Top Beginner Arcade Sticks 2024

10. Hori Fighting Stick Mini

Fighting Stick Mini for PS5 console, PS4 console, and PC

The buttons of the Hori Fighting Stick Mini are smaller than average, but getting used to them should be easy, even for beginners. You see, the closer proximity of the parts requires less energy from you as a player. Most of the features of a regular sized arcade stick are present here, including a multi-speed turbo feature.

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9. PXN-0082

PXN-0082 Arcade FightStick

The PXN-0082 is tinier than your average mini fightstick. The button side features space for your wrist so that you can press the buttons with ease.

For faster button presses, the PXN-0082 features turbo support. You should not be experiencing any latency or dead zone issues with this arcade stick.

If you like clicky joysticks, you should like the PXN-0082’s joystick as it provides you audible feedback. Also, there are suction cups so the arcade stick does not slide around while using it.

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8. PXN-008

PXN-008

The PXN-008 is made of quality ABS plastic that is durable, waterproof, resists fading, and barely flexes. You can make your arcade stick look the way you want with custom vinyl art.

The steel lever of the PXN-008 is firm and on par with industry standards. The detachable buttons feel good and sound dominant as they utilize clicky switches that provide you auditory feedback. Also, there is a turbo mode for rapid button pressing to prevent tiring your fingers.

The PXN-008’s interior is neat to make your life easier, and there are small weights taped inside to make the arcade stick heavier so that you do not have to worry about it sliding around. There are also rubber feet for that purpose.

There is an audio jack to plug a headset into the PXN-008, allowing you to stay in the zone during play. The cable has Velcro to tie it neatly, and you have extra options in the form of micro USB & USB-C cables. If you have any queries, PXN provides a detailed manual with the arcade stick.

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7. Monoprice Dark Matter

Dark Matter Arcade Fighting Stick for Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Android

The Dark Matter Arcade Fighting Stick is a multiplatform arcade stick that includes an aluminum alloy frame, octagonal-gated Sanwa joystick, and Sanwa buttons.

You can change the input type as you please, whether it is D-pad, left stick, or right stick. There is a tournament lock in addition to a turbo feature.

Sanwa parts bolster the performance and durability, providing a good entry point for beginners. The eight-directional joystick makes movements easy too, and the precise buttons complete the package. There is lots of room for comfort, and the heavy weight & rubber feet enhance the stability of this solid arcade stick.

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6. Mayflash F101

Mayflash Arcade Fightstick F101

The Mayflash F101 is a simple arcade stick that is smaller and multiplatform. Its stock parts are above average, and luckily, it is relatively easy to upgrade the parts yourself, even as a beginner. Furthermore, the turbo works as it should.

As for the build, it is high quality plastic with a metal panel that increases the weight and stability, the latter of which is also boosted by big rubber feet.

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5. Mayflash F500

Universal Arcade Stick F500 V2

The Mayflash F500 is sizeable fightstick, and it is compatible with quality Sanwa joysticks & buttons. The acrylic top of this multiplatform arcade stick makes art customization possible.

The metallic case & rubber feet increase stability, and the buttons feel good, especially for beginners who are not necessarily looking for Sanwa parts from the get go.

An octagonal joystick gate is provided, and installing it can be done easily. The same applies to the buttons because of the easily seen screws on the bottom plate.

The cable comes out of a compartment to be found on the left side of the F500. Another improvement over the predecessor is that there is a headphone port. There is turbo support in addition to updateable firmware.

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4. Mayflash F300

Mayflash Arcade Stick F300

Compatible with Sanwa parts, the Mayflash F300 is a budget yet multiplatform arcade stick that is weighty & firm despite its small size, thanks to the rubber feet.

The parts are decent and have even passed rigorous acceptance testing. With the F300, you get an additional octagonal gate and additional accessories.

The USB cable comes with convenient Velcro to stay organized. There is a turbo feature in addition to updateable firmware, and the start button is recessed to make it harder to hit without intending to, which is a mistake beginners might make otherwise. Artwork enthusiasts can print out a decal to stick on top of the F300.

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3. 8BitDo Arcade Stick

8BitDo Arcade Stick

The joystick of this mini 8BitDo arcade stick feels quite decent. No latency issues were detected when testing the arcade stick across four platforms. The plastic top panel is impressively not malleable, so beginners can apply force during play without worrying.

The weight of the arcade stick has been artificially boosted by a thick metal plate inside, which is clever. The battery can last up to 30 hours of play through Bluetooth and 40 hours through 2.4G, and the charging time is four hours.

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2. Qanba Drone 2

Qanba N3 Drone 2

The Qanba Drone 2 comes with a Qanba OV7 OMRON switch joystick as well as Qanba 30 mm B30 buttons. There is a touchpad in addition to an audio jack. The finish of the arcade stick is matte black.

The upgraded joystick of the Drone 2 produces a clicky sound. As for the size of the arcade stick, it is small enough to be considered a mini arcade stick without sacrificing wrist space. There are four rubber feet at the bottom, where you can also find an easy access point to the joystick.

The Drone 2 is light, which is optimal for carriage. The cable goes into the storage room that is on the right. The interior is neat and makes modding easy, such as by swapping out the joystick for another one.

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1. Mayflash F300 Elite

Mayflash Arcade Stick F300 Elite

The Mayflash F300 Elite is multiplatform like the F300 but with premium Sanwa parts, so the joystick feels sturdy, and there is less travel distance for a button press to go through.

You even get an additional octagonal gate with your F300 Elite. The buttons are excellent, and there is turbo support in addition to updateable firmware. The F300 Elite is a beginner’s dream.

Just like its predecessor, this arcade stick is weighty and firm, thanks to the bottom rubber. The cable has a useful Velcro wrap to keep things organized.

Those looking to spice up the F300 Elite can print out artwork to stick right onto the surface, and we at The Arcade Stick have a custom artwork service.

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RankFull ArticleBuy
1Mayflash F300 ElitePrice
2Qanba Drone 2Price
38BitDo Arcade StickPrice
4Mayflash F300Price
5Mayflash F500Price
6Mayflash F101Price
7Monoprice Dark MatterPrice
8PXN-008Price
9PXN-0082Price
10Hori Fighting Stick MiniPrice