| Brand | Sanwa Denshi |
| Announced | September 25, 2025 |
| Compatibility* | PC |
Preview
They’ve been around since what feels like the dawn of time. They have an optimal travel distance. They depress faster than someone with caffeine withdrawals. They sound crisper than CRISPR. Sanwa buttons are some of the best out there—if not the best—and Sanwa joysticks are no slouches either.
Back in the day, Japan’s Sanwa Denshi dropped an arcade stick called the Mono. It even came in a Guilty Gear edition. Fast forward years later, and more than a quarter million people attended the Tokyo Game Show 2025.
While more attendees at that event were probably interested in showcases of games like Forza Horizon 6, us fighting gamers were likely more thrilled about Sanwa showing off its new arcade stick that has some interesting features.
First off, the arcade stick has 24 mm buttons. This size is considered to be on the smaller side. Moreover, the arcade stick has three more buttons than usual:
- One button is for your index finger.
- Two more buttons are for, say, your thumb.
Not only that, one of those thumb buttons is 30 mm for easier side-pressing. That said, modern fighting games benefit from having more than eight buttons—such as L3, R3, and touchpad—so good job to Sanwa for taking note of that.
In addition, there are three function buttons that are larger than average, and they’re immediately accessible from the top panel.
A benefit of the bigger function buttons is, again, easier pressing. Another benefit comes from their location, which is suitable for the majority of fighting gamers who happen to be right handed. Let’s not forget to mention that there’s a palm slope for your comfort and relaxation.
Now, something that may rustle your jimmies is the inclusion of a USB-B port in the center back. Most fighting gamers seem to prefer USB-C nowadays.
What matters more, however, is the cable being USB-B to A. This way, it can fit into most consoles. Most importantly, the two screws around the port indicate that it’s detachable and replaceable with another USB type.
Another convenient hardware design element is the ability to open up the arcade stick from the bottom without any tools. This is helpful for endeavors from mods to repairs.
What about aesthetically?
The arcade stick has an elegant look. It even looks like a spiritual successor to the etokki Omni—an excellent arcade stick from the neighboring South Korea.
Essentially, the arcade stick is comprised of a black enclosure with a clear panel, indicating art customizability. For that, we at The Arcade Stick have a custom art service. Only five black screws can be seen from up top, so inserting your brand new art under there should be easy peasy Japanesey!
By default, the joystick & buttons are black, and you can assume that these parts are interchangeable with any other Sanwa-like parts, expanding your color customization options.
Who is this Sanwa arcade stick for?
It’s for the fighting gamer who still cherishes the good old joystick—yet needs 11 smaller buttons to excel at fighting games. Furthermore, this fighting gamer prefers bigger function buttons that are right on the top panel. It’s that same top panel that can exhibit the fighting gamer’s custom art of choice.
Lastly, add to that toolless opening from the bottom to mod the arcade stick—in a way that may increase the odds of him or her (or you) winning the next world championship!