if you have playedfighting gameAfter a considerable amount of time, you will understand the importance of having a comfortable and capable controller. The genre requires fast and accurate inputs to fire off fireballs, combo links and super moves, so you need a controller that can do just that. A standard gamepad can get the job done, but for many in the fighting game community (FGC), Fight Sticks, also known as arcade sticks, are the weapon of choice.
What is a fighting stick?
Fight Sticks are special video game controllers designed for, well, fighting games. They typically duplicate the look and feel of the classic,street fighter-Inspired panel, featuring the joystick and two-button row layout commonly seen in arcade racks. In fact, the fighting stick market was actually born when ridiculously popular fighting games like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat received versions for home consoles.
It's the arcadey feel of holding a paddle or baseball bat style joystick with one hand and manipulating buttons with the other that entices people to pick up fighting sticks. Nor is it a nostalgic feeling. sometimes standardcontrolsplacing buttons in awkward places, buttons that would otherwise be easily accessible with a fighting stick.
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What makes a good combination with the suit?
Someone unfamiliar with fightsticks might consider these controllers to be more or less the same, with only superficial differences. This couldn't be further from the truth. There is a lot of variation, including the number of buttons (six vs. eight vs. even more), button layout (straight vs. Namco Noir vs. Taito Vewlix), joystick style (top of the ball vs. baseball bat), and joystick. gate (circle vs. diamond vs. octagon vs. square).
Most Fight Sticks have a mode button that allows you to use the solo stick as a D-pad, left analog stick, or right analog stick. There are also button lock switches on tournament ready joysticks. These switches are important because they prevent you from accidentally disqualifying yourself by pressing the Mode, Home, Home, or Options buttons. You don't want this to happen if you're competing in a local Capcom Cup, Combo Breaker, orevotournament.
If you're into the stick game for an extended period of time, you should get one that uses true arcade-quality parts that can withstand the wear and tear associated with long gaming sessions (look for sticks with Sanwa Denshi and Seimitsu parts) . Thankfully, there's a long way between now and the 1990s and early 2000s, when buying a stick meant dealing with questionable pieces that couldn't stand up to intense combat play.
So if you are gaining knowledge about fighting stick designs then visitarcade shockOfocus attackto take your device to the next level by customizing it with new buttons, ports and other parts. Club manufacturers also discourage these scams; some high-end devices even have easy-access interiors that let you customize them to your liking.
Are Fight Sticks compatible with consoles or PC?
Yes! In fact, the most important thing to do before buying a fighting stick is to determine which platforms you want to use it on. Some fighting sticks are designed exclusively for PlayStation use; others are designed with Nintendo or Xbox in mind.
Fortunately, PC gamers don't have to live in such walled gardens. by open characterramenplatform, you can use Nintendo, PlayStation or Xbox fighting devices right out of the box or with some software adjustments. Valve got this right.NatPlatform compatible with many types of controllers. If you find one that doesn't work, you can open the Steam driver settings and tweak it a bit. Many battle rods are also compatible withsteam tires, Valve's Linux-powered gaming handheld. Of course, some console-oriented features, such as image sharing and touchpad functionality, will not work on PC.
If you don't mind losing platform-specific features, you can use just about any controller on any console with the right adapter. ThatBrook Superconverterit's a fantastic opportunity.
What are all-button combat sticks?
A new type of wrestling stick, the "all button" or "no stick" stick has made progress in recent years with the advent of the Hit Box (see below). It's a stickless fighting stick, a button-focused controller as some people thinkCreate an unfair advantage in competitive situations.. Fortunately, tournament organizers are constantly scrutinizing the various handleless versions to make sure they offer fair play, and you'll see them at events like CEO Gaming and Evo. If you're not a tournament player, grab one without worry!
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Do Fight Sticks work with other games?
While Fight Sticks were literally created with fighting games in mind, they are perfectly usable controllers for other arcade style video games such asikarugaOmetallic aloe vera 3. Basically, any game that doesn't require two analog sticks wins to enjoy combat.
How much does a fighting stick cost?
If you're in the mood to buy a club, there are many manufacturers for you to explore. Hori may be the best-known manufacturer of fighting sticks, but they're not the only company worth your time and money. Mad Catz, Mayflash, Qanba, Razer, Victrix and a handful of other companies have competing products on the market.
Strife against stick prices is everywhere. Budget-wise, you can pick up a solid model for just $50. If you don't have fighting stick experience, this is a good starting point that doesn't require a lot of money. On the other hand, a high-quality fighting stick, which costs between $300 and $400, contains superior design elements and frills.
If all this sounds appealing to you, it might be time to invest in a fighting stick. There are plenty of models to consider before opening your wallet, so I've rounded up a few notable clubs in a variety of categories. Read and then choose your weapon.
