Should I auto-avoid cheap arcade stick like this?

[Aguraki]

I wanna know how bad it is compared to the hori and other arcade stars sticks?
Im gonna have a new laptop soon and will get a stick probably since my ps2 like pad is really old now.
So,this item sound crazily cheap,I've googled PC arcade stick and found several pretty cheap ones.

Anyone tried one?

PS3-Universal-Arcade-Fighting-Stick-Playstation
don't know if I can post the link so I'm gonna just post the pic,the stick is about 30$



edit:posted here instead of hardware,want casual answers,not super technical ones.

[GaijinPunch]

Yes, it probably sucks. Look for real arcade parts inside (Sanwa/Seimitsu) for both the sticks and buttons. They do cost more, but you get what you pay for. Don't your scores deserve the best?

[Aguraki]

what would be the 1st price for a decent approach?
There seem to be a jump from 50$ stick to 130$ and beyond sticks.

[GaijinPunch]

what would be the 1st price for a decent approach?
There seem to be a jump from 50$ stick to 130$ and beyond sticks.

Indeed -- the sticks themselves are like 1800 yen here, so I assume $30 in the US. Buttons about $3 bucks each, so there's another $18. You're looking at close to $50 before the casing and work. That's assuming you build or have one built. I believe there are a few Real Arcade Pros available in the US, and sometimes they go on sale. Other than that, you might have to go import. This is not a cheap hobby, unfortunately.

Now, having said that, there's the whole "don't blame the tools" argument, but equipment (in any field) doesn't cost more for nothing.

Considering world economics, these are Japanese products so the high cost of the yen will, in one way or another, trickle down to you. I'd give a look in the FS section here, and Ebay if you're a little adventurous. If you're even more adventurous, read around for how to build your own.

[Casper<3]

You can find a standard edition fightstick with a full sanwa mod fairly commonly on SRK for around 60$

up to 150$ is fair for a mass produced fight stick. The tournament editions are worth every penny.

[dannnnn]

You can find a standard edition fightstick with a full sanwa mod fairly commonly on SRK for around 60$

This would be a great choice for you IMO. I have mine modded with a Seimitsu stick and Sanwa buttons and it's fantastic. Now would probably be a good time to snap one up since I think people are starting to raise prices as they were discontinued a while ago.

[Captain]

OR JUST RIP THE STIX FROM AN ARCADE MACHINE!

Nah, I'm just joking,go with arcade-like sticks.

[Davey]

Just echoing two things:

- Avoid cheap sticks. Every time I've bought a cheap stick, I regretted it later.
- SE Fightstick with Seimitsu or Sanwa parts works great and should be pretty affordable these days.

[shmuppyLove]

I just recently picked up the Mad Catz Tatsunoko vs Capcom FightStick for the Wii (they're $40 now from Mad Catz store) and I lurv it to death. Size and weight are perfect, controls are light and snappy, dual-speed independent turbo control, switchable LS-DP-RS input for the joystick. Oh and the artwork is badass.

It's a slightly updated version of the SFIV SE FightStick. Personally, for a $40 stick, I don't see the point in modding it. It feels way better than any $40 stick has a right to. But, if you really really wanted, a JLF for $20-25 or an LS-32 for < $20 plus $3ish each for buttons, and you're still < $100 for full arcade parts.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Here's an Hori Real Arcade Pro EX variant arcade stick for the 360 platform and will work just fine on a PC setup as well:

http://www.japanvideogames.com/Xbox-360 ... 001815.htm

The Hori Real Arcade Pro EX-SE variant arcade stick is endowed with all Seimitsu parts for both the joystick and push buttons. You will see your shmup scores will be naturally higher...of course, your mileage may vary. As Gaijin Punch says, you get what you pay for. By going the cheap-ass route and you'll be sorry in terms of craftmanship and durability with a cheap arcade stick setup. By spending upwards of the hundred dollar barrier & up for a new Hori RAP setup, you will get a world-class Japanese arcade-spec arcade stick worthy of garnering higher scores on your favorite shmup titles.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Obiwanshinobi]

Are you going to play your shmups on your lappy's LCD? Looking for a CRT should be your first step forward, then. Before you spend good money for a controller, that is. Just saying. I for one wouldn't get into modding and importing only to put up with the LCD lag in the end (there's the lag and the lag, and LCD sort of lag is unnecessary, provided you don't need to keep your gear portable, which I assume isn't the case).

[Icarus]

I paid £150 for a Street Fighter IV Tournament Edition stick (new on release), stuffed a Seimitsu LS-32-01 into it, and it's been my weapon of choice ever since. For the PS2 and supergun, I have a Hori Real Arcade Pro v1. I love the precision of a pad, but a stick is far more comfortable for long periods of play.
You definitely get what you pay for, no matter what kind of technology it is. Splash out a little and get a decent stick.

[Aguraki]

Are you going to play your shmups on your lappy's LCD? Looking for a CRT should be your first step forward, then. Before you spend good money for a controller, that is. Just saying. I for one wouldn't get into modding and importing only to put up with the LCD lag in the end (there's the lag and the lag, and LCD sort of lag is unnecessary, provided you don't need to keep your gear portable, which I assume isn't the case).

I'm not rich and I am planning to move out so I can't bring my computer with me.
I plan to get a laptop and the controller is in my interest,I might buy a 2nd screen later of maybe there is a tv where I go,but I'm really short on budget now.
Just wanted an arcade stick,I will keep it if I move again
So from all the response I need the real thing except one post from shmuppylove about the mad catz.
I guess I'll have to save up some.

ps:I'm a subpar player,I play a lot of games but I'm not aiming for any WR.
I just like the idea of playing on an arcade stick(as I said I have been on a ps2 like pad for years).

