10. Mayflash F500
The Mayflash F500 is budget arcade stick, which is bigger than the Mayflash F300. The acrylic panel of the multiplatform arcade stick makes customizing it easier. Additionally, the metallic cover and base increase both weight and security. The buttons work better than its predecessor. An octagonal gate is provided as an extra, and replacing it is rather simple. The same applies to the buttons because of the easily visible screws at the bottom. Another improvement over the predecessor is the adding a headphone jack. Get the Mayflash adapter for PS5 compatibility.
Available to order from Amazon
9. Mayflash F300
Compatible with Sanwa parts, the Mayflash F300 is a budget arcade stick that is multiplatform and weighty despite its size. Furthermore, its joystick is sturdy. If you like, you can print out a decal to stick on top of the arcade stick. Needless to say, the F300 is quite customizable. Grab the Mayflash Magic-S Ultimate for PlayStation 5 compatibility.
Available to order from Amazon
8. Qanba Dragon
The Qanba Dragon is an absolute tank of an arcade stick! It has an aluminum alloy bevel and jet black surface. It also has turbo support. You can order the Aegis bag from Qanba so you can easily carry the Dragon to tournaments or your friend’s place. If you like to play on a table, you will be glad to know that the Dragon has high quality rubber for grip.
The Dragon is a master at cable management as there are hooks around which you can wrap the braided USB cable. Where the Dragon truly shines in the hardware department is its spacious and intuitive interior that you can access with one touch. In fact, an LED light turns on when you access the dragon-scale interior! Furthermore, there is a useful display guide and quick disconnects per button. Needless to say, modding is easy with this iconic arcade stick.
Available to order from Amazon
7. Qanba Crystal
It is almost impossible to believe how moderately priced the Qanba Crystal is given its high quality, making it a bargain. It features LEDs with three modes: activation, glow, and stealth. When pressing the buttons, the sound is minimal, and there is no input lag. There is plenty of wrist space for one’s comfort, and there are rubber strips too for stability when placing the arcade stick on one’s lap. This is a regular-sized arcade stick that is sturdy. The door is closed by magnets to prevent any accidental opening. You can bring out a carrying handle from the arcade stick. The handle is also magnetic.
Available to order from Amazon
6. Qanba Pearl
The Qanba Pearl is a variation of the Qanba Obsidian with aluminum alloy bevels on a glossy white case. Again, you can turn on the LED lights on all the time or only when buttons are pressed. The buttons have the Noir layout curvature, and they are farther apart from the joystick compared to the Obsidian. The rubber pads at the bottom provide a firm grip when the unit is on one’s lap. This is a big arcade stick with suitable weight for both play and carriage. You can carry the arcade stick using the 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 comeback as a fully native PlayStation 5 arcade stick. It is also available in a purple color.
The wrist resting space is sloped for the player’s convenience, and there is an anti-slip foam pad at the bottom. There is a tournament mode to prevent pressing secondary buttons during play, and there is a 3.5 mm audio input/output port. The arcade stick itself is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum.
The carriage handles and cable organizers allow for maximum convenience, and the quick-access back panel allows for the swapping of components with ease. Needless to say, mods can be made.
Also included:
- Detachable braided USB-C to A cable
- Allen wrench
- Storage bag
This Victrix Pro-FS 12 is officially licensed by Sony, so you can expect it to potentially work on the future PlayStation 6 as well, making it a wise investment.
Available to order from Amazon: White / Purple
4. Qanba Drone 2
The Qanba Drone 2 comes with a Qanba OV7 OMRON switch joystick and Qanba 30 mm B30 buttons. There is also a touchpad in addition to an audio jack.
The upgraded joystick produces a useful clicky sound. As for the size of the Drone 2, it is small enough to be considered a mini arcade stick without sacrificing things like wrist space. There are four rubber feet at the bottom, where you will also find an entry point into the joystick for easier access.
The Drone 2 is light, which is optimal for you to carry. The cable goes into the spacious storage space on the right. The interior is organized and makes modding easy, such as by swapping out the joystick for a Sanwa one.
The Drone 2 has a matte black finish, 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 hype. There are long rubber pads on both sides of this arcade stick. Still, the arcade stick is noticeably lighter than average. Nonetheless, it feels well built and durable because of the metallic top plate and quality plastic. Quality plastic probably comprises 98% of the build. Opening the arcade stick using the latch in the back is a smooth process.
Available to order from Amazon:
Blue / Street Fighter 6
2. Mayflash F300 Elite
This arcade stick is like the Mayflash F300 with Sanwa parts. Just like its predecessor, it is both weighty and firm. The joystick feels quite sturdy, and there is less travel distance to register an input, so there are no dead zones. Those wanting to spice up the minimalistic look can print out a sticker to stick right onto the surface. Once again, for PS5 compatibility, be sure to grab the adapter.
Available to order from Amazon
1. Mayflash F500 Elite
The Mayflash F500 Elite is a multiplatform masterpiece that has Sanwa parts, and included is an octagonal joystick gate as an accessory. Replacing the gate and buttons is rather easy. There are screws at the bottom that are easily visible to access the interior. There is ample wrist space too. You can use wired headphones with this arcade stick to stay in the zone when you play. The metal cover and base enhance weight and stability. The arcade stick features an acrylic panel up top that is easily removable. As always, for PS5 compatibility, be sure to grab the adapter.
Available to order from Amazon