r/fightsticks • u/JUANminiDIY • 3h ago
Fightstick Friday! WASD layout in JMD Blitz wooden case
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r/fightsticks • u/HushMySweet • Feb 14 '26
Show and Tell Awesome Jan fightsticks and all-button controllers!
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r/fightsticks • u/HushMySweet • Jun 18 '23
PLEASE READ FIRST FAQ and Fightstick Question MEGATHREAD, Continued
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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/BasilBloomReed1 • 2h ago
Tutorial or Review My One Piece custom art finally came in for my Mayflash F500
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r/fightsticks • u/Icy_Industry5872 • 7h ago
First Time DIY Arcade GP-2040-CE
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Need help, do I need a daisy chain as ground? Any tutorial link? Specs in the pictures.
r/fightsticks • u/Secure_Novel_669 • 4h ago
Tech Help What are your key binds?
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Upvotes
Hello, I recently switched to a Haute42 T16 and I've really enjoyed the change. I was curious how other people setup for SF6. Let me know! I main Zangief and recently switched to Alex.
r/fightsticks • u/YamatoYam • 1h ago
Anyone who has experience or prefers a shorter shaft.
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I've been sitting on a Seimitsu LS-32-01 EVO 2022 for the last 4 years and finally decided I'm going to install it. Its currently hiding in my closet, neglected.
Its going to be installed in my Hori RAP N but it has the flat MS mounting plate. I've seen online that you would need the SS mounting plate if you want the proper height for the the shaft.
Google search shows that if I were to install it with the MS plate there would be a difference of the shaft being 4-6mm shorter.
I know its subjective but I want to know what your experiences are with having a shorter shaft. Advantages and disadvantages. Comfort. Execution. Etc.
r/fightsticks • u/Wonderful_Aside4938 • 5h ago
Everything Else / Other I just bought a leverless the Cosmox P12 pro remix
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it's pretty small which I did expect but could anyone provide any tips on how to get used to the button placement and inputs? sometimes I drop my inputs because I'm accidentally holding a different movement button and I'm just wondering if theres like a trick or exercise I can do to get used to it
r/fightsticks • u/WokeCultist1312 • 1h ago
Help Me Decide Need tips to choose the right stick part(s) \ Opened to modding
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TL;DR : Seimitsu or Sanwa to help with direction precision and maybe to get a faster throw/engage? Not afraid to mod with octogonal gate, actuator, spring and all that jazz.
p.s. I tried to add some indicators for faster reading if you wanna skip some unnecessary parts
Hi! I got my hand on an 8bitDo a few days ago. I knew I would eventually want to mod it, but I feel like this time needs to come faster because the stock parts are... well stock parts/not the best.
Out of topic : button choice
For the buttons, I'm looking at the Qanba Gravity KT for their adjustable height and the possibility to some day put custom art inside. They also look like the most durable snap in option. That being said, I think getting a new stick is more urgent.
The stick dilemma
My first instinct, looking at the switches inside, was to go for anything Seimitsu, so the diagonals would be easier. But now I think that what might be harder for queer ol' me me is going straight, lol. (i.e. I hit diagonals too much when trying to go straight.)
So I think an octogonal gate is a must for my chaotic hand. But now I don't know weither to go Seimitsu or if Sanwa would be just fine. I was looking at the go to's JLF or LS-32, but maybe LS-56 too?
Removable Shaft?
I am looking at these models because they have Phreak Mod Link available (though the Seimitsu ones seems harder to find in North America currently, unless I am looking at all the wrong places).
I want removable shaft to be able the quickly switch between a ball, a bullet and a bat top, to really test them all out, but that maybe over the... top, since I will most likely... stick to the ball top.
Back to the stick dilemma
Anyways, I know the LS-56 spring is stronger, but I am not afraid to open those things up and mod them. I also like the Sanwa gates better... so would it be better just to mod a Sanwa stick with a different spring and tension than to go for a Seimitsu? Do the switches with the metal thingy make a huge difference? Are they worth it?
Other wish
I think I want something with a shorter throw/engage, so I could also look for a different actuator, if I understand correctly? Or is it all in the shaft height?
