| Price | Mavercade |
| Release | 2022 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / XSX / NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 16″ x 10″ x 2.1″ |
| Weight | 9 lbs |
| Cable | 3 m |
Introduction
If you consider yourself a mad scientist, you may be interested in building a fightstick from scratch, such as the Mavercade Heavyweight Fightstick Enclosure.
You see, it’s like the Francis Ngannou of controllers—as it allows you to throw punches with some weight! Not only that, it’s quite easy to build. Let’s find out why…
Performance
First, it’s important to note that the Heavyweight is compatible with some of the best joysticks out there—like Sanwa. Talk about joysticks that are flexible and go back to neutral smoothly after an input.
The Heavyweight even has a lever bracket with embedded Sanwa mounting points. This is reason number one why it’s easy to build this controller.
That said, the Heavyweight allows you to choose a custom layout—such as a hitstick with two layouts in one:
- You can use the Heavyweight as a fightstick.
- You can also use it as a leverless controller.
In the example above, the Heavyweight gives you have access to both layouts without needing to swap top panels. This saves you time, and this saves you money. This also lets you pick an optimal layout per game.
Maybe you like fightsticks for Tekken and leverless for Street Fighter. You may even have a roommate who prefers fightsticks, while you prefer leverless. The Heavyweight solves all these problems.
Moving on, there are six function buttons in the Heavyweight’s back. So, there are enough function buttons to keep up with modern fighting game requirements. Each function button is sized 6 mm.
Now that we’re done talking about joysticks and buttons, you may be glad to know that the Heavyweight was designed with your comfort in consideration.
Essentially, the Heavyweight’s front is sloped for the comfort of your wrists. Also, there is foam at the bottom that excellently prevents the enclosure from sliding while you mash out the toughest combos.
The Heavyweight is great to set on your desk while you play, but if you’d rather set it on your lap, the enclosure is wide enough not to need to squeeze your legs together painfully.
Hardware
The Heavyweight is built like a battleship. It’s made of durable metal, namely cold rolled steel. All you have to do is buy the metallic top panel to complete your DIY build. This is another reason why it’s easy to build this controller.
Another reason it’s easy to build the Heavyweight is because of the thoughtful PCB standoffs by Mavercade. Specifically, you have mounting brackets for Brook PCBs, giving you diverse compatibility with consoles—plus almost zero input lag.
In case you’re wondering what the Heavyweight’s three Neutrik holes are for, here are some of your options:
- Antennae to connect wirelessly
- Passthrough for USB cables and so on
- Rocket switches for toggles like turbo modes
Appearance
By default, the Heavyweight has a fresh coat of semi-gloss black paint. White paint is another option. You can even add custom art on top, which we at The Arcade Stick specialize in. For instance, the art can feature your favorite character. Do check out this previous design by our artist Felipe Fernandez for the Heavyweight (and he can serve you too):
(On the other hand, we can print any preexisting Heavyweight art you might already have.)
Want one last reason why the Heavyweight is easy to build? You just have to order an additional acrylic panel for custom art, and Mavercade’s acrylic is cut with precision. It’s evident that Mavercade has years of experience with fightsticks.
Conclusion
The Mavercade Heavyweight is the ultimate solution for gamers who like their controllers heavy and stable.
- Heavy steel
- Freshly painted
- Precisely cut acrylic
- Customizable art
- Easy to build
- Sloped wrist rest
- Grippy bottom foam
- Layout options
- Neutrik holes
- Sanwa compatibility
- Brook compatibility
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