1. Haute42 C16
The Haute42 C16 ticks these checkboxes:
- It has 16 buttons.
- It has a sloped wrist rest.
- It has an informative screen.
- It has plenty of function buttons.
If the C16’s switches aren’t your style, they’re hot swappable, so you can install other switches. That said, this slim controller should be wide enough to place on your lap comfortably.
Needless to say, the C16 has a little screen, and it’s awesome to see it in the center instead of to the side. On it, you can see information like:
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Directional mode
- Input mode
- Button presses
That said, the C16 has a USB-A port that can accept a compatibility extending adapter like the Brook Wingman XB 3 to make it compatible with the Xbox Series X.
In essence, the C16 runs on the acclaimed GP2040-CE firmware known for its:
- Open source design
- Decent compatibility
- Web configuration
- Online updates
- Pretty much no lag
More than that, custom RGB LED can make your C16 light up beautifully. Even the controller’s art is customizable. For that, we at The Arcade Stick have an art service for you!
Why to Buy
The C16 has a right index button, and it has two extra thumb buttons that are horizontally aligned—keeping your thumbs positioned in a symmetrical way.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
2. Haute42 C-AT
Given the C16’s success, Haute42 launched the C-AT, which is its first attempt at an 18 button controller. The AT part of the C-AT’s name stands for adjustable travel. So, the main buttons allow you to adjust their travel distance:
- The long level is 0.3 mm.
- The medium level is 0.6 mm.
- The short level is 1.0 mm.
The six extra buttons (beyond the standard 12 buttons) give the C-AT more than one layout, such as a split layout that gives your hands more breathing room.
The C-AT’s buttons have a subtle dry texture to them, and they use the snappy Wind Engine switches that trigger quickly—whereas the tactile, clicky, and hot swappable switches have a fully POM housing & stem in a way that reduces friction, resulting in smooth keystrokes.
It’s awesome that the C-AT’s grip pad covers the bottom panel almost entirely. It’s nice how the cable is braided too. What’s also nice is how the USB-C port in the back center is the lockable kind.
There’s also another USB-C port on the left side, whereas on the right side, there’s a USB-A port where you can insert an adapter like the Brook Wingman XB 3 to make your C-AT compatible with the Xbox Series X.
You can actually buy a C-AT in black or white, and you can also place a wrist rest sticker with art. Some examples:
- Fireball-throwing character
- Geometric designs
- Something else
Don’t like the artworks above? Just like the C-AT’s wrist rest is magnetically detachable, you can also magnetically lift up the top panel by pressing one button.
That way, you can insert art that represents you, which we can print. Finally, the C-AT’s buttons can benefit from LED that lights them up in a cool way.
Why to Buy
With the C-AT, Haute42 improved many things, such as giving you the freedom to adjust the button travel distance. Moreover, the 18 buttons give you more than one layout, which can give you a competitive advantage, and customizing the art is easy due to the magnetic top panel.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress: Standard / Metal
Buy now on Amazon: White / Black
3. Haute42 M Ultra Gen2
Following the M16 Ultra’s impressive sales record, the award winning Haute42 made a sequel called the M Ultra Gen2. This controller’s main improvement over its bestselling predecessor is featuring a left pinky button, whereas the two buttons surrounding the jump button are lined up horizontally.
That being said, the M Ultra Gen2 features the fast Shadow Hunting low profile switches, yet if you prefer other switches, you can just swap out the stock switches.
Having said that, the M Ultra Gen2 is an aluminum alloy controller that’s heavy enough to be stable without being too heavy. It has an ergonomic slope for your wrists too, and the bottom has a grip pad for each of your legs. About the controller’s slimness and size: they make it possibly fit into a tablet sleeve.
Moving on, the M Ultra Gen2 runs on the great GP2040-CE firmware. More than that, there’s an OLED screen to show:
- Input mode
- SOCD mode
- Directional mode
- Button press animation
In addition to two USB-C ports, an EXT port can be found on the M Ultra Gen2’s right, and this extra port allows you to insert an adapter like the Brook Wingman XB 3 for Xbox Series X compatibility.
Looks-wise, your M Ultra Gen2 can have a black or blue color—with tasteful accents. Lastly, you have RGB LED that brings the controller to life, and if you’d like to add art to this controller, we’d be glad to print that art.