Input level selection
Hori Mini 4 fighting stick
3.5
The Hori Fighting Stick Mini 4 is a satisfying basic stick that you can get for less than $50. Although small in price and size, the Mini 4 has the features you'd expect from a PlayStation compatible controller, such as the Home, Settings and Share buttons. Unfortunately, a button lock switch is missing.
The $49.99 device also lacks the world-famous Sanwa Denshi joystick and buttons found in high-end controllers, as Hori uses his own hardware here. Nevertheless, the Mini 4 feels good in the hand. With a 3-meter USB cable, you can sit comfortably away from one USB cablegame screenOgaming-tv.
Given the club's small size of 3.4 x 8.3 x 5.9 inches, this is useful for those times when you don't want to lug a full club to a tournament or a friend's house. Those with big legs might find the Mini 4 a bit compact, but the controller's respectable size makes it perfect for those with small hands.
The lightweight 2.2-pound Mini 4 works natively with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, but a firmware download adds PC compatibility. A similar version is available for the Nintendo Switch, called Street Fighter. During testing it worked with some PS5 games e.g.guilty equipment effortjstreet fighter 6.
Hori Fighting Stick Mini: Street Fighter Edition (hasta Nintendo Switch) announced
The alternative basic option
Dron Qanba 2
Let's put this aside for a moment: the Qanba Drone 2 is a relatively expensive basic fighting stick. We prefer entry-level models under $100, but the PS5/PS4/PC-compatible Qanba Drone 2 makes a compelling case for its price. At $124.99, the Drone2 costs more than the Hori Fighting Stick Mini 4, but it doesn't offer the typical sacrifices found on cheaper sticks.
Unsurprisingly, the matte black controller has no Sanwa parts. Instead, the Drone 2 uses Qanba's homemade joystick and buttons. If you are used to Sanwa parts, you will definitely feel a tangible difference when you move the joystick or press the buttons. That's not bad; Just different. The Drone 2 also features non-slip texture strips on the bottom; a complete PlayStation control panel; a Share button; a touch panel; a compartment to store the USB cable; and a headphone jack. As a nice touch, Qanba includes a hole with a handle that allows you to easily replace the device without unscrewing the top of the device from the bottom. Unfortunately, it lacks a button lock switch that prevents disqualification from the tournament if you accidentally press the Start button during a match.
Measuring 4.5 x 14 x 8.7 inches (HWD) and weighing 2.6 pounds, the Drone 2 is larger than the competition's Hori Fighting Stick Mini 4, so those with larger legs will find it more comfortable. Because of its size, the Drone 2 is easier to mod than some competitive budget options, but it lacks the easy-to-access panels found on premium models.
premium selection
Hori Alpha fighting stick
Officially licensed by Microsoft for use withXbox-serie X,Xbox-serie S,Xbox One, and PC, the $199 Hori Fighting Stick is a tournament-ready arcade stick with lots of easy-to-use features. On the Xbox page you will find the familiar Profile and Share buttons. On the Hori side, you'll find the company's Hayabusa matte-finish handle and knobs, designed for faster response times and cleaner inputs (the company claims the stick reduces input strain by up to 15 percent).
Built with customization in mind, the top of the Alpha easily snaps into place for part replacement or repairs. Plus, you can replace the attractive staff design with something faster. If you download the Hori Device Manager app, you can customize the settings for the Alpha buttons and create up to four different profiles, a great option if you play multiple games.
The 4.7 x 16.1 x 11.8-inch, 5.95-pound bar also has dedicated headphone and microphone controls; a 9.8-inch cable that wraps around the body for easy portability; non-slip pads on the bottom; and a key lock switch that prevents you from being disqualified from a tournament if you press the Menu, View, or Share buttons during the match.
INVersion compatible with PlayStation 5/PlayStation 4is also available.
The alternative premium option
Titan Qanba
Resembling a hybrid of Qanba's Drone 2 and Obsidian 2 battle sticks, the $224 Titan is an excellent mid-range controller with plenty of compelling features. The Titan licensed by Sony is compatible withPlayStation 5and PlayStation 4, so it's no surprise that it has a gaming trackpad that supports swipe gestures. It also works well withcomputer games.
Measuring 12.5 x 15.1 x 9.5 inches and weighing 2.5 pounds, the matte black Titan is a well-designed club that won't budge when you're making furious moves. That stability is due to the weight and a non-slip rubber pad on the bottom of the controller. Under the hood you'll find an arcade-quality Sanwa Denshi ball joystick and Sanwa Denshi buttons.
Other goodies built into the Titan include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a grip hole, a touchpad, a Share button, a button lock switch, and a compartment to store the long 10-foot cord.
Choice from the higher segment
Pro FS winner
Sometimes you just have to floss. At $399 (the price of an all-digital PlayStation 5 console!), the Victrix Pro FS isn't cheap. But if you're looking for a high-end fighting experience with arcade-quality set piecesjIt allows you to do stunts with rival tournament participants and drop some coins on this bad boy.
