| Price | DRMFTG |
| Release | May-July 2025 |
| Compatibility | NS2 / PC |
| Dimensions | 13.8″ x 9.4″ x 2.0″ |
| Weight | 5.95 lbs |
| Cable | ~2 m |
Introduction
Speculative analysis has shown that the DRMFTG DRM JS 30’s name may stand for “do re mi”, “fighting games”, “joystick” and “30 mm”.
The DRM JS 30 comes with 30 mm buttons—hence the name. The buttons are Qanba D-lites, and there are 10 of them instead of the usual eight. This is because the extra buttons are for R3 and jump.
But wait!
Maybe you don’t need a jump button. In this case, you can make use of the jump switch on the upper left of the DRM JS 30’s top panel in order to disable the jump button.
In any case, dear reader, the DRM JS 30 features SOCD cleaning. For the extra buttons in general, you will probably find yourself using your thumb to press them. It’s up to you if you want to replace the bottom right button cover with an actual button.
Performance
The Qanba D-lite buttons operate smoothly and are reminiscent of the excellent Sanwa buttons. About the DRM JS 30’s joystick, it’s the durable and responsive Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT.
The DRM JS 30’s joystick and button performance is complemented with a wrist slope for your comfort. Also, the arcade stick has enough weight to be stable on your lap or desk, especially because there is a grip pad for every bottom corner (meaning four total).
Moving on, the DRM JS 30’s function buttons are for (from left to right):
- L3
- Home
- Share
- Back
- Start
That said, the DRM JS 30’s function buttons are rigid and hard to press accidentally, which is a good thing, but if you constantly need to press one of the function buttons in training mode, for example, this can become tedious.
Hardware
Composed of CNC aluminum alloy, six screws hold the DRM JS 30’s top panel together. There are also side grooves you can use to easily carry the arcade stick from tournament to tournament.
Modders may be glad to know that they can open and close the DRM JS 30’s bottom with just a touch. There are a couple of opening points you’d have to pinch, and the panel comes off magnetically—unveiling the neat interior.
Congratulations, you’ve now made it inside the DRM JS 30!
At this point, you might immediately notice a USB-A port, which can accept an adapter to make the DRM JS 30 compatible with more consoles. As for the USB-C port, you can find it recessed into the arcade stick’s left side.
By default, the DRM JS 30 utilizes the Raspberry Pi Pico to run on the open source firmware, GP2040-CE. The latency is super low at less than a millisecond.
Appearance
The DRM JS 30’s black shades are elegant, and the matte finish repels smudges. The controller can also be ordered with a clear panel so you can showcase some artwork on it that represents your personality. For this, we at The Arcade Stick are happy to offer you our bestselling custom art service.
Conclusion
If you were to buy the DRM JS 30, buy it for its two extra buttons—as well as one touch opening from the bottom.
- 10 Qanba buttons
- Sanwa joystick
- Jump switch
- Wrist rest
- Groovy sides
- Four grip pads
- Organized insides
- One touch opening
- Moderately weighty
- Metallic hardware
- Recessed port
- Firmware excellence
- Extendable compatibility
- Custom artwork
- Matte finish
- Function buttons too stiff
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