AFG-controller Review

AFG-controller
PriceAFG-controller
CompatibilityXSX / XB1 / X360 / NS / WU / PS4 / PS3 / PSC / PC
Dimensions15.7″ x 7.9″ x 2.3″
Cable3 m
Weight4.4 lbs

Introduction

You can order the Japanese AFG-controller in any format, including hitbox, mixbox, fightstick, hitstick, or Smash box.

Performance

The AFG-controller often comes with Sanwa parts, which are known for their responsivity and flexibility when it comes to modding, but you can order other parts as well. A possible build would be comprised of the Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT-SK joystick as well as Sanwa screw-type buttons. Otherwise, you can find the following auxiliary buttons in the back:

  • Options
  • Share
  • Touchpad
  • PS
  • L3
  • R3

There is also a headphone jack if you perform better with the audio right in your ears. Furthermore, there is anti-slip rubber at the bottom for stability enhancement purposes.

Due to Capcom Pro Tour rules, there is SOCD cleaning, so pressing left & right together would result in neutral, and pressing up & down together would result in up. That said, the controller has no noticeable input delay.

Hardware

The AFG-controller is made of 5 mm thick acrylic, with the top panel being 8 mm, including the 3 mm cover. This makes the controller sturdy without making it heavy. There is also an aluminum frame pillar.

The bottom panel can be removed by unscrewing a screw on each side with just your fingers. You would still need to remove the entire panel with your hands after, which is good because it means that the panel won’t loosen as soon as you unscrew the screws. In other words, it is a two step process. Then, you can uncover the beautifully braided wiring.

As for the PCB, it seems to be a proprietary blend known as the AFB, and it features a Brook PCB. Default compatibility seems to be with PC and the PS3. The PCB would have the latest firmware upon shipping. Eventually, you would have to update the firmware yourself through the Brook website.

If you opt for the fightstick edition of the AFG-controller, almost all Korean joysticks can be installed, but the Seimitsu Bullet model, also known as the Nobi lever, has a thick structure, so you would have to remove the golden ring-shaped spacer inside the case during installation. That is because the spacer may scratch the bottom plate.

Appearance

Speaking of scratching, due to the controller being acrylic, there may be fine blemishes. Otherwise, you can order this controller in blue, red, purple, black, and more. There are more than a dozen colors. You can also insert custom art, which we at The Arcade Stick can help provide through our custom artwork service.

Conclusion

The AFG-controller is a fully customizable beauty that is solid and sturdy without compromising its lightweight feel.

  • Multiple variations
  • Diverse compatibility
  • Highly moddable
  • Headphone jack
  • Sanwa parts
  • Other parts options
  • Color options
  • Fine acrylic
  • Sturdy
  • Lightweight
  • Bottom panel mechanism
  • Braided wiring
  • SOCD cleaning

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

See Also

Haute42 T16

Haute42 T16