[Siren2011]

LOL. Take my advvice, buddy. It's a shit stick. I have that EXACT same one in your picture, and it's way too loose for shooters, and too awkward for fighting games. I'd suggest doing what I've done and get a firm Saturn stick with a Saturn to Dreamcast controller converter. THEN plug that into a DC to USB converter pack to play the Saturn stick on PC or PS2. (Immediate Saturn to USB boxes are near impossible to find, as they are sold out practically everywhere online.)

[rugdoctor]

This stick might have been disabled by the latest PSN update (as do most copied dualshock3 controllers & ps2 to usb adapters) so check it out before parting any cash for it.

[stryc9]

That stick looks shit.

I got a Qanba Q4 recently, to accompany my Q2, and it's compatible with PC, PS3 and 360, for about $130 American. I am very impressed with the build of the stick for the price, and was pleased to upgrade from that Mayflash piece of junk I got a couple of years ago. Recommended, for the price and multi format compatiblility I doubt this will be beaten for some time to come.

Has Sanwa parts too.

[greg]

Isn't it interesting and ironic how Mad Catz used to make crappy third party controllers for the Dreamcast and such? Now they're making their stuff with decent parts and they're turning out just great.

[shmuppyLove]

Isn't it interesting and ironic how Mad Catz used to make crappy third party controllers for the Dreamcast and such? Now they're making their stuff with decent parts and they're turning out just great.

Well, they had to start somewhere.

And I'm not sure that all their products have had as much attention as the arcade sticks.

The other thing is that there are several other "brands" all under the same parent company. So they may not be selling the garbage products under the Mad Catz brand any more, they just shifted them to one of the other "less prestigious" names. I think they also own Intec? blecch

[Leandro]

Is this one worth it?

http://www.qanba.com/product_view.asp?n_id=65#

Someone is selling around here, I'm curious if it's good. I hope it improves my DOJ play

[stryc9]

Is this one worth it?

http://www.qanba.com/product_view.asp?n_id=65#

Someone is selling around here, I'm curious if it's good. I hope it improves my DOJ play

Dunno about their fightstick, but as is stated about 2 or 3 posts above, their Q2 and Q4 sticks are excellent for the price.

[shmuppyLove]

Is this one worth it?

http://www.qanba.com/product_view.asp?n_id=65#

Someone is selling around here, I'm curious if it's good. I hope it improves my DOJ play

Depends on the price, of course, but a couple of things I noticed just by glancing at pics:

* Looks like wood case - will be heavy and difficult to mod (if required)
* Button layout is non-standard - normally the face buttons are the first group of 4 (square triangle cross circle) and then the shoulder buttons. You will have to remap for nearly every game, or rewire the buttons.

I would definitely want to see pics of the insides, but I suspect it's a hot mess, and if they haven't routed out the wood/MDF underneath the plexi panel properly it will make swapping parts a nightmare.

[Leandro]

Thanks for the analysis!

I would definitely want to see pics of the insides, but I suspect it's a hot mess, and if they haven't routed out the wood/MDF underneath the plexi panel properly it will make swapping parts a nightmare.

This is the one inside pic the seller provided:



I don't have an idea if this looks good or not... lol... please tell me

[shmuppyLove]

Hrmm well quick-disconnects are certainly encouraging, at least you won't have to do any soldering (if you're keeping the original PCB anyway).

Joystick looks like it wouldn't be too painful to remove. No idea what the spacing on those existing screws is, but you might be able to do a straight swap for a JLF with the mounting plate.

Buttons look like they're buried unfortunately ... really the whole area around the buttons should be routed out, not just a small circle for each one. It should be doable, but you'll need a thin screwdriver or something to reach the tabs and pop em out.

[emphatic]

I just recently picked up the Mad Catz Tatsunoko vs Capcom FightStick for the Wii (they're $40 now from Mad Catz store) and I lurv it to death. Size and weight are perfect, controls are light and snappy, dual-speed independent turbo control, switchable LS-DP-RS input for the joystick. Oh and the artwork is badass.

It's a slightly updated version of the SFIV SE FightStick. Personally, for a $40 stick, I don't see the point in modding it. It feels way better than any $40 stick has a right to. But, if you really really wanted, a JLF for $20-25 or an LS-32 for < $20 plus $3ish each for buttons, and you're still < $100 for full arcade parts.

Thanks for the tip, just got one from eBay for £33 shipped. The JLF knock off sounds very interesting with the harder spring. If it sucks I'll put my toodles SPARK in it instead that costed more than the entire fight stick.

[TrevHead (TVR)]

Ive just sent off for that Madcats TvsC stick aswell. For £20 plus £13 for the mayflash PC adaptor, its a steal. Later on ill padhack it for the 360 when im feeling adventurous.

[Sumez]

Dude, you should always go for the cheapest sticks you can find, since you'll want to mod them anyway.

Of course, it's best to go with ones with 30mm holes, and screw thread locations that match the stick you wanna pop in there, but with a dremel anything is possible (took me a couple of minutes at most, to enlarge all the button holes in a Datel stick with one, for a perfect OBSF30 fit)

[Aguraki]

sumez are you implying elctronic inside(sorry don't know anything about it) is "standard" and only buttons and the stick matter?
I also can't do anything with my hands so modding sounds fun but I'll have to have someone mod it for me.
That's interesting.

[Sumez]

Yeah I don't think I've heard of a stick so bad that you risk the electronics inside failing on you. Not any more than the more expensive sticks anyway. You might care about the build and feel of the casing of course, but I bought the Datel one, being the cheapest I could find, and I actually really like its build, with a heavy metal plate covering the bottom.