Why to Buy
The M Ultra Gen2’s aluminum alloy is not that common, and it has a left pinky button—with its extra thumb buttons aligned in a horizontally straight way.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
4. Haute42 R16
The Haute42 R16 has 16 buttons—with one button for your left pinky—and the Kailh Crystal low profile switches allow you to press the buttons rapidly.
The R16’s onboard screen shows details from your inputs to the SOCD mode you’re in. The USB port conveniently comes out of the center back, and on the right, there’s a port for an adapter like the Brook Wingman XB 3 to make the controller XSX-compatible.
By the way, you can get the R16 in a black edition too, and what you can also get can include:
- Couple of function buttons
- Puller for switches
- Extra switch
Simply, the R16 is a beauty, especially due to the RGB LED when you press its buttons. The controller can also accept custom art to make it reflect your taste. PS: We can print that art.
Why to Buy
The R16 is made of acrylic, and it has a left pinky button instead of the common left thumb button.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
5. Haute42 X-Move
The X-Move is a sequel to Haute42’s modular controller that was released a while ago and got nominated for an Evo award as a result. Eventually, this bestselling brand did win an Evo award.
That said, the X-Move has three modules:
- Directional module
- Attack module
- Bottom module
You can shift the X-Move’s attack and bottom modules to the left or right according to your preferences. You can also rotate the directional module up to 30° to find your most convenient angle. This module can feature keys or buttons. The buttons use Kailh Shadow Hunting custom switches that are low profile and hot swappable.
Needless to say, the X-Move has a screen that can show your SOCD, turbo, input, and directional modes—as well as a live animation of your button presses.
Made of CNC aluminum alloy, the X-Move is about the size of A4, and it’s slim. Its palm resting space is slightly sloped, and it has a non-slip bottom pad for each of your legs. More than that, it’s got two USB-C ports:
- Lockable USB-C port in the back center
- Another USB-C port on the left
For Xbox Series X compatibility, insert the Brook Wingman XB 3 adapter into the USB-A port on the X-Move’s right side. By the way, if the X-Move looks too plain to you, just turn on its multicolored backlight and button LED. You can add some custom art to this controller too, and if you’ve got some digital art already, we can print it for you.
Why to Buy
The X-Move lets you rotate its directional module—as well as shift its attack and bottom modules sideways. Additionally, the modular design allows the controller to accept other innovative modules that Haute42 may release.
Where to Buy
6. FightBox F-Pro
The FightBox F series is one of the pioneers of leverless controllers that have premium Sanwa buttons—with a lightweight press and satisfying sound. This series has many editions with various layouts available, yet the F-Pro can be considered the final boss of this legendary series—given how it has 17 main buttons.
The 17 button layout puts your following fingers to use—to press the F-Pro’s five extra buttons:
- Right index finger
- Right thumb
- Left thumb
- Left pinky
- Left middle finger
That said, the F-Pro’s case material is metal that feels good. There are not four but six feet at the bottom, which are stable enough to not make the controller slide during play. If needed, you can unscrew the USB-B port and replace it.
Aesthetically, the white, black, and red combo works rather nicely for the F-Pro, and you can choose a primarily black edition as well. If you go for the clear acrylic edition and would like some custom art, we can print the design for you.
Why to Buy
The multiplatform F-Pro with 17 Sanwa buttons on a wide metal case is simply overpowered.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
7. Victrix Pro KO
The Victrix Pro KO has 16 mappable Victrix buttons. To ensure that the button layout is suitable for fighting gamers, it was optimized by the Japanese fighting game veteran, Momochi. Also, there’s a lot of resting space for your wrists—and at an ergonomic angle too.
With hot swappable Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, the Pro KO strives for precision. As for the LED, it glows around each button, and you can customize the color combos through Victrix’s own software.
Not only is the Pro KO slim, it also has storage space for:
- Buttons
- Button covers
- Light rings
- Switches
That said, the Pro KO has an audio port, making it easy for you to stay in the zone. The aluminum plate on top is also removable for faster modding, and you can have it laser engraved as well. You can even apply a vinyl print there. The braided USB-C cable is detachable for your convenience too.
