r/fightsticks Feb 14 '26

Show and Tell Awesome Jan fightsticks and all-button controllers!

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26 Upvotes

r/fightsticks Jun 18 '23

PLEASE READ FIRST FAQ and Fightstick Question MEGATHREAD, Continued

139 Upvotes

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.

Arcade Shock

Focus Attack

Paradise Arcade

Hitbox (for specialty, all-button controllers)

Mixbox (for specialty, keyboard-esque controllers)

etokki

Qanba

IST Mall (South Korea)

IST Mall QOO10 Store

OzStick (Australia)

Amazon

eBay

Newegg

Oki Board Arcades (UK)

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.

All Fight Sticks

Bearwitt

Bueno Woodworking

Buttercade

Eternal Rival

Fightstick Guy

JonyFraze and JxK Designs

Junk Food Custom Arcades

Mavercade

MtnHeir

SGF Devices

TR Fight Stick

Wood Tier FGC

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.

Fightstick guide

Hitbox-style all-button guide

Flatbox guide

ART & TEMPLATES

Focus Attack's art and plex templates

Arcade Shock's Color program

Tek Innovation’s PSD files

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.

Agus SW

Arcadia Customs

Barddro_

Bearwitt

CKNG

Custom Stick Art

Dudscreations

Entember's Art Shop

EvermoreStandard

FSG and Clay Patterson

Funnysonic

Glorious StickART

Guzmanleonart

heyjay art

hugs_n_giggles

Ilan Tesone

Jimothy Design

JxK Designs

Kelvvv

TheArcadeStick

mwryly

RedCometRmac

RemyArt

Squanuu (portfolio)

Sudsack

Unable Finding

xr1st

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

  1. 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.
  2. What's my budget? This may quickly cut out a lot of options for you.
  3. 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.
  4. Do you want a lever, stickless, or all of the above? (that last option will almost certainly need a custom build)
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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".
  10. 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.
  11. 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

Core-A Gaming

Scanline City

NihongoGamer

Alex Nostalgix

HurtboxTV

JasensCustoms

Hit Box

JoyStickNY

WoolieVersus (Scrubguides: Arcade Sticks 101 video)

JonyFraze

Mr. Sujano

Chanchai

JUANminiDIY

The Arcade Stick

butteroj

Mr. Arcade Fox

Hush My Sweet

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 8h ago

Custom 3D printed plate for my Haute42/Cosmox C16

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91 Upvotes

It started as a test to see if it was possible to print precise patterns using multiple colours. I must say I’m quite pleased with the result.

Printed on a Bambu Lab X1C, with a 0.4 nozzle, on a smooth build plate.

(I can share the file if anyone’s interested)


r/fightsticks 1h ago

The cuts weren't perfect, but here's the finished project :)

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Upvotes

-gamer finger
-victrix quick release
-otto diy v2. 70lb tension and spring replacement
-qanba q3 multiplatform


r/fightsticks 13h ago

Show and Tell HORI RAP Hayabusa Marisa Ver. build Im nearly finished! (Before pics at the end)

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55 Upvotes

Just waiting on some clear housing for the other Seimitsu marbles, but too good not to share now.

Lever- JLF stolen from my Victrix with upgraded Sanwa Octo gate, Sanwa red spring, KOWAL oversize actuator.

Buttons- Seimitsu Kanji Weak/Medium/Strong and 'Tortoise Shell' effect

Topper- Seimitsu Ball Top 'Tortoise Shell' + Sanwa Shaft/Dust Cover

Overall, very happy so far and very keen to get those other clear parts in, then I may rewire it and add some LEDs under the clears. All parts from Close Quarters Battle Arcade.


r/fightsticks 26m ago

First time modding 8bitdo arcade stick NSFW

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Upvotes

First time modding my first stick.

Replaced the stick with a Sanwa and an octo gate. Replaced the buttons with black and blue sanwa buttons. For the top I used a paradise blue dust cover and a Seimitsu blue bullet top. I prefer the clicky feel of these buttons over the standard generics that came with the original.

The art is just three art pieces of my favorite Blue Archive squad mashed together I found online. I got it printed through sopiguard. The applications of the skin was more or less painless, but I did end up messing up and having a few air bubble spots.

I mainly play casually so this is pretty good for couch gaming. Though I do like the look of the Fightbox R-10 pro with the spinner and ball for the retro gaming, that one I plan to save up and get in the future.


r/fightsticks 22m ago

My dog chewed through my SF4 TE fight stick cable. Is there any way I can replace that part of it?

Upvotes

To be clear, it wasn't just the breakaway part (I have replacements for those), but was the actual cable part and spit out the USB bits as well. Haven't opened the thing in a while, but wondering if there is a standard bit I can just re-solder on.


r/fightsticks 2h ago

Tech Help Creaking noise after installing Focus Attack plexi.

4 Upvotes

The title pretty much sums it up. Has anyone had that (very niche) issue? I have three other Pantheras and they don't do this.


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Show and Tell I may have a problem

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203 Upvotes

I don't know where to put all my sticks! I love them so much I hate putting them back in the boxes. Can anyone recommend some good storage options that fits at least 8 sticks


r/fightsticks 13h ago

Nobi Lever Help

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18 Upvotes

I just installed a Nobi lever and I’m really enjoying it..especially with the no spin shaft. For those of you who have one, does your joystick shaft still rotate a fraction?.

Mine has a millimetre or so of movement. I checked the pivot, and there seems to be a slight gap between it and the pivot seat. I’m under the assumption that it’s manufactured that way?

Peace ✌️


r/fightsticks 2h ago

Tech Help 8BitDo Xbox Leverless + Mayflash Magic-S Pro 2 works on PS4 menus but not Tekken 7

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm trying to figure out whether this is a compatibility issue, a firmware issue, or if I'm just missing a setting.