So many questions. I have watched a buuuunch of videos and all, but my questions may be to precise? So I am still lost.
Useless personal infos about my new discovered obsession
I went down a deep rabbit hole with this thing that was just supposed to be a fun controller for retro games... but now I am obsessed, I am diving head first into arcade games and see a new challenge in working with new hand/finger gymnastics that are different then the usual controllers (and I should get my leverless controller next week, and that's a whole other new obsession/challenge to come). I find the 8bitDo Stick too small for my hands to be comfortable and the mod possibilities are limited, so I know I will probably want to get another stick at some point (soon), maybe even build one that's exactly adapted to me. Sky is the limit!!!
But first, I need to choose my new stick, because, though I would LOVE to, I don't have the means to just buy them all and try them all out to fully understand the big and the subtle differences
In summary
I am looking for a stick that:
• Helps with directions: something to guide me with precision (orthogonal gate maybe?);
• Has a fast response: shorter throw/engage;
• Can be modded with a removable shaft (optional): looking at Sanwa JLF, Seimistu LS-32 and LS-56, to get PhreakMods*;
• Flat plate (though I guess it's an easy fix to change this part)
Bonus: I do wanna know more about the philosophy and needs in terms of springs and actuators.
*I am also open to other models/brands, if they are not super hard to find (I live in Canada, will mostly have to order some parts in the US and pay the shipping and who knows how much custom and duty fees)
Anyways, if any of you have any tips, opinions or wanna share your experience with different sticks, I would love to read about it! Thanks :D
r/fightsticks • u/Ymirrrrr • 4h ago
Tech Help Hori Nolva disconnecting and where to get fixed in metro manila philippines
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Upvotes
Hi everyone!
I've had my Hori Nolva for about a year now, and it suddenly started acting up when I connect it to my PC.
The controller connects normally at first, but after a few seconds, my buttons stop responding. The weird thing is that my PC and games still recognize the controller as connected.
I've tried using other USB-C cables, but the results are inconsistent. Some cables work for a few minutes before the controller disconnects completely, while others don't work at all. I'm currently using the original USB-C cable that came with the controller.
Has anyone experienced something similar or have any ideas on how to fix this? I'm not sure if the problem is with the cable, the USB-C port, or the controller itself.
Also, if you're from Metro Manila, Philippines, can you recommend a shop that can fix this?
Lastly, do you think it's worth getting this repaired, or should I just sell it for cheap (or just throw it out) and buy a new hitbox instead? If you'd recommend replacing it, I'm also open to suggestions (something cheap bc im broke ahh hell)
Thanks in advance for the help!
r/fightsticks • u/ComplexBus730 • 1h ago
Mixbox arcade controller query
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Assalam u Alaikum
So basically i am a huge fan of tekken 8 and want to get a mixbox styled leverless controller built
I don't know any stores where i can get it built
I saw some ads on olx to get a custom arcade controller in like 9-14k but haven't recieved any response from them do any of you know where can i get it.
r/fightsticks • u/dalinkwent18 • 22h ago
Fightstick Friday! AFS 16" Eva-01
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AFS 16" Sega 2p 8 Extended w/ art by ColdRamune
Golden Lever - Low Black Squircle, Blue 50a silicone, 9mm shaft, Variable Black Base @ 15mm spacing, 14.5mm Bushing, 15.5mm Bearing, Gersung GSM-V1603A3HM switches.
Custom printed OSBMX buttons w/ lubed C³Equalz X TKC Kiwi Tactile Switches
r/fightsticks • u/Remarkable_Tale7549 • 8h ago
Questions on Modding my Qanba Dragon
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Hello everyone! I just need a bit of help. My girlfriend and I are trying to look into modding my Qanba Dragon and I am having a hard time trying to the dimensions of the faceplate. Wanting to get some custom art made and put onto it, but ya know, the faceplate is kinda essential lol If anyone would happen to know, I would truly appreciate the help. :)
r/fightsticks • u/Funnysonic125 • 1d ago
Show and Tell To celebrate the new Street Fighter movie, I thought I'd show off my Cammy Design Commission for the Mayflash F700 Elite!
