10. SYG Kraken
The Kraken is 3D printed, customizable, and available in different colors, so you can make it match your taste. You are also able to choose the colors of the buttons, cable, and so on.
The weight of the Kraken is probably around two pounds, making it a light option you can carry in your backpack. This controller features the Smash community’s favorite button layout, and the cherry on top is the Cherry switches.
Order from SaveYourGames
9. Cubstraption
Cubs created a hybrid, the Cubstraption, that has a GameCube controller on the left and half of a box controller on the right. DIs that are impossible on a regular box controller are possible with the Cubstraption, and Firefox angles should be easier for you as well.
The D-pad, stick, left trigger, and start button of the GameCube controller are active, and the rest of the controller is inactive. You would need to attach your own controller to the Cubstraption.
The Cubstraption’s keycaps are injection molded by Rana Labs, using Kailh Box V2 Red switches with hot swap sockets. The buttons are responsive, and thanks to the two 3D printed molds for mounting the GameCube controller, you can choose a straight or more ergonomic angle.
The chassis of the Cubstraption is made of stacked acrylic to separate the buttons from the motherboard. For internal access, the Cubstraption is easy to take apart. Also, the GCC port’s housing is a nice touch. Finally, it is worth noting that you get different color options when ordering the Cubstraption, so you can pick your aesthetic preference.
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8. GRAM PRI$M
The GRAM PRI$M is an ergonomic controller that is a modular version of the Prism by WunWzn. It is compatible with the HayBox and GP2040-CE firmwares, both of which provide you seamless gameplay. Another difference between the PRI$M and Prism is the USB-C connection, the industry’s favorite type.
Due to the PRI$M’s ergonomic design, your hands should rest on it naturally. Also, it has 20 Chosfox PBT keycaps with Kailh Choc Red Pro switches.
The keycaps of the PRI$M are grippy, preventing your fingers from slipping, and the switches have a light actuation, resulting in fast inputs.
The modular nature of the PRI$M allows you to access layouts like:
- Top row home
- Traditional B0XX
- WASD
The PRI$M is made of quality aluminum and sturdy PLA. With your controller, you should be receiving a USB-C to GCC cable, and you should also be receiving a braided USB-C to A cable. If you need PlayStation 5 compatibility, you can use an appropriate dongle.
Colors like red, orange, and lime are available for the PRI$M. You can even get your controller in a squiggly zebra pattern. As for the keycaps, they are usually white. Finally, the back of the controller features text with the controller’s name, and above that, symbols can be engraved.
Order from GRAM Digital Controllers
7. Bubblebox
The Bubblebox was designed to be a more ergonomic option not only for Smash but for Rivals of Aether and Rushdown Revolt as well.
The Bubblebox’s modified Haybox firmware caters to different games, including non-platform fighters if you play them as well. Also available is a WASD layout for platform fighters. If you are tech savvy, there is a DIY option too.
Going for the WASD layout gives you more buttons that are useful for both Melee and Ultimate. Regarding the Bubblebox’s keycaps, you can get styles like bubblegum. There are plenty of colors at your disposal (case included).
The Bubblebox’s hot swappable switches are light, quiet, and fast. The matte texture provides comfort for your wrists. Thanks to the foam underneath, the controller should not slide around when you play, and its size is appropriate for lap & desk play. This controller is slim, light, and portable yet sturdy.
Order from Etsy
6. Rana Digital
The Rana Digital is a smaller controller with one more button than usual, and you can use that button as a D-pad toggle. This controller was designed specifically for Melee and Ultimate, but you can play other games with it too.
The buttons of the Rana Digital are enforced with Gateron Clear mechanical switches that are fast and responsive. If you have another preference, you can just hot swap the switches.
The Rana Digital’s material is rigid yet smooth. The controller is wide enough to be comfortable on your lap without being so big that your fingers have to travel long distances to pull off important techniques. If needed, you can remap buttons quite easily with this controller to optimize it for your in-game success.
That said, you may be glad to know that the Rana Digital’s USB-C port can be found in the back, which is a good location to prevent the cable from getting in your way at the next Smash tournament. Besides that, your order should come with a USB-C to GCC cable, and you may even get a few extra keycaps in the color of your controller.
You see, you can get the Rana Digital in colors like white or black, and if your vendor of choice carries a wide variety, you can have multiple colors for the case & keycaps, making the controller as colorful as your personality.
Order from Etsy
5. GRAM Slim
The GRAM Slim is a mini controller with a thin chassis, and the case is made of powder coated aluminum. The PBT keycaps are injection molded, and the switches are low profile Kailh Choc Reds, providing you a smooth, linear, and quiet experience.
The button layout of the GRAM Slim includes toggleable WASD/traditional mapping, and the controller runs on the Bubblebox WASD firmware. Included with your order are USB-C to A and GCC cables.
Order from GRAM Digital Controllers
4. Superslab
The Superslab is a layered acrylic controller. It is lightweight in a way that makes it convenient for you to travel without sacrificing stability during play. Included is a bottom grip pad, foam key dampeners, and a couple of cables. Also included is a clear art layer to customize the controller to your liking.
The Superslab’s custom polycarbonate keycaps utilize Kailh Choc Red Pro switches with sub-millisecond latency, so you do not have to worry about input delay.
You can express yourself with LED per button. There are dozens of patterns, including a motion sensing mode and unlimited combinations to suit your taste when using the Superslab.
Order from Prong
3. Limit Labs Glyph
The Glyph is a controller with many buttons because the primary layout is meant to fit different layouts in one, and because this is a modular controller, you can decrease the number of buttons within minutes if you like.
This Limit Labs controller has PBT keycaps and Gateron linear switches known for light actuation, a short stroke, and lube for smooth inputs.
MX compatible switches are also viable without needing soldering from you. The keycaps can come off with just your fingers, making the process convenient. Moreover, there is LED to add beauty to your Glyph.
Glyphs can have diverse compatibility, depending on your order options, and each cable has its own stress relief anchor to protect the USB-C port. Haystack built upon the preexisting Haybox firmware, and the controller’s firmware remembers your preferences per console.
Color options include arctic white and anodized gold. You can pick the colors of other parts of the Glyph as well. We at The Arcade Stick can provide you custom artwork to streamline the customization process.
Order from Satisfye
2. FightBox R1
The FightBox R1 sports the community favorite layout that was popularized by the likes of the Frame1 and B0XX. There are different button colors available, and you can order the controller with a braided USB-C to GameCube cable.
Made of frosted matte-black acrylic, the R1 was designed for your comfort. There are Cherry MX Black switches, and hot swapping is possible for your convenience.
The R1’s ABS keycaps have a light press to them. The PCB is the Raspberry Pi Pico, and the USB type is C, which is the type the fighting game community prefers.
Order from AliExpress
1. B0XX
Tournament legal at Melee events from Genesis to The Big House, the B0XX comes with twenty Sanwa buttons. This predecessor of the Frame1 is latency free and up to a frame faster than other box controllers. It allows you to piano aerials, wave dashes, and multi shines with two fingers instead of just one.
The B0XX is thin, portable, and comfortable for your wrists. The two additional buttons improve light shielding, and you can master angling recovery moves like Firefox within minutes.
You can choose from three profiles using a side toggle to simultaneously activate multiple layouts, and attached is designer software for you to freely map the B0XX’s buttons.
With your B0XX, no Wii U adapter is necessary, and the included USB-C cables allow for GameCube, Nintendo 64, and PC connectivity. The Wii Nunchuk is compatible as well. Also, no switches are needed from you: functionality is automatically swapped based on the game being played.
Order from 20XX