| Price | Etsy |
| Compatibility | PS5 / PS4 / PS3 / PSC / XSX / XB1 / X360 / NS / WU / PC |
| Dimensions | 10.6″ x 6.7″ x 2.25-2.5″ |
| Weight | 2.04 lbs |
| Cable | 6 ft |
Introduction
Eternal Rival offers a plethora of cases, with this one being the Mid Tier Stickless Mini. When you order it, you receive the plastic panels and items needed to build the case. It is made of cast acrylic and requires diligence, but it is easy to assemble. Note that this model is not the highest tier that Eternal Rival offers, so any shortcomings may be mitigated by opting for Eternal Rival’s most premium of offerings.
Performance
The Sanwa buttons of the Mid Tier Stickless Mini have optimal travel distance, so they do not activate too early or too late. If you would like different buttons, however, these are the buttons you should be aiming for:
- 24 mm buttons (11)
- 30 mm buttons (only one)
- Screw-on or snap-in compatible
- Euro/Happ style incompatible
The layout can be southpaw as well. As for the auxiliary or side buttons (which can also be Sanwa):
- 24 mm buttons (4)
- Snap-in or low profile only
- Euro/Happ style incompatible
You should be able to map the two extra buttons in the back to the functions of your choice. Start and select can be found on the left. Two more option buttons would have been preferrable.
The countersunk screws found on the top panel do not irritate one’s hands. However, while the edges are not sharp per se, they could have also been smoother. On the bright side, the acrylic has negligible flexing, and while this is a smaller controller, the Stickless Mini has ample wrist space.
The four rubber feet at the bottom get the job done. So, the Stickless Mini should not slide around during play, but if you would like to reposition it in between matches, that should still be possible. Lap play is also viable. There were no issues when testing this controller during play.
Hardware
The Stickless Mini is relatively light. The side walls of the case are comprised of one layer, and the top & bottom panels are comprised of two. Because of the way the bottom of the case was designed, you can flush-mount the bottom. A manual is included with the case, and you do not need glue to put it together.
You can order kits from Eternal Rival that have all the inner components. Note that they do not come with buttons. You have to go elsewhere on the Eternal Rival website for buttons and so on.
As for the PCB, which Eternal Rival can also provide, you connect the buttons to it and achieve compatibility with your console of choice via USB. That said, you can fit in any Brook PCB, but if your PCB is not Brook, adhesive stands would be needed. Mounting holes & hardware are included for free and can be upgraded.
Eternal Rival carries the official Brook wiring kit with a PCB. By the way, to access the inside of the Stickless Mini, you would first have to remove the rubber feet.
Regarding the passthrough, your two passthrough choices are USB-C Adafruit and Neutrik, both of which Eternal Rival can provide. The Stickless Mini came with a Neutrik USB-B passthrough.
When it comes to the wiring, you would need to grab from Eternal Rival or elsewhere the following:
- 20 pin wire connector
- L3/R3/TK wire connector
- Short printer cable
- Long cable (printer or USB C-to-A)
- Stickless cable
The 20 pin wire connector connects to the PCB, which connects to the main buttons, home, start, and share. The ground wire has to be connected to each connector on the button(s), and which prong does not matter.
As for the L3/R3/TK wire connector, it connects to the analog stick buttons & touch key, the short printer cable connects to the PCB & passthrough, and the long cable connects the passthrough to the console.
Optional addons include:
- Bit Bang Gaming player LED
- Neoprene pad for lap play
- Steel weights
It is worth noting that, to give the Stickless Mini its smaller form factor, the interior is not as spacious, limiting modding capabilities and feature additions.
Appearance
Aside from acrylic smudges that you can combat by opting for matte acrylic, the Stickless Mini is a thing of beauty. With pleasingly rounded edges, the enclosure can come in a certain color, such as blue, and the top panel art can be custom.
You see, Eternal Rival carries different colors of plexiglass, with the dark blue one supposedly not found in other stores. Art is printed on semi-gloss paper in RGB or CMYK. There can also be a clear top to add your own art, and you can order custom art through our own custom artwork service at The Arcade Stick.
Gilbert Han, our artist, can draw a custom illustration for your Eternal Rival case. Check out his Vega art with this specific Eternal Rival hitbox’s template:
Conclusion
Consider Eternal Rival’s wide assortment of quality DIY enclosures during your hunt for the next great controller.
- Sanwa-compatible
- Wrist space
- Countersunk screws
- Lightweight
- Stability
- Customizability
- Helpful manual
- Less option buttons
- Rougher edges
- Acrylic smudges
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