2nd Impact Review

2nd Impact Kangaroo
Price2nd Impact
ReleaseMay 2016
CompatibilityPS5 / XSX / NS2 / PC
Dimensions17.3″ x 9.4″ x 2.8″
Weight5.07 lbs
Cable2 to 3 m

Introduction

There’s actually an edition before Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike called 2nd Impact. It’s also the name of one of Brazil’s most innovative fightstick makers. Actually, 2nd Impact is one of the most innovative fightstick makers in the world! And it’s been around for years…

You can order 2nd Impact controllers in solo or dual format—the latter meaning for two players. That said, a couple of 2nd Impact’s models that really stand out are its Kangaroo and Rising models. Let’s focus on the Kangaroo model in this article—for reasons like having 2nd Impact’s mascot as well as having a handle.

Performance

You can order a Kangaroo in a lever or leverless layout. In addition, you can request a clicky, optical, or micro joystick. You can also request a custom button layout.

The parts can be 2nd Impact’s own—or you can request an upgrade to Sanwa or Qanba parts. By default, the Kangaroo’s right side can have three fully sized function buttons for:

  1. Start
  2. Home
  3. Select

If you’d like the left side to have function buttons too, just let Flavio or his teammate from 2nd Impact know. Anyhow, it’s worth noting that the Kangaroo’s width makes it comfortable to place on your lap as you game for infinite hours. If you place the controller on your desk, you may be glad to know that it has four feet for stability.

Hardware

Unlike 2nd Impact’s metallic models, the Kangaroo can be made of durable acrylic or MDF. Yet, its hardware’s star feature is its handle that allows you to easily carry it. Just keep in mind that this is not the lightest controller out there.

Having said that, your Kangaroo can have as little or as much compatibility as you need. For example, you can request something as simple as a Pico board—or you can go all out with a multiplatform Brook PCB. As for the USB-B port, it can be found on the handle’s left end.

If you need to access the Kangaroo’s internals, take off the feet and then the bottom panel. Then, you may be delighted to see the neat wiring that’s braided. Not only that, the interior is spacious too.

You see, the Kangaroo is easy to maintain or upgrade. For example, 2nd Impact went for clipping on connectors as much as possible instead of, say, soldering them on. In fact, 2nd Impact also doubles as a parts store, so you can order addons for your controller long after you initially buy it.

Appearance

In addition to its excellent performance, the Kangaroo’s appearance is where it truly shines. Literally, the controller can shine by way of LED! Even the bottom panel can be partially see-through.

Now, if you’re not digging the Kangaroo’s mascot art, we at The Arcade Stick can design art for your controller through our custom artwork service.

You can go pretty nuts with the Kangaroo’s top panel art, bottom panel art—you name it. You can even go for a variety of handle, button, and/or joystick colors.

The joystick top can feature a graphic as well. As for the buttons, they can be clear—showing off your Kangaroo’s top panel art through them as a result.

Conclusion

2nd Impact has something for everybody. If you dig this brand enough but don’t live in Brazil, consider ordering one of its unique controllers through a proxy service.

  • Lever or leverless
  • Regular or mini size
  • Single or multiplayer
  • Slim or thick enclosure
  • With or without handle
  • Acrylic, wood, or metal
  • USB-B or USB-C port
  • Diverse compatibility
  • Many unique shapes
  • See-through bottom
  • Easy modification
  • Joystick variations
  • Premium parts
  • Color options
  • LED support
  • Custom art

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Link

2nd Impact