3 /4 , Xbox One, PC, or Android. Just make sure to read the instructions about how to make it work with your system. With the press of a button, turn on Turbo or Macro, or switch the stick from analog to d-pad. The ergonomic design and the durable buttons and steel joystick will keep this fight stick in your arsenal for years to come.
Pros
- Compatible with many systems
- Suction cups on the bottom for stability
Cons
- Only wired connection
Razer Atrox
Xbox Won
This is a terrific fight stick for Xbox One. The Sanwa parts are tournament-grade, which include the eight highly-responsive buttons and the pinpoint accurate eight-direction joystick. Some gamers do not like the way clicking joysticks affect their gameplay, but this one won’t get in your way at all. It comes with an alternate bat-top attachment if you prefer it to the ball-top joystick. It is super smooth and responsive. This stick is built to be modded easily, with a honeycomb structure under the internal compartment that makes it a breeze to unscrew the old and screw in the new. With an internal storage compartment for cables, tools, and attachments, this fight stick can go anywhere you want to game.
Pros
- 13-foot cable
- Comfortable for bigger hands
Cons
- Only for Xbox One, does not work on PC
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fight stick compatible with my system?
Check the product page for the compatibility of the fight stick you are interested in. Different sticks are made for different systems. Be careful with third-party apps or drivers that claim to make console-only sticks compatible with PCs, as they are not always reliable.
What is modding?
Mod is short for modify. Modding a fight stick means removing the original parts and installing new ones. If the factory parts are not the quality or the style you desire, you can order new ones from a different company and replace the original ones.
Can I use a fight stick for non-fighting games?
Yes, fight sticks can be helpful and fun to use for other types of games besides fighting games. Flying or driving games are really fun with fight sticks, for example. But pretty much any game you could play with a fight stick. Try it, and see if you like it.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.