| Price | Jasen’s Customs |
| Release | January 19, 2023 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / PS4 / PS3 / PSC / XSX / XB1 / X360 / NS / WU / PC |
| Weight | 3+ lbs |
Introduction
In late 2022, Jasen’s Customs announced the Panzer Fight Stick 4. The PFS4 is a swappable-panel controller, similar to the Mad Catz TE that sat down on top of a base frame, therefore simplifying the build while allowing Jasen to mix metals and make the controller moderately weighty yet still transportable. Preassembled and DIY formats are available.
The base is aluminum, and the swappable panels are cold-rolled steel. That said, Mad Catz TE panels are also supported. Korean joysticks are not be compatible due to their depth as well as their unpopularity when Jasen last offered them. The available layouts include:
- Hitbox
- Shiokenstar
- Noir
- Vewlix (wide)
- Sega 1P
- Sega 2P
Performance
The PFS4 has a size that is reminiscent of the Mad Catz TE. That size is good for most players, but it may be slightly small for players with bigger hands. Specifically, they might crave more wrist space.
Otherwise, the curvature of the edges of the PFS4 reduces wrist irritation. Of course, the PFS4 is compatible with the highest quality of joysticks and buttons, so there are no concerns about performance in that aspect. Rubber padding is available to enhance stability.
Hardware
The PFS4 is made of solid material with a smooth finish. Despite the impressive stack above, the PFS4 is not terribly heavy. The difficulty level of assembling the PFS4 may be described as moderate, but of course, there are instructions. The chassis includes:
- Frame
- AUX panel
- EZ wiring harness
- Light pipes
- Machined aluminum AUX buttons
- Bottom pad
Regarding the hole in the panel for the AUX area of the TE, it benefits the PFS4. The PFS4 has a custom AUX PCB with a plug-and-play wire loom that connects it to various points on Brook PCBs and other boards under development.
Access to the buttons on the AUX button is achieved through machined aluminum caps and LEDs for player & turbo indicators that shine through light pipes.
You see, Jasen created a PCB that snaps onto the standard PCB outline, making use of a 20-pin header and the included wiring harness to make connecting a joystick & buttons easy. This EZ wiring is optional. The front of the case has a D-sized cut that supports common Neutrik, Switchcraft, and ProCable connectors.
Artwork
The chassis is available in a few colors. The panel is black for the most part. You should be able to order plexiglass overlays and order paper art with them. For that, we at The Arcade Stick have a custom artwork service. Check out this art our Abimbola Olaoya put together for a client’s PFS4:
Conclusion
The Panzer Fight Stick 4 retains its reputation of being one of the most customizable arcade controllers out there.
- Preassembled or DIY
- Parts compatibility
- Sheer customizability
- Solid build
- Smooth finish
- Not too heavy
- Padding available
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