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This is the first half of one of the articles I wrote for my personal website. Unfortunately, I lost the domain, but I still have the website files. I'm taking this opportunity to port some of that content here where I hope it will reach a new and relevant audience.
Consumer arcade sticks have come in many designs with a variety of functions. From original console manufacturers to third-party companies, arcade sticks have ranged from questionable quality to simply functional builds. Early on, bringing the full arcade experience home was hindered by the lack of the tangible experience that a basic controller could not satisfy. A few companies like Nintendo, ASCII, and Hori were among the early names attempting to bring a proper arcade panel to a consumer product. The parts were nowhere near the quality of those found in arcades, but at least it was a start. Even then, we weren’t safe from first-party arcade sticks that were often awkward. Third-party arcade sticks with strange layouts were also common, possibly targeting specific games or genres.
As the gaming industry evolved and technology advanced, people could finally turn to DIY solutions for an authentic arcade experience using high-quality arcade parts. The DIY arcade stick scene has rapidly grown into its own movement, coexisting alongside mass-produced retail arcade sticks. In this showcase, I will cover enclosure designs that look really cool, along with examples of functional or interesting retail arcade sticks.
Excellence Arcade Stick: Model T
The Model-T is a reproduction of the Mad Catz Tournament Edition stick, sold by Paradise Arcade Shop. It features metal top and bottom panels, which were previously offered in plastic. While I never really liked the Noir/Viewlix layout, I appreciate the functional shape of the enclosure. It includes 8 function buttons on top and four auxiliary buttons on the front. It also has a wire compartment where you can stuff the cord when not in use.
Excellence Arcade Case Herculis
What makes the Herculis model stand out from the Model-T is that the enclosure is constructed entirely of metal, and the top panel can be opened for easy access to the internals. It also includes a small panel with interior holes, though there isn’t enough information available about their exact purpose. My assumption is that these holes are meant for a Neutrik passthrough and cherry rocker switches.
You should also know that the Model-T and Herculis enclosures are available from alternative stores at different prices. These were originally from Fightstick Asia, which used to be Qanba's distributor. Now, they seem to be defunct, but it seems that either the enclosures are still in production, or there is simply enough stock remaining to keep them available.
Panzer Fight Stick 4
The Panzer Fight Stick 4 comes from the legendary lineup of heavy-duty enclosures by Jasen's Customs. The timeless design is accompanied by a very durable body. Previous Panzer Fight Sticks featured auxiliary buttons on the front, but they are now implemented on the top face in the upper left corner. For those with particular preferences for button layouts, you can choose from a variety of faceplates, including the Sega Player 2 layout (featured in the picture above), Namco Noir, Taito Viewlix, and several leverless options. Other options available on the site include custom colors for the chassis, auxiliary buttons, bezel, and aluminum I/O. You can also pick and choose the buttons, lever, and PCB, allowing you to have your stick fully built (with the Build-Out service) or have all parts arrive together.
Agetec HKT-7300
The HKT-7300 by Agetec is the official Sega Dreamcast arcade stick. Some like to refer to it as the "Green Goblin". It features microswitch buttons and was modeled after Japanese arcade cabinets. As you can see, the button layout appears to be based on the Sega Player 2 panel. Another feature is the VMU port, which is required if you want to save high scores or unlockable content. If you plan to buy this arcade stick with the intention of swapping out the stock parts for arcade-grade components, the panel does not easily accommodate drop-in parts. For those interested in customization, Jonathan from Scanline City demonstrates the necessary modifications for installing arcade-grade parts. Additionally, FocusAttack sells compatible parts such as wiring harnesses and plexiglass panels for custom artwork.
Asciiware NES Advantage
The NES Advantage, manufactured by Asciiware, is one of the more functional arcade sticks available to the consumer market at that time. It features two function buttons, a pair of turbo switches and turbo knobs, and a pseudo-slow button, which is actually just a turbo switch for the start button. For games where player 1 and player 2 alternate turns, you can connect the NES Advantage to both ports and toggle the switch to control each player. While other alternatives existed around the same time, this one easily stands above many others.
ASCII Arcade Stick
ASCII was at the forefront of the peripheral niche throughout the 80s, 90s, and some of the 2000s. Their name could be found on alternative controller designs and simulation levers. The ASCII Arcade Stick is a beautifully designed arcade stick for the Famicom, with buttons that closely resemble Seimitsu's arcade parts. Its simple, no-frills layout, unlike other retail arcade sticks that featured additional functions such as turbo, is justified by its premium build quality.
Neo Geo Arcade Stick
This is the official pack-in arcade stick that shipped with the Neo Geo AES, the only console that did not include control pads until the Neo Geo CD. It is praised as one of the best arcade sticks available for its time. The lever uses microswitches, while the buttons are membrane. A re-issue was released under the NEOGEO X branding, but according to online reviews, the NEOGEO X Arcade Stick fell short compared to the original. There is a guide available for converting the Neo Geo Arcade Stick into a proper arcade stick with arcade-grade parts.
This is a modern take on the Neo Geo lineup of arcade sticks, featuring a Neo Geo CD-inspired design. It comes with built-in games and also serves as a PC controller, both of which can be accessed via a switch. It is compatible with the Neo Geo Mini in joystick mode and can also function as the base for a Neo Geo Mini controller while in console mode. The quality of the parts is serviceable, but enthusiasts will be pleased to know that swapping in Sanwa parts is easy. Several video guides are available on how to replace the parts.
