To shop some of these arcade sticks in one place directly on Amazon, click here.
1. Mayflash F300 Elite
The Mayflash F300 Elite is an arcade stick with Sanwa parts, which are reputable for their durability and responsivity. The joystick feels robust, and there is less travel distance to register a motion. With this arcade stick, you get an additional octagonal joystick gate as well.
About the hardware, the F300 Elite is weighty, and its stability is enhanced by rubber feet found at the bottom. The cable has a Velcro wrap to keep it tidy if you store the arcade stick somewhere.
The F300 Elite has a turbo functionality for you to just press a button one time, resulting in successive inputs. The arcade stick has upgradable firmware to keep it updated.
If you are looking to change up the F300 Elite’s minimalistic color scheme, you can print out an artwork sticker, making it display your favorite fighting game character, for instance. We at The Arcade Stick can offer our artwork service.
Why to Buy
The F300 Elite is best for players who cherish the premium parts of the F500 Elite and F700 Elite but would like a more portable choice.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
2. Qanba Drone 2
The Qanba Drone 2 utilizes a Qanba joystick and buttons. Also, there is a touchpad and audio jack, the latter of which can keep you laser-focused in a match.
The Drone 2’s joystick produces clicky feedback, so you can hear what is happening with its movements. The arcade stick’s interior is organized and makes modding easier, such as if you would like to swap the joystick to Sanwa.
There are rubber feet at the Drone 2’s bottom, which is where you will also find an entry point to the joystick for fast, convenient access. As for the size of the arcade stick, it is small enough to be a mini arcade stick without sacrificing space for your wrists to relax.
The Drone 2’s cable goes into its side storage space. Overall, the arcade stick is quite light, making it optimal for you to travel around with. Plus, the matte black color looks quite sophisticated, and we print art for this arcade stick too.
Why to Buy
If you prefer a Qanba arcade stick with actual Qanba parts, then the compact Drone 2 is your go-to arcade stick, but still, you can install a Sanwa joystick, and the audio jack can keep you in the zone while playing.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon or AliExpress
3. 8BitDo Arcade Stick
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s joystick feels good, and the buttons have quick disconnects for modding reasons. The plastic top panel should not warp if you press it, and the arcade stick’s weight is boosted by a metal plate inside.
As the 8BitDo Arcade Stick can work wirelessly, the battery can last 40 hours, and you just need four hours to charge the arcade stick, which is a good tradeoff.
No latency issues were experienced when testing the 8BitDo Arcade Stick on a few platforms, resulting in a responsive experience as you enjoy playing some games.
Why to Buy
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s unique selling proposition is its optional wireless connection, so if wireless matters to you, then you should consider buying the arcade stick.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon: Switch / Xbox
4. Mayflash F500
The Mayflash F500 is an arcade stick that can fit Sanwa parts. Its acrylic panel makes customizing art a simpler process, especially if you get a print from us. In addition, the metal case and rubber feet make the arcade stick more stable during a hectic match.
The F500’s cable emerges from a side compartment. There is also a headphone jack to help you stay in the zone during a match versus your opponent. Also, turbo support allows you to register multiple button presses by pressing a button only once.
You can update the F500’s firmware. An octagonal joystick gate is provided as an extra with your order, and installing it is not hard. The same applies to the buttons, thanks to the easy-to-see screws below, so if you like modding, this arcade stick might be a good choice.
Why to Buy
The F500 is worth a buy if you’d like the same size as the F500 Elite but without the expensive parts.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
5. Mayflash F101
The Mayflash F101 is a mini arcade stick with parts that are above average, but if you would like different parts, it is relatively easy to upgrade the arcade stick.
As for the F101’s hardware, it is quality plastic with a metal panel that increases the arcade stick’s weight. Stability is added by rubber feet at the bottom, keeping your arcade stick where it should be.
If you like turbo features in arcade sticks, the F101 has turbo too, so you can press a button one time, and that would result in successive inputs.
Why to Buy
The F101 is a solid entry point that has decent parts, which can be upgraded to better parts if you like.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
6. Saitake STK-T01
The wireless STK-T01 has eight buttons in the classic Vewlix layout, and one of the extra buttons allows you to macro (or combine) inputs to execute moves more easily. You can record up to 18 presses too.
