13. PXN-0082
Starting with a budget and light option, players who enjoy joystick clicking sounds will likely enjoy the mini PXN-0082. There were no latency or dead zone issues detected when testing this controller. The wrist space on the right side is to prevent overly enlarging the arcade stick. For stability, there are suction cups that won’t detach deep into a battle.
Available to order from Amazon
12. 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.
Available to order from Amazon
11. Mayflash F500
The Mayflash F500 is another budget arcade stick. The acrylic panel of the multiplatform arcade stick makes customization easier. Also, the metallic cover and base increase both weight and security. The buttons operate better than its predecessor. An octagonal gate is provided as an accessory, and replacing it is rather simple. The same applies to the buttons due to the easily visible screws found at the bottom. Another improvement over the predecessor is the inclusion of a headphone jack.
Available to order from Amazon
10. Mayflash F300
Compatible with Sanwa parts, the Mayflash F300 is a budget arcade stick that is multiplatform, weighty, and firm despite its size. Also, its joystick is sturdy. Artwork enthusiasts can print out a decal to stick on top of the arcade stick. As you may have guessed, this arcade stick is quite customizable.
Available to order from Amazon
9. Monoprice Dark Matter
The Dark Matter Arcade Fighting Stick contains an aluminum alloy frame, octagonal-gated Sanwa joystick, and Sanwa buttons. You can change the input type as desired, whether that is D-pad, left stick, or right stick. There is a turbo mode and a tournament lock.
Sanwa parts bolster the performance and durability of the arcade stick. The eight-directional joystick eases movement, and the precise buttons complete the package. There is plenty of room for one’s comfort, and the heavy weight & rubber feet enhance stability.
Available to order from Amazon
8. Qanba Crystal
The Qanba Crystal is one bargain of an arcade stick that features LEDs with three modes: activation, glow, and stealth. When pressing the buttons, the sound is quieter than average, and there is no input delay. There is plenty of wrist space for your comfort, and there are rubber strips as well for stability when placing the arcade stick on one’s lap. This is a regular-sized arcade stick that is solid. The door is closed by magnets to prevent accidentally opening it. You can bring out a magnetic carriage handle from within the Crystal.
Available to order from Amazon
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.
Available to order from Amazon
6. Qanba Pearl
The Qanba Pearl is a variation of the Qanba Obsidian that features aluminum alloy bevels on a glossy white case. Again, you can have the LED lights on all the time or only when buttons are pressed. The buttons have that Noir layout curvature, and they are farther apart from the joystick compared to the Obsidian. The nonslip rubber pads at the bottom provide a firm grip when the unit is on one’s lap. This is a big piece of equipment with suitable weight for both play and carriage. You can carry the arcade stick using its sides.
Available to order from Amazon
5. Victrix Pro FS
The Victrix Pro FS was one of the most critically acclaimed arcade sticks of the last generation, and it makes a return as a next-gen arcade stick. It is also available in a purple edition.
The wrist resting space is sloped for the player’s convenience, and there is an anti-slip foam pad to be found at the bottom. There is a tournament mode to prevent pressing secondary buttons while playing, and there is a 3.5 mm audio input/output port. The arcade stick itself consists of aircraft-grade aluminum.
The carriage handles and cable organizers ensure maximum convenience, and the quick-access back panel allows for the swapping of components with ease. Needless to say, mods can be made to this arcade stick.
What you also get:
- Detachable braided USB C-to-A cable
- Storage bag
- Allen wrench
Available to order from Amazon: White / Purple
4. Qanba Drone 2
The Qanba 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.
Available to order from Amazon
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.
Available to order from Amazon: PS5 / SF6 / XSX
2. Mayflash F300 Elite
The Mayflash F300 Elite is a variation of the Mayflash F300 that comes with Sanwa parts, which are simply the best. The joystick is sturdy, and there is less travel distance for inputs to register, so there are no dead zones. The buttons are nothing short of crisp. Just like its predecessor, this arcade stick is firm and weighty. Those looking to spice up the minimalist look can print out an artwork sticker to stick onto the surface.
Available to order from Amazon
1. Mayflash F500 Elite
The Mayflash F500 Elite is a multiplatform masterpiece that has Sanwa parts, and an octagonal joystick gate is an accessory that comes with it. Replacing the gate and buttons is quite easy. There are screws at the bottom that are easily visible for interior access. There also is ample wrist space. You can use wired headphones to stay in the zone. The metallic cover and base enhance weight and stability. The arcade stick features a removable acrylic panel on top, and we can provide custom artwork.
Available to order from Amazon