Regarding the Pro KO’s mounting posts, they allow for a handle or shoulder strap, letting you carry the controller easily. Your order should also be coming with a protective sleeve, by the way.
Why to Buy
The Pro KO has two extra right thumb buttons, and the fact that you can cover unwanted buttons is quite useful.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
8. 8BitDo Arcade Controller
After the 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s success, 8BitDo came up with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller. This controller is thinner, so it’s likelier to fit into a tablet sleeve you already have.
Compared to most other 16 button controllers, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller does something different: the extra buttons are bean-shaped and ergonomically slanted. This button shape gives you more surface area to press the buttons without the need for full precision.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s extra buttons are remappable/programmable if needed. Don’t need the extra buttons? You can just replace them with the button lock caps. Also, the controller supports the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 for:
- Macros
- Updates
- More features
That aside, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s buttons use low profile Kailh Wizard switches that are hot swappable, so if you don’t like tactile, light, smooth, and satisfying switches: you can easily take out the switches.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s top is made of tempered glass, whereas the bottom has a silicone anti-slip mat to prevent the controller from sliding. Also, the magnetic foldable feet allow you to select from two angles.
Another way the 8BitDo Arcade Controller makes life easier is by connecting through these ways:
- Bluetooth
- 2.4G
- Wired
The battery only takes three hours to charge—and can last up to 20 hours—but let’s wrap up with some vanity talk: the 8BitDo Arcade Controller can light up through several RGB LED modes.
Why to Buy
You are recommended the 8BitDo Arcade Controller if you like the idea of using a wireless controller with some bean-shaped buttons that give you more surface area when pressing.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
9. Mayflash F700 FLAT Elite
The Mayflash F700 FLAT Elite is a 15 button controller that can last you up to 20 hours per full charge. You can go for these connection methodologies:
- Bluetooth
- 2.4 GHz
- Wired
The F700 FLAT Elite’s left side has a hinged door that reveals a wireless receiver, which is where you can also find the cable. You can easily switch between consoles using the top panel knob. On the front panel, there’s a headphone jack so you can stay focused during a match.
The artwork of the F700 FLAT Elite is customizable, and there’s a clear acrylic panel for that. See these steps:
- Remove the controller’s cover.
- Slide your art print under.
- Put on the cover again.
The Arcade Stick can print your artwork if you wish. Other than that, the F700 FLAT Elite’s core feature is actually its Sanwa buttons with an optimal travel distance, so you don’t need to apply too much pressure when pressing.
Compared to its predecessor, the F700 FLAT Elite is wider, making it comfier on the legs. The decent weight means it shouldn’t slip, especially because of the anti-slip pad at the bottom.
Why to Buy
If you’ve been using fightsticks since, say, 2009: you’ll probably like how the F700 FLAT Elite uses arcade buttons.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
10. Hit Box Ultra
Hit Box Arcade pioneered using buttons for directional inputs instead of a joystick. The rest followed. That said, a way in which the Hit Box Ultra is better than the classic Hit Box is that it comes more readily with C.O.M.B.O. extensions.
C.O.M.B.O. Extensions are the extra keys attached to the buttons to cater for modern fighting games like Street Fighter 6. What’s also cool about C.O.M.B.O. Extensions is that you can rotate them to your comfort.
Don’t need those C.O.M.B.O. Extensions? No worries, they’re optional. Otherwise, the default dozen buttons use Cherry MX Speed Silver switches that are smooth and fast.
More interesting hardware aspects include the controller’s structure that’s comprised of steel with thick acrylic on top, and inside, the wiring is simple yet effective. Accessing the Ultra’s insides is easy because the bottom panel is magnetic.
Truth be told, the Ultra looks elegant and slim. You can make it look even more stylish with custom art, which we can print for you.
That being said, let’s conclude with what you should be getting for free with your Ultra order:
- Optimizers for silencing/changing travel
- C.O.M.B.O. Extension protectors
- Extra C.O.M.B.O. Extensions
- Microfiber cloth
- Sling bag
Why to Buy
When you own a Hit Box Ultra, you own a piece of legacy—a controller from the pioneer of the leverless category—and the rotatable C.O.M.B.O. Extensions are very convenient.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon