r/fightsticks Feb 14 '26

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

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28 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 3h ago

Show and Tell Finally we join the fight!

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71 Upvotes

I was looking for an arcade stick that would work with all the latest-generation consoles without needing an adapter. Since I couldn't find what I was looking for, I made one myself ^^

Fightbox fight stick V2
Joystick Seimitsu LS-40-01
Brook Gen-5X Fighting Board (PC/PS5/Xbox Series X|S/Switch 2 & 1)
Bouton Qanba Gravity KS 30mm Violet


r/fightsticks 9h ago

After a long wait, I’ve finally gotten my first fight stick

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182 Upvotes

Its beautiful


r/fightsticks 9h ago

Show and Tell I'm starting to think going a split leverless was the way to go

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105 Upvotes

Moved to a Fightbox F-Pro from my Haute C16, mostly because I found it's small size + thinness to be uncomfortable for me


r/fightsticks 8h ago

Deal Alert DEAL IS BACK for a good quality leverless/hitbox - 8BitDo All-Button Arcade Controllers for $39

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56 Upvotes

UPDATE (2026-07-22 @ 7:45am PST): BACK IN STOCK (all 3 models)!!! Go get one!

It's back! Saw that Woot! (owned by Amazon) selling the leverless 8BitDo controllers for really good deal for the Woot! Summer of Gaming Sale.

Note: since posts cannot post discount codes (from the reddit AI warning me when making this post), go to Woot homepage (www.woot.com) to find code for Woot! Summer of Gaming Sale... and the 4th image for what the discount looks like to see it.

8BitDo All-Button Arcade Controller for Switch/Switch 2 & Windows for $49.99 - extra 22% off (go to Woot! Summer of Gaming Sale for code to use at checkout) = $38.99.

Link: https://electronics.woot.com/offers/8bitdo-all-button-arcade-controller-for-switch-switch-2-windows-8

Shipping is free for Amazon Prime Members (must login with your Amazon account and select a shipping address in order for Woot to apply free shipping) or is otherwise $6 per order.

Discount shows on the page with the "PLACE ORDER" button only.
No discount is shown before this page.

Other 8BitDo Leverless Controllers on Sale on Woot right now:

Specifications:

  • Buttons: 16 Kailh Wizard low-profile mechanical switches & hot swappable PCB
  • Compatibility: Windows 10 (and higher), Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 (Xbox S|X if you get Xbox Edition)
  • Connectivity: Wired (Windows/Switch), 2.4GHz (Windows), Bluetooth (Switch)
  • Battery: 1000mAh Li-ion battery, rechargeable, lasts up to 20 hours
  • Dimensions/Weight: 301mm x 201mm x 22 mm / 1097g
  • Includes: 8BitDo Arcade Controller, 2.4G Adapter, Lock Caps x 4 (for programmable buttons), Cable, Manual

Like before, I feel this is a pretty hot deal since these quality leverless arcade controllers (hitbox/mixbox) usually go for $80-100. Picked up one for myself last month when it was $40, I already have a Haute42 leverless, this 8BitDo leverless is very high quality (build is great) and very fully featured from my tests.

These leverless (hitbox/mixbox) controllers are great for playing fighting games like Street Fighter, Tekken, Fatal Fury, Mortal Kombat, 2XKO, Marvel vs Capcom, Marvel Tokon (from alpha tests), Granblue, Guilty Gear, Smash Bros, Rivals of Aether, etc.... especially if you want to reduce the chance of mis-inputs that can happen with controllers and fightsticks.

Grab one while they last. Last time, all 3 models were sold out within 24 hours.

Game on folks.


r/fightsticks 8h ago

Looking for some design advice on the art work of Yasmine for my new stick.

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36 Upvotes

Ever since I saw Yasmine, I've been wanting to create stick design for her and wanted to incorporate the Philippine flag in it. I've ended up with these three designs but I feel as though they are quite lacking. I usually like creating more minimalist designs for sticks but I feel as though I have to add a bit more to these.

The first design is probably my favourite right now but my problem is that, although I like the composition, I feel that without the white triangle in the left, it doesn't feel too much like the Philippine Flag and could be mistaken for something else. I really love the focus on the sun as well as Yasmine in this design though.

My issue with the second design is sort of the reverse of that. It definitely looks like the Philippine Flag but I feels as though the sun should have a greater focus.

Then the third design tries to have the best of both designs but I feel that it ends up being cluttered and unfocused.

Anyway, please let me know what you think and leave any suggestion on how I could improve this idea. I'm not much of a designer/artist but I'd like to give it a shot before just waiting for a better design to pop up for her later on haha.


r/fightsticks 3h ago

Show and Tell My Comic-Themed Fightstick Designs! Which is your favorite?

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12 Upvotes

r/fightsticks 16h ago

Show and Tell Decided to make my own extender lol

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71 Upvotes

I'm using a haute42 and keep seeing extenders made out of 3d printers, I also have one but I'm way too lazy to use it lol

Actually pretty great tbh, I really enjoy a whole lot more playing on my lap rather than on a desk, it doesn't move around and I don't care that it's not as heavy as my other fightstick (Mayflash F300)

Before this I was actually using the bottom plate of my Mayflash, but didn't like that it left my hands smelling like iron


r/fightsticks 6h ago

Help Me Decide Starting a stick build with no knowledge and want to use this part

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8 Upvotes

I found this novelty FM radio that had a machined ball top. I think it is steel. I haven't made a custom stick before, so I want some ideas to proceed.

