| Price | Modernbox |
| Release | July 31, 2026 |
| Compatibility | NS2 / PC / Android |
| Dimensions | 10.6″ x 5.5″ x 2.8″ |
| Weight | ~1.17 lbs |
Introduction
Instill a sense of modernity in your life with the Modernbox, which is an ergonomic controller with features like:
- DIY or preassembled
- Lever or leverless
- Custom button layout
Yet, the Modernbox’s main feature is translating Street Fighter 6’s modern controls into an arcade controller format. If you didn’t know, SF6 lets you pull off moves more easily if you choose the modern controls option, although at a cost, such as doing less damage.
Unboxing
Your Modernbox should arrive with:
- Two large button-layout adjusters
- Six small button-layout adjusters
- Four button-height adjustment spacers
Performance
Upon ordering, your Modernbox’s button placement & spacing can be customized to cater to your hand size and playstyle. Otherwise, if you’d like to understand this controller’s button layout, it’s like it has upper and lower floors.
For the upper floor: you can use your index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers. For the lower floor: you’ll want to use your thumbs. To understand the Modernbox more, consider something like:
- Three left hand buttons (upper floor)
- Four right hand buttons (upper floor)
- Four left thumb buttons (lower floor)
- Four right thumb buttons (lower floor)
Not only that, you may find a blank left hand button and two blank right hand buttons on your Modernbox. The default button layout may change by the time you read this article, such as by adding one more right hand button.
That being said, the Modernbox uses some of the finest buttons on the planet: 24 mm Qanba D-lites. These snap-in buttons come with:
- Non-clicky microswitches
- Scratch-resistant hardened surfaces
- Optimized spring feel for quick resets
How does that profile sound to you? Qanba D-lite buttons are actually a bit firmer and deeper than Sanwa OBSF buttons, for example. Anyway, let’s move onto the Modernbox’s hardware.
Hardware
Unlike Japanese controllers with USB-B ports, the Modernbox has a USB-C port. Also, it runs on the acclaimed GP2040-CE firmware with low latency and online updates. Here’s an extended list of this firmware’s compatibility options:
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Raspberry Pi
- Android
- Linux
- PC
(Just note that, for PlayStation 5 compatibility, you’ll want to use a separate converter with the Modernbox.)
That aside, the Modernbox is a PLA resin controller with a size that’s the efficient frontier of (1) comfort while playing and (2) comfort while carrying it around a tournament venue. Its left and right modules are, well, modular.
Now, take heed that PLA resin isn’t the type of material you’ll want to drill holes in to mod your Modernbox after it arrives in the mail. Instead, customize your order well so you don’t have to mod the controller like that after it arrives.
Appearance
There’s no denying that the Modernbox is blacker than black, and this color choice adds to its sense of modernity. Having said that, here’s the kicker…
3D printing the Modernbox’s PLA resin material leaves it prone to unavoidable inconsistencies during manufacturing to the effect of:
- Slight irregularities
- Lamination marks
- Small scratches
Luckily, such blemishes shouldn’t affect your Modernbox’s performance as you battle your way to master rank online.
Conclusion
The Modernbox is a rare opportunity for you to utilize Street Fighter 6’s modern controls in an arcade controller format. If you like this concept but don’t live in Japan, consider ordering this controller through a proxy.
- Optimized for SF6 modern controls
- Custom ergonomic layout
- Extendable compatibility
- Qanba D-lite buttons
- DIY or preassembled
- Lever or leverless
- Modular design
- Efficient size
- PLA resin material
- 3D printing blemishes