r/fightsticks • u/Hugosan777 • 5h ago
r/fightsticks • u/HushMySweet • Feb 14 '26
Show and Tell Awesome Jan fightsticks and all-button controllers!
r/fightsticks • u/HushMySweet • Jun 18 '23
PLEASE READ FIRST FAQ and Fightstick Question MEGATHREAD, Continued
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.
Hitbox (for specialty, all-button controllers)
Mixbox (for specialty, keyboard-esque controllers)
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.
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.
ART & TEMPLATES
Focus Attack's art and plex templates
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.
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
- 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.
- What's my budget? This may quickly cut out a lot of options for you.
- 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.
- Do you want a lever, stickless, or all of the above? (that last option will almost certainly need a custom build)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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".
- 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.
- 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
WoolieVersus (Scrubguides: Arcade Sticks 101 video)
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 • u/haste57 • 47m ago
New VM6R build - Law / Tekken themed
I just got done building an vm6r and messing around with combinations for the golden lever (standard not pro). I also used gamerfinger buttons with a color scheme to go with it.
No rbg as I didn't realize new brooks 5 boards supported it but I'm not a huge fan of that either. The newer web interface and being able to swap out what keys do is a really nice feature as well!
r/fightsticks • u/Djkaoken2002 • 30m ago
Show and Tell Switch Rap Haysbusa
Nothing super spectacular but got this Nintendo Switch RAP from goodwill online super cheap. It’s honestly one of the best sticks I’ve played with I’m very surprised.
r/fightsticks • u/AmericaRuns0nMe • 21h ago
Show and Tell Go to Order: Double Double, Animal Style + Chocolate Shake
Finally got around to customizing my Mayflash F500 Elite. I’ve had it for years. I’ve never been a big fan of putting characters on a fight stick, so this was my solution.
r/fightsticks • u/Treyflippin • 17h ago
Humor / Fluff You ain’t a true Mishima main until you use a stick that does this.
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Imagine being shocked after every electric you do? 😆
r/fightsticks • u/southkapow • 21h ago
Show and Tell My controllers
After a few months of saving I got to finally put my collection together! I like what I have, but I eventually want to branch out into making or buying my own custom stick.
r/fightsticks • u/Shnook_ • 2h ago
Pimp My Arcade Stick!
I have a Ettoki Omni fight stick and I wanted it to get customized and I don’t really have time to do it myself. Does anyone have any recommendations on where I could possibly send it to get it “Pimped” out!?
r/fightsticks • u/jacobmedeiros16 • 1d ago
Show and Tell Venom Omni
Recently completed an overhaul of my etokki omni and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. The front plate features some lovely art by [u/ezium](u/ezium) (please go check out their other work) with modifications to include Venom’s full legal name in kanji. I wanted to focus on a smooth input experience and low noise profile and this build exceeds in both.
Specs are as follows:
- Sanwa JLX2 Silent Lever with 2lb spring
- ASIndo GL bullet top
- SiTong buttons w/ Gateron Smoothies
r/fightsticks • u/Ok_Raisin_5751 • 3h ago
adapters
anyone use a haute42x does it still work , or should i just get the mayflash x
r/fightsticks • u/Relyk_is_on_reddit • 3h ago
M3 JunkFood Micro not working on PS5
Finally got mine in today and I’m just having trouble connecting the fight stick to my PS5 and I have no clue what I’m doing wrong? There’s like some contradictory resources on the website and I haven’t found a solution anywhere on reddit, so hopefully someone can offer me advice.
r/fightsticks • u/southkapow • 7h ago
Tech Help Nobi semitsu shaft help
Hello! I have the semitsu nobi lsx and I wanted to give it a quick release shaft, and I was wondering if anyone knew if the phreakmod for the ls32 works on it also
r/fightsticks • u/thegamer36 • 5h ago
Help Me Decide Mayflash F500 elite mod
Quick question on modding the Mayflash f500 elite. Can you add a spinner and trackball to that fightstick?
I did notice that there is a Fightbox R10 Pro with a spinner and trackball, would that be a better option?
Any other suggested fightsticks that would fit this bill?
Any and all comments welcome!
r/fightsticks • u/Dense-Worldliness463 • 23h ago
Testing Out Magnetically Activated LEDs
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
This is a different tech than the others. It’s battery powered but only turns on and off via magnet
r/fightsticks • u/pharedox • 1d ago
Show and Tell Mikasa F500 (art by me)
Upgraded my first ever fight stick I got a while ago with a Mikasa drawing I made and some spare parts I had laying around!
r/fightsticks • u/MaeDay01 • 15h ago
Humor / Fluff My new fightstick
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
r/fightsticks • u/Ok_Raisin_5751 • 9h ago
wassup build question
If im using the pico h (avoid eletrics ) do i still nee a bread and or break or board or can i jut wire it mount it and go from there
r/fightsticks • u/sajallday • 1d ago
Tech Help Help modding my Hori Rap 4
I have plugged it in, and the board indicates that it's getting a connection. The issue is that because of the nature of the hori's separate parts for the L3R3, touchpad, switches, and ps button, I have no access to any of these. When installing a new board, how did y'all tackle this?
r/fightsticks • u/Friendly_Pea_7835 • 1d ago
GlimPearl sahara Signature Edition Confirmed for Release
The release of the GlimPearl, built to the same specifications as the model used by Sahara—the Capcom Cup 12 champion—has been confirmed.
Since Sahara originally comes from a background as a top FPS player (such as in CoD), unlike standard commercially available controllers, the GlimPearl used by Sahara features a unique layout with the movement buttons positioned slightly vertically.
Made in Japan
Further details will be announced soon.
r/fightsticks • u/EwreckShawn • 1d ago
Survivor stick
House caught fire along with this. Modded the case, replaced board and added new parts
r/fightsticks • u/Handolta • 1d ago
Name of Seimitsu LS-56 Omron switches
Picture shows the switches on my Seimitsu LS-56-01 (with PCB). Omron V-161-3D65.
Looking for the closest match for use on a non-PCB lever, for example the exact model used on the non-PCB version of the LS-56.
Does anyone have a model name to give me?
r/fightsticks • u/kam_morales45 • 16h ago
Help Me Decide Need help deciding what leverless controller to get
I want to make the switch to leverless due to constant misinputs and need help deciding which leverless controller to use.
The brand I'm choosing from is Haute42 cause of their budget options.
The 2 options that stuck with me were the T16 and the R16 (am open to suggestions for other models)
So I'd really appreciate if this community can help me
Thank you!!!
r/fightsticks • u/Homa_16_bits • 1d ago
Show and Tell fightstick for american style lever
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Hey everyone, today I'm showing you this fight stick that was custom-made for an American-style joystick (the big ones). That's why the board is so thick, completely customized to the client's liking. And remember, if you want something custom-made for yourself, whether it's a fight stick or a joystick, don't hesitate to contact me via DM or any of our social media channels, which you can find on my profile. Cheers, and have a great start to the week!
r/fightsticks • u/yaketsukishima • 1d ago
sky2040-m16
first time trying a custom artwork on my leverless. still proud of how it came together even if it needs more work.
if anyone has a template of this it would be much appreciated