| Price | Etsy |
| Release | March 2, 2025 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / XSX / NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 11.1″ x 7.1″ |
Introduction
Are you one of those world warriors who travel with their fightsticks, dominating tournaments across the globe? If so, you may be in need of a solution like the Brawlbacoa, a DIY enclosure made for travel that comes in two sizes:
- Brawlbacoa Alpha
- Brawlbacoa EX
The EX is the bigger Brawlbacoa edition that is approximately 13.8″ wide and 8.9″ tall. Both editions are made of acrylic and ASA, the latter of which is weather-resistant plastic.
Performance
Put simply, you can request the Brawlbacoa with or without a joystick hole. By default, the layout is Sega 2P that follows the curvature of your resting fingertips. Otherwise, you can go for a leverless layout.
One reason you may be interested in the EX edition is to optimize lap play. Namely, you can enjoy the Brawlbacoa’s width on your legs—without having to squeeze your legs together too hard.
As the Brawlbacoa is a DIY enclosure, most of its appeal lies in the hardware department, and its performance highly relies on the parts you install—such as quality Sanwa parts with responsivity & durability. Speaking of hardware…
Hardware
The Brawlbacoa’s hardware may be described as lighter than average. Furthermore, it is not that tall. About its travel aspect, there are some good strap loops to help you carry it, and optional back panel replacements are possible—such as a messenger-bag back panel.
The fact of the matter is that the Brawlbacoa’s back panel is held together by 16 magnets and—instead of threaded plastic or nuts—uses heated inserts for every screw.
If you like to tinker, just pop off the Brawlbacoa’s back panel and have a go at it! When you put it back in place, it should be nice and secure.
(By the way, the enclosure has six main screws and four joystick screws.)
Once you are inside the Brawlbacoa, pay close attention to the PCB tray that is there to mount the board, making it easily removable or swappable with another board. This helps, for example, if you use a different board per console. Oh, and the USB passthrough comes out of the back left.
To wrap up the Brawlbacoa’s hardware section, here are options you can choose when placing your order:
- Acrylic
- Art panel
- Aluminum
- Aluminum art panel
PS: You can go for an aluminum build if you would like to increase the Brawlbacoa’s weight.
Appearance
Does the Brawlbacoa make any bold fashion statements? Well, you can maximize its aesthetics by choosing a cool combination of joystick or button colors.
You can even have your brand new Brawlbacoa engraved as well as choose its panel and chassis colors. This way, the enclosure represents your personality as you travel with it from country to country—winning more tournaments than your neighborhood pro.
By the by, the Brawlbacoa can accept custom art, which we at The Arcade Stick can help you with through our tried and tested service.
Conclusion
Pick you preferred Brawlbacoa layout, size, material, color, and art—then go win Evo with it!
- DIY fun
- Two sizes
- Lever or leverless
- Acrylic or aluminum
- Weather-resistant plastic
- Magnetic opening
- Shoulder strap loops
- Color options
- Engravement option
- Customizable artwork
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