51
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r/fightsticks • u/dasshindev • 15h ago
Tech Help Planning on buying a Custom Fight stick from IST Mall for my first fight stick so I can have fun customizing it to fit me, any recommendations from those who have bought from them?
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r/fightsticks • u/Suvi2k • 1d ago
Fightstick Friday! New Doom stick just landed…Made in Latveria
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Build specs:
Enclosure: Fightbox R10 Pro
Firmware: GP2040-CE
Joystick: Qanba Gravity, 4lb spring, extended shaft, circle gate
Bat top: Qanba Prism metallic
Action buttons: 6x Qanba Gravity (silver), 30mm, Capcom 6-button layout
Start/Select: 2x Qanba Gravity (silver), 24mm
Pinball buttons: 4x Qanba Gravity (silver), 24mm, 2 per side
Trackball with Green LED and spinner
Artwork: Custom
I’ve been using the stick for a few days now just for fighting games and it’s been very stable and suits my playstyle. Also I know I haven’t taken the stickers off the buttons yet either.
r/fightsticks • u/jsindv • 1d ago
Fightstick Friday! My Completed VM6R S30 Max
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Here is my completed VM6R from ASIndo! Reposting this so I could add additional photos. The build includes a Golden Lever Pro, Gamerfinger buttons and a Brook PS5 Audio PCB :)))
r/fightsticks • u/Naive_Landscape_1872 • 11h ago
Need suggestion for a beginner korean lever
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Hi, guys! I badly need suggestions for a beginner korean lever that is not too pricey. My budget is around 25-50$
EDIT: I have a Hori Fighting Stick Alpha (PS5 Version)
r/fightsticks • u/Purpledox • 14h ago
Imput in StreetFighter 6 - [4]6MP into super 3 (double quarte circle foward)
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Hello everyone, I wanna ask how to do a certain input. I play with an arcade stick and cannot consistenly link M.Bison [4]6MP to Super3. I realised that the first quarter circle motion of the super input doesnt com all the way to the 6 direction. No matter how much I train I cannot connect these two moves.
Btw, If its just double quarter circle motion to connect super 3 in OD 214P or anything like that, I dont have any problem confirming into supers
r/fightsticks • u/BigJohnCreations • 1d ago
Getting an MvC Fight Stick to work on Wingman P5?
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Upvotes
Hello, I’ve recently bought the Brook Wingman P5 from Amazon and installed the firmware right out of the box.
None of my devices are functional after being detected with the blue light. The PS5 recognizes something is plugged in, but none of the buttons work, even when directly plugged in using USB wires.
The only controller I could get working on the P5 is the standard PS4 controller.
I’m mostly concerned about the Mad Catz Marvel vs Capcom PS3 TE fight stick. It works on my PC, but nothing on my PS5. Is there special firmware I can download before I decide to return the P5 to Amazon?
r/fightsticks • u/orhanyor • 11h ago
Tech Help Wireless dongle options?
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Hey guys, I just build my first cheapo fight stick but the only one thing I hate is the USB cable. Is there any 2.4G or anything similar dongle that can attach to my GP2040-CE board and make it basically wireless? Thank you
r/fightsticks • u/OirinQQ • 1d ago
Fightstick Friday! The Heir Born
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The next one in my collection is The Heir Born.
r/fightsticks • u/Dense-Worldliness463 • 1d ago
Show and Tell Gonna build this stick out of Expanded PVC
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The homie Jony Fraze dropped a diy case on his site a couple months back and I bought it to support him. I work at a graphics company that has a cnc machine and we did a project last week that left some scrap pieces that we were going to toss, but I was like… this may work for a stick. So I’ll be routing these out and building it probably within the next few weeks. I’ll be using Sintra which is expanded PVC, it’s softer and lighter than acrylic but it’s still ridged. You also can print directly on it via a flatbed UV printer and the color comes out crisp. (You can see in the other example pics)
If you got a laser cutter or cnc you can grab his file here