Fight sticks, also often referred to as arcade sticks, have entered somewhat of a golden age in recent years. Previously, the parts used in them were often sub-par, and it was difficult to weed out exactly which ones were worth picking up. Thankfully, most reputable manufacturers tend to put in high-quality parts today, and the minimum expected feature set is higher than ever. But that higher minimum bar of doesn’t mean that all fight sticks are created equal, and navigating them can be a bit tricky.
A note on parts: Sanwa is considered the premiere arcade and fight-stick part manufacturer. So almost all parts in all fight sticks are either equipped with Sanwa parts or parts that try really hard to look and feel like them (usually referred to as "Sanwa clones"). While they certainly aren’t the only company making fight-stick parts, they’re the de facto standard for most hardware manufacturers and a decent baseline for quality.
Best Value
8Bitdo Arcade Stick
8bitdo has completely upended the third-party controller game with their products, which seem to increase in quality and features over time. This is easily the most feature-packed stick on the market today, with enough attention to detail to entice both newcomers and longtime fight-stick fans. It features dual mode USB-C or wireless (via the included 2.4Ghz dongle), mappable macro buttons, quick toggle power and input switches, and Sanwa clone parts that do a pretty good job of imitating the real things. The real killer feature is the light-up button legend. When selecting either Switch or X-input modes, the button layout will change via internal LEDs between Switch and Xbox-style layouts, complete with appropriate changes to the actual button mapping.
It's also compatible with 8Bitdo’s Ultimate Software suite for complete customization and macro programming. The only major drawback is that swapping internal parts is a bit tricky, since the weighted bottom panel is secured with a T10 size torx bit. But once inside, buttons are easily replaced, and the joystick is swappable with a compatible ribbon cable. 8Bitdo also provides clearly labelled joystick solder points for the more adventurous tinkerers who prefer a more permanent route. The most impressive part of the 8Bitdo arcade stick is the price. At under $100, it punches well above its weight at a price that would make most $200 fight sticks embarrassed.
Best Compatibility
Mayflash F500 Elite
There are two versions of the F500, and which one you choose depends a bit on how much you want to customize your fight stick. The base model includes standard Sanwa clone hardware, and if you’re the type who customizes your joystick and buttons, you'll save a few bucks replacing them. But the Elite is built for those who just want the most compatible, usable fight stick right out of the gate, without having to worry about replacing parts to get a truly premium experience. It uses official Sanwa parts and features a huge roster of compatible platforms.
It works with PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Switch, Android, and a slew of mini consoles. It works on so many systems by using a trick: for PS3, PS4, and Xbox, it requires you to plug in an official controller for the system to the USB port on the F500, which it then uses to translate your inputs for the platform it’s connected to. It’s a bit cumbersome but a small price to pay for such high compatibility. It also features a headset jack, mute button, and vibration wrist-strap support. Mayflash gives exact measurements of the top panel and makes it easy to remove with a few screws if you want to get a custom art insert made. If you don’t mind some extra cords lying around, it’s a fantastic premium fight stick that works on just about every platform.
Best Build Quality
Qanba Obsidian
The Qanba Obsidian, along with its bigger brother, the Qanba Dragon, isn’t the most full-featured or compatible stick on the market by any means. It’s wide, bulky, and only works on PC, PS3, and PS4. But it’s also built like an absolute tank and has a truly premium feel to it. If you’re the type who wants a very wide, comfortable, well-built fight stick, the Obsidian delivers. The caps on the edges are made of aluminum, it features LED lighting on the sides, and it’s built using only official Sanwa parts.
Qanba seems to understand that less is more, with a visual layout devoid of any real art that somehow manages to look classy instead of sparse. Of course, the top panel still features screw holes, if you’re the type who adds your own Plexi top panel with some custom art. It also comes in an all-white Pearl option for those who want something a bit more striking.
Best Budget
Mayflash F101
The Mayflash F101 might be cheap, but it’s still a solid fight stick for those looking to get their feet wet without spending too much. It’s is compatible with PC, Switch, Android, and a few different mini consoles. The top doesn’t allow for custom art and features a dual-button legend printed directly on the top panel. While it doesn’t come with Sanwa parts, it is compatible with them (for intrepid users who don’t mind opening up the bottom panel to change things out). Visually, the F101 won’t win any awards, but at $44, it’s still a great entry into fight sticks that leaves room for modders to grow and customize.
Picking up your first fight stick might seem daunting at first because of all the terminology and customization. But once you’ve chosen your budget and platform, the field narrows quite a bit, and it just boils down to what you want yours to actually do for you. For those who want to delve deeper, there’s an entire world of custom parts to explore, but it’s also easy to just pick one up and start playing some games.
For more guides check out How to play Valorant using a Controller/Gamepad? and Best Controller Settings for Halo Infinite on Pro Game Guides.
This article includes affiliate links, which may provide small compensation to Pro Game Guides.
Published: Mar 10, 2022 10:20 am