10. Mayflash F101
The Mayflash F101 is a mini arcade stick with stock parts that are above average. It is relatively easy to upgrade the parts yourself if you like. In addition, the turbo function works, giving you rapid inputs with little effort.
As for the F101’s hardware, it is high quality plastic with a metal panel that increases the arcade stick’s weight and stability. There are also large rubber feet at the bottom, keeping your arcade stick in place.
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9. Mayflash F500
The Mayflash F500 is a multiplatform arcade stick that can accept Sanwa parts. Its acrylic panel makes artwork customization easier for you. In addition, the metallic case and rubber feet increase weight & security when you game.
The F500’s cable comes out of its side compartment. Also, there is a headphone jack to help you stay in the zone during gameplay. Moreover, turbo support allows you to register multiple button presses by only pressing a button one time. If needed, the firmware of the arcade stick can be updated.
An octagonal joystick gate is provided as an accessory with your F500, and installing it is quite simple. The same applies to the buttons due to the easily visible screws at the bottom, so if you like modding, this arcade stick might be for you.
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8. Mayflash F300
Compatible with Sanwa parts, the Mayflash F300 is a multiplatform arcade stick that is weighty and firm despite its smaller size. Its rubber feet help it stay in place during one of your gaming sessions.
The F300 has a turbo feature to get rapid button presses with only one press. The start button of the arcade stick is recessed, so you should not worry about pressing it by accident.
The F300’s cable has a convenient Velcro wrap for when you travel with the arcade stick. You even get an additional octagonal joystick gate with this arcade stick.
If needed, the F300 has updateable firmware. If you are an artwork enthusiast, you can print out a design to stick on top of the arcade stick, making it represent yourself.
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7. 8BitDo Arcade Stick
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s joystick feels good, and the buttons have quick disconnects for modding, making your life easier. The plastic top panel should not warp, and the arcade stick’s weight is boosted by a thick metal plate within.
As the 8BitDo Arcade Stick can work wirelessly, the battery can last up to 40 hours, and you only need four hours for charging. No latency issues were detected when testing the arcade stick on a few platforms, resulting in a responsive experience for you.
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6. Hori Fighting Stick α
The Hayabusa joystick and buttons of the Hori Fighting Stick α live up to their solid reputation. There are long rubber pads on both sides of the arcade stick, keeping it stable during a set of matches.
The Hori Fighting Stick α is noticeably lighter than average, making traveling with it much easier. Nonetheless, it feels well built and durable because of the metallic top plate as well as the quality plastic.
Opening up the Hori Fighting Stick α using the latch in the back is a fluid experience. The artwork is customizable, so you can make the arcade stick an extension of yourself.
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Blue / Gray / SF6 / Tekken 8
5. Qanba Titan
The Qanba Titan has a Sanwa joystick and buttons, so you can expect great performance. Also, there is a touchpad, microphone jack, and cable storage space.
The increased distance between the joystick and buttons of the Titan provides more room for your hands to move about. The arcade stick’s weight is enhanced by steel plates inside, and there is a rubber base at the bottom for stability. As for the arcade stick’s top panel, it is not malleable.
If you open up the Titan, you will see the color coded interior, but if you simply need joystick access, there is a compartment at the bottom, so you do not need to unscrew the entire panel. You can even use that compartment’s lid to unscrew the joystick.
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4. Qanba Obsidian 2
The Qanba Obsidian 2 is a heavier sequel to the Qanba Obsidian. This arcade stick has quality parts, which include a Sanwa joystick and buttons. You can also find a touchpad, microphone input, and cable compartment on the side.
The base pad of the Obsidian 2 is anti-slipping, but the focal point of the arcade stick is the joystick interchangeability. You see, Sanwa JLF joystick tops are swappable, and included with the arcade stick is a ball top & bat top, allowing you to choose your preference.
With thumb-screw access, the compartment on the Obsidian 2’s right can hold a couple of joystick tops (as well as USB cables). This compartment is not flimsy, and the same can be said about the side compartment too.
There is dedicated joystick access from the bottom of the Obsidian 2, and the interior of the arcade stick is organized. Otherwise, if you would like to add custom art to your arcade stick, that is possible, making the arcade stick reflect your taste, such as by displaying your favorite characters.
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3. Qanba Drone 2
The Qanba Drone 2 uses a Qanba joystick and buttons. There is also a touchpad and audio jack, the latter of which can keep you focused during play. The upgraded joystick produces significant clicky feedback, so you can hear what is happening with your movements.
The Drone 2’s interior is organized and makes modding easy, such as if you would like to change the joystick to something like Sanwa. There are rubber feet at the bottom, which is where you will also find an entry point to the joystick for faster and more convenient access.
As for the size of the Drone 2, it is small enough to be considered a mini arcade stick without sacrificing space for your wrists to rest on. The arcade stick’s cable goes into the spacious right side. Overall, the arcade stick is quite light, making it optimal for you to carry around. Plus, its matte black color looks stylish.
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2. Mayflash F300 Elite
The Mayflash F300 Elite is multiplatform with Sanwa parts, which are responsive and durable. The joystick feels sturdy, and there is less travel distance for an input to register, so there are no dead zones to worry about.
With the F300 Elite, you even get an extra octagonal joystick gate. Of course, the buttons are nothing short of crisp, and there is a turbo feature. With turbo, you can press a button one time, resulting in successive inputs. Plus, the arcade stick has upgradeable firmware, keeping it up to date over time.
The F300 Elite is robust & weighty, and its stability is aided by some rubber feet. The cable has a Velcro wrap to keep it tidy for when you travel.
If you are looking to spice up the F300 Elite’s minimalistic look, you can print out an artwork sticker for it, making it showcase your favorite show, for example.
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1. Mayflash F500 Elite
The Mayflash F500 Elite is a multiplatform masterpiece with excellent Sanwa parts, turbo support, and updateable firmware. An octagonal joystick gate is also included as an addon for you.
Replacing the F500 Elite’s joystick gate is rather easy. There are screws at the bottom that are easy to see for access to the interior. There is also ample wrist space, providing you comfort during gameplay. The metal case and rubber feet enhance the weight & stability of this arcade stick.
You can use wired headphones with the F500 Elite to avoid distractions during a serious match. The acrylic panel on top is easily removable, so if you would like to customize the arcade stick’s art with an idea of yours, we at The Arcade Stick can provide you our custom art service.
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