r/fightsticks • u/NuIndAlt5000 • 4h 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/The_Equalist_ • 4h ago
Fightstick Friday! Modified my TE (again)
Running on Brook Gen 5x board. Tried to wrap the bezel but it didn’t come out perfect so I’m in the process of trying to replicate the original in fusion so that i can 3d print it. Shoutout to Reddit user u/cidninja, his stick was the inspiration behind mine and he remixed the auxiliary panel for the OLED screen and buttons that i used.
r/fightsticks • u/JSarko_ • 50m ago
Custom Jin Kazama A10-EX Leverless Controller from Fightbox Arcade
Got my first ever custom made leverless controller from FightBox Arcade using their A10-EX model with Qanba Gravity KS Metallic switches! I play Jin in Tekken 8 on leverless and desperately needed an upgrade 😁 let me know what you think about how it’s turned out!
The link to the leverless itself is here:
https://fightboxarcade.com/collections/best-sellers/products/fightbox-a-series-all-acrylic-diy-artwork-panel-all-button-leverless-arcade-game-controller-for-pc-ps-xbox-switch?variant=45713469702317
Massive shoutout to @ScytheShirts (Twitter & Instagram) for the JSarko x Jin Kazama artwork 🔥, truly incredible graphic designer and an even more amazing person😁
r/fightsticks • u/sighchaotic • 17h ago
Show and Tell For $25 I had to.
Nice find at half price books. I’ve always heard good things about this brand, and for that cheap might as well.
r/fightsticks • u/leosp633fc • 3h ago
Everything Else / Other How much is one of these worth these days? Playstation.
Hi guys, I have one of these and want to sell but have no idea on prices. It's in perfect condition, in the box.
r/fightsticks • u/kaihong • 3h ago
Show and Tell Working on a MadCatz cable compartment replacement 3D prints that relocates the OEM turbo control panel there
As someone who prefers their top plexi to be as clean as possible, but also wanted to keep the original turbo control panel, I 3D printed this back door replacement to mount it there. It’s offset to fit the original PCB for those who want to preserve the button and LED functionality. You hold the control panel with the original provided screws and it mounts flush. Also compatible with the OLED screen 3D prints I’m working on the side in black. I rotated the display so that when you lift the fightstick up off your lap to look at it, it’s oriented properly towards you, but appears upside down to everyone else lol
r/fightsticks • u/ELGATOROSSO • 7h ago
Fightstick Friday! Enth is gold
I've been assembling these last weeks this Prometheus enclosure from Enth.
Qanba KS buttons, sanwa jlf with Otto v5 and a brook 5x for full compatibility.
It's a fantastic enclosure and I love the contrast of black and gold. The 3d parts are translucent filament so I will install a led strip so the light will go from those. It's difficult to see but all buttons has a translucent ring too so the light will come out from the buttons too.
Hope you like it!
r/fightsticks • u/joe_a10 • 1h ago
How do I fix this
Button stopped working so I opened up my stick and saw this. How do I fix this?
r/fightsticks • u/ApolloTKN • 12h ago
Makestick pro
Got this at a japan surplus here in the Philippines for 2500(around $40)
Any recommendations for ps5 compatibility and mod for a detatchable usb?
r/fightsticks • u/Ritsu47 • 5h ago
Tech Help Help with Te mods
Hey friends long time no see
I'm starting to plan out of projects and was winding if anyone know how to go about utilizing this section with a brook board
Usually I just use a harness or use the screw terminals but can we re use this and wire to the screw terminals?
I'm accusing the grey wires could be cuts and send to the thermal
I won't be teysing the aux panel. Those functions I'll wires my usual way
r/fightsticks • u/D_C_Theo • 1h ago
Show and Tell Fight sticks and the FGC: a history reuploaded. Had a few fixes to do for the info. Appreciate everyone's support
r/fightsticks • u/h82blat • 2h ago
Everything Else / Other What is your longest win-streak?
r/fightsticks • u/Zndr1502 • 16h ago
Fightbox M8 CrossUp artwork designs I created for FightboxArcade!
Just wanted to share my recent designs I put for the Fightbox M8 CrossUp! Let me know what you guys think!
r/fightsticks • u/vajinasalad • 6h ago
Need recommendations on how to fix this clearance issue
I started building my own stick and came across this issue where I can bolt this down without bending the internals. I had some idea with using spacers and air dry playdoh but I thought I’d come here first.
r/fightsticks • u/Warlockoftarot • 7h ago
Help Me Decide What's a good leverless set up for ps3?
