Ways to Mod an Arcade Stick

Screwdriver & wrench

Introduction

In the fighting game community, you can stand out with a custom fightstick. The instructions in this tutorial will be based on the average fightstick with a standard layout.

Always refer to the instructional manual for your fightstick of choice. You will likely have to order parts. If you want to apply new artwork, your manual labor should take about an hour.

Procedure

Buttons are simple, but for joysticks, you might need a handle, shaft, and dust washer. As for tools, you will potentially need a flathead screwdriver, hex screwdriver, needle nose pliers, scissors, and a utility knife.

For artwork, you can fire up your favorite image editing software. If you cannot find a fightstick’s artwork template anywhere, try the website of the company behind your fightstick of choice. As for getting the artwork design itself, we at The Arcade Stick have an artwork service.

Joystick

  1. Detach the joystick by first unscrewing the fightstick’s top panel if needed.
  2. Rotate the joystick shaft’s bottom counterclockwise with a flathead screwdriver.
  3. Complete the joystick shaft’s detachment along with the joystick itself.

Buttons

  1. Remove the buttons by first disconnecting the button wires with pliers.
  2. Pull the plastic protectors away from the buttons.
  3. Pinch each button’s sides to push the button outside the fightstick.

Plexiglass

  1. Take the frame apart by using a hex screwdriver to loosen the plexiglass screws.
  2. Store the stock art somewhere as you might need it for future reference.
  3. Make or acquire digital art to go on your fightstick.

Artwork

  1. Print the art online or at a local printing shop.
  2. If not already precut, cut the art to fit by cutting the outer border with scissors.
  3. Place the stock art on a flat surface to cut the holes with a knife.

Reassembly

  1. Apply your new art on the unmovable metallic frame at the bottom.
  2. Line up the art’s button holes with the metallic frame.
  3. Put the plexiglass with the flat side facing down and lined up with the button holes.
  4. Set the plastic outer frame with the flat side on top and screw holes facing down.
  5. Press your new buttons into the holes from the top.
  6. Reconnect the button wires to the metal button contacts.
  7. Insert the flathead screwdriver back into the joystick’s groove.
  8. Install the joystick top on the joystick’s opposite end.
  9. Twist the joystick top until firm.
  10. Enjoy the results!

See Also