| Price | Jasen’s Customs |
| Release | June 10, 2024 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / XSX / NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 14.5″ x 8.5″ x 2.5″ |
| Weight | ~4 lbs |
Introduction
With color options from black to space gray, the Panzer Fight Stick 5 is comprised of a top panel, chassis, and bottom panel, all of which are made of fully machined aluminum. The top panel’s layouts are swappable, and the controller is available in preassembled & DIY formats to suit your needs.
Performance
The PFS5 seems more similar to the PFS3 than the PFS4. In this regard, there is ample resting space for your wrists. Furthermore, the smoothness of the finish should feel comfortable on your skin.
At least in the first version of the PFS5, the layout is Sega 2P. Compatible joysticks include Seimitsu and Sanwa, with the latter being known for durability and responsivity.
One of the perks of Sanwa joysticks is how they satisfyingly spring back to neutral in a fluid fashion when you let go of them after executing a motion. As for Korean joysticks, they should be compatible with newer versions of the PFS5.
Screw-in buttons are recommended for the PFS5. That is because the panel and plexiglass thickness is 5 mm, which is not optimal for snap-in buttons.
Moving on, the PFS5’s function buttons are in the back, and in the center is a well-situated passthrough. The function buttons are fully sized at 24 mm, and they are for:
- Start
- Select
- Home
- Touchpad
- L3
- R3
To prevent the PFS5 from slipping while you are enjoying a set of matches, Jasen made sure to include anti-slipping pads as well as optional rubber feet per corner.
Hardware
The PFS5 is a similar size to the PFS3, just lighter, and its weight is moderate. The aluminum adds to the premium feel. Now, it may take you from 30 minutes to four hours to assemble the DIY version, depending on how finicky you are with any certain component of the build.
After you assemble the PFS5, you have a couple of ways to pop it open for modding or repairs:
- Remove the top.
- Remove the bottom.
The top and bottom are connected so well that you may initially think they are inseparable. Anyway, because the interior is so spacious, you can have a more convenient experience while tinkering, and you can even store some accessories. Back to the top, it has six stainless steel screws, which is a reasonable amount.
Brook PCBs are compatible with the PFS5, granting you diverse compatibility options. Wiring is not included with the chassis, but you can use commercially available harnesses at a low cost or make something custom (unless you can get your hands on a modular wiring harness kit by Jasen’s Customs).
Appearance
Over the years, we have gotten used to the PFS series sporting a simple design in which most of the appeal is in the colors of the case, joystick, and buttons as well as the customizable art. Furthermore, Jasen may be able to laser etch a design you suggest onto the bottom of the PFS5.
It is because of the PFS5’s plexiglass that there is space for custom art, which we at The Arcade Stick can provide you through our custom artwork service. In fact, here is art our Abimbola Olaoya put together for a client’s PFS4 (and he can do the same for your PFS5):
Conclusion
The Panzer Fight Stick 5 is truly the work of an artisan, and you can upgrade it to become a tournament warrior.
- DIY or preassembled
- Layout choices
- Part compatibility
- Moderate weight
- Customizable art
- Color options
- Crafted with care
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