Ball top is threaded


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Got lucky and copped a like new Qanba Crystal for $50 off Marketplace today!

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223 Upvotes

r/fightsticks 21h ago

Update to my VM6R build

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54 Upvotes

I recently added a yellow grommet to the golden lever pro and switched out the layout to legacy cause I was hitting L3&R3 regularly (big hands) and added Sanwa buttons cause the sitongs just didn’t feel right. I wish there could be a happy medium between 30XA and 35XA but for now the 35XA grommet will do


r/fightsticks 7h ago

Tech Help Can’t find my Brooke wingman FGC 2

3 Upvotes

I just got a wingman and I’m trying to use it with my Huate r16. I’m trying to update the firmware but it’s not showing up when I try to connect it. I’m holding down both sides and plugging it in so that it flashes purple but no luck.


r/fightsticks 19h ago

Olá amigos, trago mais uma iguaria obsoleta, que arcade Stick é esse, qual sua origem?

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26 Upvotes

r/fightsticks 21h ago

New Product New Haute42 wireless controller

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32 Upvotes

r/fightsticks 23h ago

First build! I think I got a new hobby

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52 Upvotes

Made with rp pico and some scrap keyboard switches.


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Show and Tell Now I can rage in style

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108 Upvotes

F700 Elite

Didn't have to do much but I wanted to change the ball top, buttons, and art. This Art Piece has become of my favorite things of all time to just look at and get lost in


r/fightsticks 21h ago

Modular Custom Stick

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29 Upvotes

I've been dreaming of, and mentally iterating on a design for a modular 3D printable stick. The goal is to create an easily made, robust platform with easily swapped panels for different sticks and buttons, layouts and play styles. I'm thinking it might be possible to do a tool-free design with no visible screws on the top panel. As always the fun lives in all the details and the compromises need to be made.

I'm designing it for myself, because I tinker a lot with all my sticks and I think I can do this to a reasonable standard.

But the plan is to open it all up and publish the specs so anyone can make any kind of panel for it. Mix n match frames and panels, features etc.

Shown here is the first panel test, using 24mm buttons for a micro stick concept. The black button is just a fit test, it's not going to live there. ^__^

ANWAY, the point I'm building up to:

If you're interested in this sort of silliness, what's important to you? What would you like to see? The more things I can accommodate early in the process the easier it'll be to make sure they work well with minimal effort.


r/fightsticks 7h ago

Can I easily replace Mayflash F500/700 buttons and stick with IL American style components?

2 Upvotes

Hi there, newb here to fightsticks. Wanted to buy one to play MvC2 on steam and fightcade.


r/fightsticks 4h ago

8BitDo Square Gate Skipping All Diagonals

0 Upvotes

I have had my 8BitDo stick for a few year now and when I first got it I quickly switched to an octo gate. I not long after then got a leverless and have used that ever since but I wanted to learn to properly use a stick so decided to use my 8BitDo stick again but this time I swapped to the square gate it comes with. This should have gone well but I have noticed that since then my gameplay has only gotten worse, specifically when doing motion inputs. I feel like the gate is so small that if I don't ride the gate my diagonals will most of the time do not get registered. It feels so small that even my octo gate might have had more room to activate the diagonals. The click basically occurs right as I hit the corner. I wanted to know if this is a normal occurance on 8BitDo sticks or all sticks in general, and is there a chance my square gate is smaller than it should be? Not riding the gate but still making the buttons inside the stick click seems almost impossible to me right now.


r/fightsticks 1d ago

Absolute Batman - AFS 16" Sega 2P

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139 Upvotes

r/fightsticks 12h ago

Tech Help Fighting game players, I need suppliers for an arcade stick

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4 Upvotes

TL;DR - looking for parts in Cape Town, South Africa


r/fightsticks 9h ago

Tech Help PWS Spring Lever Mods

2 Upvotes

Are there any mods for Pws Spring Lever (Springs / Actuators). i assume the ones from Sanwas Mod Pack aren’t compatible


r/fightsticks 1d ago

3D printed controller

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25 Upvotes

I made a new fighting game controller. The build isn’t perfect but I had a ton of fun working on it. Soldering for first time was a bit nerve wrecking, but looking forward to doing more electronic projects in the future.


r/fightsticks 17h ago

Need help with customizing my first Fighstick!

5 Upvotes

Hey guys, I got my first Fightstick! It's a Mayflash 700 Elite, and I really want it to look sick, so I went on Focus Attack to get a custom cover for it.
I was thinking about getting some Sanwa OBSJ 30mm Pushbuttons (Metallic Gold) and a Sanwa LB-35 Joystick Metallic Balltop (Chrome Gold), but I wasn't sure if it would fit on my Mayflash. What were the sizes should I get? And would I not see the gold buttons with the custom insert buttons covers? I would appreciate some advice!!