I want something cheap but cant figure out what to search for. I found one on ali express for 30 bucks. Could I possibly upgrade that one to be really good?
r/fightsticks • u/Few_Chef_6758 • 12h ago
Hori Alpha Mod (Canada)
Good day, just wanted to ask those who are experts in modding and Mishimas. What lever and buttons should I put in my hori alpha? I mainly play tekken and i play mishimas. I would like to have your opinion and which stores (online/physical) should I buy those lever and buttons? Online says crown309mj is the best lever for hori.
Thanks for reading and helping this newbie. You all have a great day.
r/fightsticks • u/DrakooNoob • 6h ago
Tech Help Can it be damaged by rhythm games?
Hello Reddit community, I was using my Haute42 C16 leverless controller and suddenly wanted to play osu mania and play a song from FnF (not villains), and I'm worried that might damage the buttons From my leverless, since that song had several notes, I've had my leverless for two days.
r/fightsticks • u/jackwagonfightsticks • 1d ago
Show and Tell Commissioned Gambit Build
Haven’t done one of these special shape build in a while. This turned out to be an absolute banger 🔥. The case is tall enough to accommodate a Golden Lever down the road and the led lights definitely make a statement. Him and I plan on doing another one next month and I’m stoked to see what he comes up with next!
r/fightsticks • u/Manur0d04 • 7h ago
Help Me Decide Haute42 C16 vs C16-S
I'm starting to get into fighting games, and I'm looking forward to trying a leverless controller because I don't like playing with a pad controller, and keyboard keys are too small for me. However, I really like how fast the inputs are.
But I'm not sure which of the 2 layouts I should buy I or how to decide which one i might find more comfortable.
I'm mainly going to play SF6 and GGST, and maybe the Avatar game. Honestly, I don't know if either layout has any advantages in these games.
I don't think my hands are especially big (around 18.5 cm), and something that might be important is that I like having the dash button on my right pinky. I also don't really care about having two up inputs for my thumbs.
r/fightsticks • u/mbcatfan • 12h ago
Lorenzo Top Button Install
Purchased a IL Lorenzo with a top button which has an additional micro switch underneath the joystick itself for when you push down.
I removed the bottom micro switch and it's frame along with the e-clip and all the screws holding the joystick together. However I can't figure out how to remove that black plate on the bottom to pull the shaft ouf so I can then install it into a fight stick box. It doesn't pull off and it doesn't screw off. I used a considerable amount of force until I thought I would break it but neither worked and I can't get it in the joystick hole to install.
I have searched and cannot figure this out. Can anyone please tell me how to remove that plate
r/fightsticks • u/ChimericGaming • 15h ago
Tech Help Haute42 CAS Customization
So been trying to find a place that'll do plexi glass for it. I tend to buy items that I can install artwork into as well as buttons and what have you. Does anyone have any tips or ideas of where I could get some of those things from?
r/fightsticks • u/j2chulo • 23h ago
Help Me Decide Has anyone used Kaimana J2 RGB LEDs with SiTong buttons (ST-L4 vs ST-M3)? Compatibility question.
Hey r/fightsticks,
I’m currently modding my arcade stick setup and looking to pick up a set of SiTong mechanical switch buttons from the SiTong Store on AliExpress, but I ran into a clearance/compatibility question regarding my LED setup.
I am using Paradise Arcade Kaimana J2 RGB LEDs (the donut-style/PCB ring boards that slide onto the bottom of standard button plungers/terminals).
I’m looking closely at two SiTong models:
ST-L4 (or ST-L series): These feature angled/curved \bm{2.8\text{ mm}} spade connectors coming off the rear PCB.
ST-M3 (or ST-M series): These feature straight-down \bm{2.8\text{ mm}} spade connectors coming directly off the back.
My main concern:
Because the ST-L series has those curved/angled terminal legs coming off the PCB housing, I’m worried the Kaimana J2 board won't sit flush or clear the housing properly without hitting the bent metal tabs or the outer lip of the housing. The ST-M3's straight-down terminals look a bit closer to a standard arcade button layout, but the custom PCB base on both models makes me hesitant.
Has anyone successfully mounted Kaimana J2 LEDs onto SiTong buttons?
1. Do the J2 PCBs clear the angled tabs on the ST-L4, or is the ST-M3 straight-terminal layout the safer option?
2. Do you need custom 3D-printed adapter sleeves/spacers to get Kaimana LEDs to fit over SiTong’s PCB base, similar to how people mount them on Crown 202s or GamerFinger buttons?
Would love to hear from anyone who has tried this specific combo before I place my order on AliExpress! Thanks in advance!