Best Controller to play Shmups?

[AGermanArtist]

I like that you can change the gate w/out any fuss.
I have to say, that since getting the 8-Bit-Do NES stick for Switch, I have a lot of faith in wireless sticks.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

I like that you can change the gate w/out any fuss.
I have to say, that since getting the 8-Bit-Do NES stick for Switch, I have a lot of faith in wireless sticks.

The 8BitDo Xbox Series S/X arcade stick is equally ace as well. I have the all-black variant version myself -- it's the first and only wireless based Microsoft licensed arcade stick indeed. It's nice to be able to use on both the Xbox Series S and Series X gaming consoles with stg titles in mind, especially with the 2.4gHz wireless dongle supplied with the arcade stick itself.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Steven]

I found this picture of it and this makes the left side's design look very questionable. Not only does the lever look comedically short (toss the lever and get a new one, so not a big deal) but that white part at the bottom of the left side looks like it might get pretty uncomfortable if you rest your arm on it. They should have made it flush, I think.

[jandrogo]

What about a hitbox? best of both worlds: precision of a stick and the feel of arcade buttons. Just curios, never used one.
I play on what I have at the moment: a Dualsense 4, a Hori stick pro ex, xbox series pad, keyboard... anyway I am an horrible player...

[Rastan78]

I found this picture of it and this makes the left side's design look very questionable. Not only does the lever look comedically short (toss the lever and get a new one, so not a big deal) but that white part at the bottom of the left side looks like it might get pretty uncomfortable if you rest your arm on it. They should have made it flush, I think.

The lever ball and shaft look normal size to me. But this isn't going to be something where you can mod it and swap in another stick whatsoever. It's meant to be somebody's first beginner lever coming from playing on pad or wanting to give it a try.

Totally agree on the disjointed panel. Slanted panel is cool but keep it all one plane.

[Augemitbutter]

Wish i could test this stick somewhere. I like the design and i'm constantly pondering about this one. It's not too expensive but i already have a good Hori. On the other hand i never had a wireless stick.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

SCEA plans to release the PS5 FlexStrike arcade stick on August 6th, 2026 -- so that's not too far off. The MSRP of $199.99 usd is quite reasonable. The Hori PS5 Fightstick Alpha is listed at the same MSRP price as well: https://www.amazon.com/HORI-PlayStation ... r=8-3&th=1

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[davyK]

Anyone with a Switch and wants to use their Wii controllers, there's an 8bitDo adaptor now. Takes the Wii classic connector and GC pad connector. Pairs with the Switch and wirelessly connects whatever you have connected to the adaptor to the switch. It basically replicates the wiimote's connectivity features. The adaptor has a home button for returning to the Switch menu. Has a snapshot button too. It works with PC/Windows but haven't tried that yet - no real need as I have a Hori RAP for PC gaming, but nice to have the option.

Just played Switch Raiden Fighters with my Wii Classic Pro and my Tatsunoko v Capcom Stick I've upgraded with Sanwa buttons. (It's upgradable with no soldering). Still to try my Wii SNES pad.

Breathes life into any old Wii controllers you have - this would have saved me a lot of coin I spent on Switch controllers. I prefer the wii classic pro to the Switch classic.