10. Mayflash F101
The Mayflash F101 is a mini arcade stick that is multiplatform beyond PC compatibility. Its stock parts are above average, and it is relatively easy to upgrade the parts yourself if you want. Moreover, the turbo function works well.
As for the hardware, it is high quality plastic with a metal panel that increases the arcade stick’s weight and also stability, the latter of which is also boosted by large rubber feet down.
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9. Mayflash F500
The Mayflash F500 is another budget arcade stick that is bigger, and it is compatible with fine Sanwa parts. The acrylic panel of this multiplatform arcade stick makes art customization easy. Also, the metallic case and rubber feet increase the weight & security. The buttons feel better than the predecessor’s.
An octagonal joystick gate is provided too, and installing it is quite simple. The same applies to the buttons due to the easily seen screws at the bottom.
The cable comes out of a compartment on the left side. Another improvement over the predecessor is that there is a headphone port. There is turbo support plus firmware that can be upgraded.
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8. Mayflash F300
Compatible with Sanwa parts, the Mayflash F300 is a budget yet multiplatform arcade stick that is weighty & firm despite its size, thanks to the rubber feet, and the parts are decent. The parts even passed an acceptance test. With the F300, you get an additional octagonal gate and more.
The USB cable has a convenient Velcro wrap. There is a turbo feature in addition to updateable firmware, and the start button is recessed, making it harder to press by mistake. Artwork fanatics can print out a decal to stick on top.
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7. 8BitDo Arcade Stick
The joystick of this smaller arcade stick feels good, and the buttons have quick disconnects for modding purposes. No latency issues were found when testing this arcade stick on four platforms.
The plastic top panel is impressively not malleable, and the weight is boosted by a thick metal plate inside. The battery can last 30 hours of play through Bluetooth and 40 hours through 2.4G, with the charging time being four hours.
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6. Qanba Titan
The Qanba B1 Titan is officially licensed by Sony, so it is expected to work on the PlayStation 6 in the future too. It has a Sanwa JLF joystick and Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons, so you can expect solid performance. Also, there is a touchpad, microphone input, and cable compartment, the latter of which can be found on the left.
The Titan’s weight is enhanced by two steel plates, and there is a rubber base at the bottom. Furthermore, the top panel is not easily malleable.
The increased distance between the joystick and buttons of the Titan gives you more room for your left hand and right hands to move about.
If you open up this medium-sized arcade stick, you will see the neat and color-coded interior, but if you simply need joystick access, there is a compartment for that at the bottom without unscrewing the entire panel. You can even use that compartment’s lid to unscrew the joystick.
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5. Qanba Obsidian 2
The Qanba Q7 Obsidian 2 is a heavier sequel to the bestselling Qanba Obsidian. Since it is officially licensed by Sony, it is expected to work on future PlayStation consoles as well.
This arcade stick has quality parts, which are a Sanwa JLF joystick and Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons. You can also find a touchpad, microphone jack, and a cable that can be stored on the left.
The base pad of the Obsidian 2 is anti-slip, but the star of the show is the joystick interchangeability. With the Obsidian 2, Sanwa JLF joystick tops are swappable, and included with your unit is a ball top & bat top.
With thumb-screw access, the compartment on the right can hold two joystick tops in addition to USB cables. This compartment is not flimsy, and the same can also be said about the left side compartment.
There is dedicated joystick access through the bottom of the Obsidian 2. The interior, where you will find the PCB, is organized. Otherwise, if you would like to add custom artwork to your Obsidian 2, that is fortunately possible.
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4. Qanba Drone 2
The Qanba N3 Drone 2 contains a Qanba OV7 OMRON switch joystick and Qanba 30 mm B30 buttons. There is also a touchpad as well as an audio jack.
The upgraded joystick produces a clicky feedback sound. As for the size of the Drone 2, it is small enough to be considered a mini arcade stick without sacrificing aspects like wrist space. There are four rubber feet at the bottom, where you will also find an entry point into the joystick for quicker access.
The Drone 2 is quite light, which is optimal for you to carry. The cable goes into the spacious right side compartment. The interior is organized and makes modding easy, such as by swapping out the joystick for Sanwa.
The Drone 2 has a matte black color, and as this is a Sony-licensed arcade stick, it can be expected to work on future generation consoles as well.
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3. Hori Fighting Stick α
The Hayabusa joystick and buttons of the Hori Fighting Stick α live up to the good reputation. There are long rubber pads on both sides of the arcade stick.
Despite that, the arcade stick is noticeably lighter than average. Nonetheless, it feels well built and durable because of the metallic top plate and quality plastic, the latter of which probably comprises 98% of the build.
Opening the arcade stick using the latch in the back is a smooth experience. The art can be customized, and included with the Street Fighter 6 edition are 18 downloadable character artworks.
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2. Mayflash F300 Elite
The Mayflash F300 Elite is multiplatform like the F300 but with Sanwa parts, which are simply the top. The joystick feels sturdy, and there is less travel distance for an input to register without any dead zones.
You even get an additional octagonal gate with your F300 Elite. Of course, the buttons are nothing short of crisp, and there is turbo support plus firmware that can be updated.
Just like its predecessor, this arcade stick is weighty and firm, thanks to rubber feet. The cable has a nifty Velcro wrap. Those looking to spice up the minimalistic appearance can print out an artwork sticker to stick right onto the surface.
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1. Mayflash F500 Elite
The Mayflash F500 Elite is a multiplatform Sanwa masterpiece with upgradeable firmware & turbo support, and an octagonal joystick gate is included as well. Replacing the joystick gate is rather easy. There are screws at the bottom that are easy to see for interior entry. There is also plenty of wrist space.
You can use wired headphones with this arcade stick to stay in the zone during gameplay. The metal casing and base enhance the weight & stability alongside the rubber feet. Also, the arcade stick has an acrylic panel on top that is easily removable, and we at The Arcade Stick can provide you custom artwork.
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