That said, you’re probably most interested in the STK-T01’s three connectivity methods:
- Bluetooth
- 2.4 GHz
- Wired
Of course, the STK-T01 has a status screen and touchpad as well, but let’s not forget about the rotary dial. Furthermore, the arcade stick has a port on its front panel for headphones.
You see, the STK-T01 is made of a kind of material commonly used to make arcade sticks, ABS, with its main benefit being impact resistance. About the joystick lever, it’s probably stainless steel. The LED is interesting because it glows around the joystick—instead of around the buttons.
Moreover, the STK-T01 has a subtle wrist slope so you don’t develop carpal tunnel, and it’s also got four bigger-than-average rubber feet to stay put when you mash out tough combos.
Why to Buy
The STK-T01 fits unique features like a macro button into a compact space, but you really want to buy it for the wireless feature that spares you from wire-related problems.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon or AliExpress
7. PXN-008
The PXN-008 is made from quality ABS plastic that is durable, waterproof, fading resistant, and barely flexes. You can make your arcade stick look how you want with custom vinyl art. If you have some art that you’d like printed, we can print it for you.
The steel lever of the PXN-008 is firm and on par with the industry standard. The detachable buttons feel good and sound significant as they utilize clicky switches that provide you auditory feedback. Also, there is a turbo mode for rapid button pressing without tiring your fingers.
The PXN-008’s interior is organized to make your life easier, and there are small weights taped inside to make the arcade stick heavier so you do not have to worry about it sliding around. There are also rubber feet for that.
There is an audio jack to plug headphones into the PXN-008, allowing you to stay in the zone during play. The cable has Velcro so you can tie it neatly, and you have extra options in the form of micro USB & USB-C cables. If you have any questions, PXN provides a detailed manual with the arcade stick.
Why to Buy
The PXN-008’s main selling points are its detachable buttons and audio jack—the latter of which can tune out unrelated sounds while you grind out matches.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
8. PXN-0082
The PXN-0082 is smaller than your average mini fightstick, but the button side features space for your wrist so you can press the buttons with ease.
For fast button presses, the PXN-0082 has a turbo feature. You should not be experiencing any latency or dead zones when using this arcade stick.
If you like clicky joysticks, you may like the PXN-0082’s joystick because it provides audible feedback. Also, there are suction cups so the arcade stick does not slip off your desk while using it.
Why to Buy
What separates the PXN-0082 from other mini arcade sticks is that its right wrist rest is extended in a way that makes pressing the buttons more comfortable.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon or AliExpress
9. Hori Fighting Stick Mini
The Hori Fighting Stick Mini has buttons that are smaller than usual, but you should get used to them fast. In fact, the proximity of the joystick and buttons requires less energy from you when you are gaming.
Despite the Hori Fighting Stick Mini’s small size, most of the features of a regular arcade stick are present, including turbo with different speeds. So, you can press a button once, which would result in multiple inputs with little effort.
Why to Buy
The best reason to buy the Hori Fighting Stick Mini is that its small buttons are good for smaller hands or those who want a tighter layout with less finger movement.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
10. BSP-Y02
The BSP-Y02 is a wireless arcade stick that can dock handhelds, and it’s mod friendly. It’s got eight attack buttons, and its joystick is light & delicate.
Onward, the BSP-Y02 is made of ABS: a lightweight yet durable type of plastic commonly used to make arcade sticks. The arcade stick is available in different color pairings, such as:
- Black case & red buttons
- White case & red buttons
- White case & black buttons
That said, the BSP-Y02’s USB-C port is in the center back if you want to go wired. Otherwise, Bluetooth and wifi are also viable connectivity options.
For instance, the 600 mAh battery can last you more than 10 hours after a couple hours of charging. Finally, you can expect the BSP-Y02’s wireless connection to extend up to an eight meter distance.
Why to Buy
The BSP-Y02 is an okay choice if you’d like to dock your handheld on it, and the wireless option is useful.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
To shop some of these arcade sticks in one place directly on Amazon, click here.