This is all I could fit :(
Consumer arcade sticks have come in many designs with a variety of functions. From original console manufacturers to third-party companies, arcade sticks have ranged from questionable quality to simply functional builds. Early on, bringing the full arcade experience home was hindered by the lack of the tangible experience that a basic controller could not satisfy. A few companies like Nintendo, ASCII, and Hori were among the early names attempting to bring a proper arcade panel to a consumer product. The parts were nowhere near the quality of those found in arcades, but at least it was a start. Even then, we weren’t safe from first-party arcade sticks that were often awkward. Third-party arcade sticks with strange layouts were also common, possibly targeting specific games or genres.
As the gaming industry evolved and technology advanced, people could finally turn to DIY solutions for an authentic arcade experience using high-quality arcade parts. The DIY arcade stick scene has rapidly grown into its own movement, coexisting alongside mass-produced retail arcade sticks. In this showcase, I will cover enclosure designs that look really cool, along with examples of functional or interesting retail arcade sticks.
Excellence Arcade Stick: Model T
Excellence Arcade Case Herculis
What makes the Herculis model stand out from the Model-T is that the enclosure is constructed entirely of metal, and the top panel can be opened for easy access to the internals. It also includes a small panel with interior holes, though there isn’t enough information available about their exact purpose. My assumption is that these holes are meant for a Neutrik passthrough and cherry rocker switches.
You should also know that the Model-T and Herculis enclosures are available from alternative stores at different prices. These were originally from Fightstick Asia, which used to be Qanba's distributor. Now, they seem to be defunct, but it seems that either the enclosures are still in production, or there is simply enough stock remaining to keep them available.
Take a look at the other variations of the Fightstick Asia collection available at Paradise Arcade Shop.
Panzer Fight Stick 4
The Panzer Fight Stick 4 comes from the legendary lineup of heavy-duty enclosures by Jasen's Customs. The timeless design is accompanied by a very durable body. Previous Panzer Fight Sticks featured auxiliary buttons on the front, but they are now implemented on the top face in the upper left corner. For those with particular preferences for button layouts, you can choose from a variety of faceplates, including the Sega Player 2 layout (featured in the picture above), Namco Noir, Taito Viewlix, and several leverless options. Other options available on the site include custom colors for the chassis, auxiliary buttons, bezel, and aluminum I/O. You can also pick and choose the buttons, lever, and PCB, allowing you to have your stick fully built (with the Build-Out service) or have all parts arrive together.
If you're pressed for time, Jasen's Customs also offers assembled Panzer Fight Sticks.
Assembled Panzers
*uses affiliate link
Assembled Panzers
*uses affiliate link
Agetec HKT-7300
The HKT-7300 by Agetec is the official Sega Dreamcast arcade stick. Some like to refer to it as the "Green Goblin". It features microswitch buttons and was modeled after Japanese arcade cabinets. As you can see, the button layout appears to be based on the Sega Player 2 panel. Another feature is the VMU port, which is required if you want to save high scores or unlockable content. If you plan to buy this arcade stick with the intention of swapping out the stock parts for arcade-grade components, the panel does not easily accommodate drop-in parts. For those interested in customization, Jonathan from Scanline City demonstrates the necessary modifications for installing arcade-grade parts. Additionally, FocusAttack sells compatible parts such as wiring harnesses and plexiglass panels for custom artwork.
Asciiware NES Advantage
The NES Advantage, manufactured by Asciiware, is one of the more functional arcade sticks available to the consumer market at that time. It features two function buttons, a pair of turbo switches and turbo knobs, and a pseudo-slow button, which is actually just a turbo switch for the start button. For games where player 1 and player 2 alternate turns, you can connect the NES Advantage to both ports and toggle the switch to control each player. While other alternatives existed around the same time, this one easily stands above many others.
ASCII Arcade Stick
ASCII was at the forefront of the peripheral niche throughout the 80s, 90s, and some of the 2000s. Their name could be found on alternative controller designs and simulation levers. The ASCII Arcade Stick is a beautifully designed arcade stick for the Famicom, with buttons that closely resemble Seimitsu's arcade parts. Its simple, no-frills layout, unlike other retail arcade sticks that featured additional functions such as turbo, is justified by its premium build quality.
Neo Geo Arcade Stick
This is the official pack-in arcade stick that shipped with the Neo Geo AES, the only console that did not include control pads until the Neo Geo CD. It is praised as one of the best arcade sticks available for its time. The lever uses microswitches, while the buttons are membrane. A re-issue was released under the NEOGEO X branding, but according to online reviews, the NEOGEO X Arcade Stick fell short compared to the original. There is a guide available for converting the Neo Geo Arcade Stick into a proper arcade stick with arcade-grade parts.
This is a modern take on the Neo Geo lineup of arcade sticks, featuring a Neo Geo CD-inspired design. It comes with built-in games and also serves as a PC controller, both of which can be accessed via a switch. It is compatible with the Neo Geo Mini in joystick mode and can also function as the base for a Neo Geo Mini controller while in console mode. The quality of the parts is serviceable, but enthusiasts will be pleased to know that swapping in Sanwa parts is easy. Several video guides are available on how to replace the parts.
This is all I could fit :(
