1. Mayflash F300 Elite
The Mayflash F300 Elite is an arcade stick with Sanwa parts, which are famous for durability and responsivity. The joystick feels robust, and there is less travel distance to register an input. With this arcade stick, you get an additional octagonal joystick gate.
About the hardware, the F300 Elite is weighty, and its stability is enhanced by rubber feet below. The cable has a Velcro wrap to keep it tidy when you move the arcade stick from place to place.
The F300 Elite has turbo functionality for you to just press a button one time, resulting in successive inputs. The arcade stick has upgradable firmware, keeping it updated.
If you are looking to change up the F300 Elite’s minimalistic looks, you can print out an artwork sticker for it, making it display your favorite fighting game character, for example. We at The Arcade Stick can offer you our artwork service.
Why to Buy
The F300 Elite is best for players who cherish the premium parts of the F500 Elite and F700 Elite but need some portability.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
2. Qanba Drone 2
The Qanba Drone 2 sports a Qanba joystick and buttons. Also, there is a touchpad and audio jack, the latter of which can keep you laser-focused during gameplay.
The Drone 2’s joystick produces clicky feedback, so you can hear what is happening with your movements. The arcade stick’s interior is organized and makes modding easier, such as if you would like to change the joystick to Sanwa.
There are rubber feet at the Drone 2’s bottom, which is where you will also find an entry point to the joystick for faster, more convenient access. As for the size of the arcade stick, it is small enough to be a mini arcade stick without sacrificing space for your wrists to relax on.
The Drone 2’s cable goes into its spacious side compartment. Overall, the arcade stick is quite light, making it optimal for you to travel with. Plus, the matte black color looks quite elegant, and we can even print art for this arcade stick.
Why to Buy
If you prefer a Qanba arcade stick with actual Qanba parts, then the Drone 2 is your arcade stick, but still, you can install a Sanwa joystick, and the audio jack can keep you in the zone.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon or AliExpress
3. 8BitDo Arcade Stick
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s joystick feels good, and the buttons have quick disconnects for modification purposes. The plastic top panel should not warp if you press on it, and the arcade stick’s weight is boosted by a metal plate inside.
As the 8BitDo Arcade Stick can work wirelessly, the battery can last up to 40 hours, and you just need four hours to charge the arcade stick, which is a good tradeoff.
No latency issues were detected when testing the 8BitDo Arcade Stick on a few platforms, resulting in a responsive experience as you enjoy playing some games.
Why to Buy
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s unique selling proposition is its wireless connectivity option, so if wireless matters to you, then you should consider buying this arcade stick.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon: Switch / Xbox
4. Mayflash F101
The Mayflash F101 is a mini arcade stick with parts that are above average, but if you would like different parts, it is relatively easy to upgrade the arcade stick yourself.
As for the F101’s hardware, it is quality plastic with a metal panel that increases the arcade stick’s weight and stability. More stability is added by rubber feet at the bottom, keeping your arcade stick where it should be.
If you like turbo features in arcade sticks, the F101 has a turbo feature, so you can press a button one time, and that would result in successive inputs.
Why to Buy
The F101 is a decent entry point that has decent parts, which can be upgraded to more premium parts if you like.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
5. Ipega PG-9221
The Ipega PG-9221 sets itself apart from the competition by offering a detachment feature. You see, the side of the arcade stick with the joystick can be separated from the side with the buttons for two main benefits you can enjoy…
The first benefit of the PG-9221’s design is to extend the space between the joystick and buttons. The second benefit is to place the joystick on the other side for a mirrored layout if you are a lefty.
To compensate for the PG-9221’s small size, you can place your palm on the curvature of the panel. By the way, turbo support is featured for fast button presses without fatiguing your fingers.
Why to Buy
The PG-9221’s detachable sides mean that you can make it wider or even transform its layout into a southpaw one.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
6. Ipega PG-9136
Also known as the Gladiator, the Ipega PG-9136 is even smaller than your average mini arcade stick. Yet, it still has room for function buttons like home and turbo.
The PG-9136’s buttons are responsive, and the arcade stick in general is durable. Thanks to the anti-slip rubber feet at the bottom, the arcade stick becomes more stable on a desk.
Weight-wise, the PG-9136 is light and portable, but it doesn’t feel cheap. It’s also easy to set up, and after you dock a handheld on it, it almost looks like your own little arcade cabinet!
Why to Buy
You’re looking for a mini arcade stick, but the PG-9136 is even smaller than mini, so if you’re looking for an arcade stick this small, it may be for you. Plus, it can dock handhelds.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
7. PXN-0082
The PXN-0082 is tinier than the average mini fightstick. The button side features space for your wrist so that you can press the buttons more easily.
For faster button presses, the PXN-0082 has turbo support. You should not be experiencing any latency or dead zone problems with this arcade stick.
If you like clicky joysticks, you should like the PXN-0082’s joystick as it provides you auditory feedback. Also, there are suction cups so the arcade stick does not slide around your desk while using it.
Why to Buy
What distinguishes the PXN-0082 from other mini arcade sticks is that the right wrist rest is extended in a way that makes pressing the buttons more comfortable.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon or AliExpress
8. Hori Fighting Stick Mini
The Hori Fighting Stick Mini has buttons that are smaller than average, but you should get used to them quickly. In fact, the closeness of the joystick and buttons requires less energy from you when you are gaming.
Despite the Hori Fighting Stick Mini’s small size, most of the features of a regular arcade stick are present, including turbo at different speed levels. So, you can press a button one time, resulting in multiple inputs with little effort.
Why to Buy
The leading reason to buy the Hori Fighting Stick Mini is that its small buttons are good for smaller hands or those who want a tighter layout with less finger movement.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
9. BSP-Y02
The BSP-Y02 is a wireless arcade stick that can dock a handheld, and it’s mod friendly. It’s got eight attack buttons, and its joystick is lightweight.
Having said that, the BSP-Y02 is made of ABS that’s a lightweight yet durable type of plastic commonly used to make arcade sticks. The arcade stick exists in different color combinations, such as:
- Black case & red buttons
- White case & red buttons
- White case & black buttons
That being said, the USB-C port is in the BSP-Y02’s center back if you want to go wired. Other than that, Bluetooth and wifi are alternative connectivity options.
For instance, the 600 mAh battery can last more than 10 hours after approximately two to three hours of charging. Lastly, you can expect the BSP-Y02’s wireless connection to have a reach of up to eight meters.
Why to Buy
The BSP-Y02 is an okay choice if you’d like to dock your handheld on it, and its wireless option is useful.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
10. DOBE Small Rocking Table
The DOBE Small Rocking Table is an arcade stick that is recommended for sidescrollers. The joystick is built like a Sanwa joystick, so you should be able to replace it with a Sanwa joystick if you want. This modding process is made easier with the included wrench, which can fit in the USB compartment (along with the joystick and dust washer).
The connection is USB-C, and the arcade stick also comes with a male USB-A to micro adapter. When the arcade stick is plugged in, blue LED turns on.
The buttons are reminiscent of the type of buttons that come with switches. Also, they are not too loud. For your comfort, the start button is bigger than the other function buttons.
The arcade stick has a portable size. It is not too heavy nor too light if you need to carry it. Also, the rubber pads provide stability during play. You can simply open up the arcade stick with a screwdriver to reveal the neat interior.
Why to Buy
This is a straightforward arcade stick that’s small and doesn’t drain your bank account.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon or AliExpress