What makes the Pro FS such a standout fighting stick? It features a sleek one-piece aluminum body that begs to be touched, as well as a detachable ball-tipped Sanwa Denshi joystick, an Allen wrench to tighten or loosen the stick, and Sanwa Denshi buttons. The controller also features removable die-cast metal extensions that can be used to connect the 9.8-inch braided USB-C cable (or attach to shoulder straps for easy travel), adjustable LED lighting, a connection for a headphones and a non-slip base. , a lock button and an easy access panel for modding purposes.
The Victrix Pro FS measures 5.7 by 19.0 by 13.3 inches and weighs 7.7 pounds, so you'll need a carry bag if you head to a tournament. You can buy the controller for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 or PC in purple or white.
The alternative high-end option
Obsidian Qamba 2
Qanba has a lot of great fighting sticks on the market, but the $299 Obsidian 2 is the company's best offering. The quality becomes apparent as soon as you touch the glossy, all-black controller.
First, the Obsidian 2 is a heavy stick with plenty of wrist support, measuring 4.6 x 19.1 x 10.2 inches and weighing 7.3 pounds. The thickness and weight give it a premium feel; Place the Obsidian 2 on your lap or on a table and it won't move, even during heavy gameplay. Part of that is due to its size; Part of this is due to the wide rubber base on the bottom of the stick. That said, the size of the Obsidian 2 may lead you to use it as your "home" device, while a smaller device acts as your "away" device.
The officially licensed Sony device, compatible with PS5, PS4 and PC, has the expected Sanwa Deshi arcade-quality buttons and joystick, along with a few other cool features. It has a hole for the handle, a headphone jack, a touchpad, a PlayStation control strip and a button lock switch.
The real highlight of the design is the two unbolted door panels on the sides of the stick. The left one has a 10-foot USB cable, while the right one has a bat cap that you can use instead of the standard bullet cap. Overall, the Qanba Obsidian 2 is one of the best devices you can get for the price.
The choice with all buttons.
Winner ProFS 12
The Victrix Pro FS 12 Shooterless is built like a tank, a beautiful tank. It is made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, features high-quality Sanwa Denshi knobs, measures 2.2 x 16.2 x 11 inches, and weighs 7.7 pounds. The Victrix Pro FS 12 is a substantial and heavy controller that is well worth its $399.99 price tag.
Despite its size, the Victrix Pro FS 12 has been designed with ergonomics in mind. It has a smooth wrist ramp, a built-in foam pad on the back for grip when you fight fiercely, and handles and cable holders for comfortable carrying. Do you enjoy customizing your clubs with new parts? Simply press the top to replace components via the quick back panel.
As a PlayStation-focused controller, the Victrix Pro FS 12 features the expected Option/Share buttons and a touch strip. The tournament-ready Victrix Pro FS 12 features a detachable 9.8-inch cable that detaches from the stick when pulled, keeping your investment from falling to the ground.
The alternative option with all buttons.
impact box
The Hit Box brought the gripless controller concept to the masses and remains one of the best all-button options out there. Compatible with PS4 and PC, the $199 Hit Box replaces the joystick with beautiful, authentic Sanwa directional pads that let you perform complex special moves and combos with relative ease.
The 2.0 x 16.0 x 7.0 inch Hit Box is available in two other variants:Super Smash Bros.friendly Smash Box (compatible with PC and GameCube) and Cross|Up (a hybrid controller with a fighting stick and directional buttons).
Unfortunately,Hit Box currently lacks PS5 compatibility. you need oneBrook Superconverterso that the all-button controller works with the latest Sony home video game console.
The wireless choice
Palo-arcade 8Bitdo
4.0
8Bitdo Arcade Stick, the continuation of thePalo-arcade N30, surpasses its predecessor in almost every aspect. The $89.99 arcade stick has a heavier and bulkier build and comes with a 2.4GHz wireless USB adapter and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless gaming with PC or Nintendo Switch. It's not something you see on many fighting sticks.
The Arcade Stick measures 4.4 x 11.9 x 8 inches and weighs 4.6 pounds. That shaves almost an inch off the depth of the N30, but adds about 1.5 pounds. However, it is an advantage; A good arcade machine should feel safe wherever you place it, whether it's on your lap or on a table. At the bottom of the stick you will find four non-slip rubber feet that prevent slipping. Unfortunately, the device lacks cable storage space.
8Bitdo's joystick lacks any real arcade parts, but the ball-top joystick is satisfyingly clickable, and the buttons are firm, quiet, and have a low range for fast responses. Enthusiastically, 8Bitdo makes it easy to flip open the top of the device so you can swap out your favorite bits. In terms of customization, 8Bitdo Ultimate Software allows you to remap buttons or create macros (reminder: controllers with macros are often banned in tournaments).
According to 8Bitdo, you'll enjoy 40 hours of battery life when playing on the 2.4GHz connection (30 hours with the Bluetooth connection). It takes about four hours to fully charge the battery.
The company launched its firstXbox compatible devicein 2023.
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