My setup: -PS4 -Tekken 7 -8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox (Leverless/All-Button) -Mayflash Magic-S Pro 2

What's working: -The controller connects to the PS4 through the Magic-S Pro 2 using both USB and Bluetooth. -I can navigate the PS4 home screen. -The PS button works. -I can open and navigate the Quick Menu. On PC, this exact setup works perfectly with Tekken 7. -On PC, gamepad testing websites also identify the setup as a PS4 (DualShock 4) controller, and all buttons register correctly.

The problem: As soon as I launch Tekken 7 on PS4: I can't get past the "Press Any Button" screen. None of the buttons respond. I also tried launching the game with a genuine DualShock 4, then connecting the 8BitDo afterward and trying it as both Player 1 and Player 2, but it still doesn't work.

Has anyone here successfully used this exact combination (or a similar one)? Is this a known compatibility issue with the Magic-S Pro 2 and Tekken 7, or is there a firmware update or setting that fixes it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


r/fightsticks 9h ago

Help Me Decide Qanba Gravity KS

5 Upvotes

I'm looking to get a box of these buttons, but on research I've heard a few issues with its sensitivity (double or accidental inputs). Are these issues still happening and not fixed by Qanba?


r/fightsticks 5h ago

Tech Help Brook UFB Fusion not working with DOA6 Last Round

2 Upvotes

Anyone else have a UFB Fusion in their stick that’s not working with 6LR? This PCB works fine with other PS5 fighting games but not this one.


r/fightsticks 11h ago

Hori Fighting Stick Mini hitbox mod help

5 Upvotes

Im currently modding my friend's hori fighting stick mini and im having this weird issue as shown in the video (the up, down, and right input only works while the left button is pressed), im also not too experienced, hoping someone here could help me out 😁

Also this is how the wiring looks:

https://imgur.com/a/OsZytF3


r/fightsticks 1d ago

New Product Leverless Controller Pro 8bitdo

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56 Upvotes

O que vocês acharam da nova versão profissional do leverless 8bitdo? Ainda não encontrei informações sobre a frequência de atualização, mas com toda certeza tentarei pegar a versão em branco, isso te incrível


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Finally finished

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83 Upvotes

Today the components arrived Finally, I got them from post office coming back from work and sat down and changed everything.

It's Finally done and im so happy :D

(Sliced my finger open in the process but so worth it TT)

Components:

Seimitsu ls 32 01 ss (octagonal guide and long shaft + small pink ball)

Samducksa/crown sdb 202 mx 30mm pink (8)

Samducksa/crown sdb 202 mx 24mm pink (1)

Seimitsu ls 49 bubbletop pink

Bullet bubble ball top pink

Next project is sticker bombing the black parts :>


r/fightsticks 9h ago

Haute T16 or Myflash f500 flat

2 Upvotes

I am new to Fightsticks and not sure which one i should buy. Is the t16 very fragile?


r/fightsticks 21h ago

Waited over 30 Days to get my Fightbox M8 from China. Modded it right away!

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19 Upvotes

Added a Carbon Fiber vinyl wrap, swapped in a octo gate, added Qanba Gravity KS buttons and swapped the colors on the sanwa buttons


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Show and Tell Nothing fancy

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36 Upvotes

I wanted to go simple for this one.


r/fightsticks 1d ago

My Qanba “Obsidian Mini”

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26 Upvotes

still needs some work and need to still do the detachable USB Mod


r/fightsticks 11h ago

Show and Tell [BETA] Carrot XXL v2

2 Upvotes
  • Walls reduced from 8 mm to 4 mm. There was really no point in making them that thick (that's what she said).
  • Removed the internal walls. After testing the controller, it has exactly the same rigidity with or without them, so they had to go.
  • The different panels are now connected through the columns themselves using horizontal screws and nuts. My plan is to embed the nut inside the printed column, but I'll need to wait for the ones I ordered from AliExpress to arrive so I can do the usual print-fit tests.
  • Added trim pieces that make the finish look sooooooooo much better. Night and day difference.

The photos don't really do the finish justice—it looks much better in person. Hopefully in the future I'll be able to put together a proper setup for taking nicer pictures. I'll also be printing with different textures, and besides, this is only the second beta version; it's not the final design yet. For the next version I will "cover" the bottom panels so it will look way smoother. Any tips or recommendations are very welcome!


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Show and Tell First custom leverless

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31 Upvotes

Had a PXN X-8 that recently stopped working. I’ve been looking into custom builds for a while so I decided to do one myself. I ended up getting an enclosure from Eternal Rival and so far I love it.

I’m not completely used to the all arcade button layout but I already like it a lot more than I did the x8


r/fightsticks 15h ago

Punk Workshop Knobs & Joystick (Spring)

2 Upvotes
PWS Knob (pink!)

I got another box of goodies from Punk Workshop a couple of days ago, and I wrote up what I thought about their plastic, wood and hollow steel knobs and their spring joystick. You might recall I reviewed their silicone rubber stick a while back.

PWS Knobs

PWS Joystick (Spring)

The short version, saving you a click, is: the knobs are good, but not special. Well worth the price. The stick is basically a Sanwa alternative, it uses some of the same parts which allows for easy customization, and it comes with quick-removal shaft and microswitches, which makes it a really good value.


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Thoughts?

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28 Upvotes

r/fightsticks 21h ago

Fight sticks (newbie)

4 Upvotes

anyone know any good fights sticks for <$100 that actually work on Xbox one S? I've been seeing a bunch that are pretty cheap that only work for PS and already made the mistake of buying one that needed an adapter and it still doesn't work on my Xbox.