| Price | Ultra Arcade |
| Release | September 2025 |
| Compatibility | NS2 / PC |
| Dimensions | 15.7″ x 9.8″ x 2.0″ |
| Weight | 7.72 lbs |
Introduction
Could CNC stand for Combo Ninja Controller? Actually, it stands for computer numerical control, which is a manufacturing process that uses preprogrammed software to control machine tools like mills, lathes, and laser cutters to shape materials like metal at a high speed and with high precision.
CNC probably describes how the Ultra Arcade CNC series is manufactured as well. That said, the controller is available in these four editions:
- Leverless
- Keyboard
- Arcade stick
- Dual directional
Performance
Starting off strong, the CNC has Sanwa parts that are responsive and with a satisfying sound. The buttons specifically have an optimal travel distance.
To go into more detail, the CNC can have a Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT joystick and/or Sanwa OBSF buttons in the Vewlix layout. Astro City and American layouts are available too—including southpaw/mirrored layouts.
By the way, the CNC’s arcade stick and dual directional editions are available with a Japanese or Korean joystick. As for the joystick gate, it can be:
- Octagonal
- Square
- Round
Regarding the CNC’s keyboard edition, it can have a combination of keys with buttons—or just keys. The keys use Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches that are really fast—but smooth.
That said, you can find three big function buttons on the CNC’s left side and three more on the right. You can map them to whatever you like. That’s because the controller runs on the open source GP2040-CE firmware that’s low latency and updateable online.
Not just that, the CNC has a sloped palm rest for your wrist health. If you like to play with a controller on your desk, this controller has four anti-slip pads for that. If you instead like playing with a controller on your lap, this controller is wide enough for comfortable positioning.
Hardware
The CNC has a SiTong enclosure made of aluminum. Its size is quite average, but its weight is noticeable. Furthermore, it has passthrough support to upgrade the controller’s compatibility and support additional modern consoles.
However…
Passthrough support would require a compatible controller. Fortunately, Ultra Arcade allows you to order the CNC with Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 fighting game compatibility.
Need to look inside your CNC? No problem, its bottom panel is magnetic, so you can take it off without the need for tools like a screwdriver.
Appearance
Your CNC’s enclosure can be black or silver. More than that, you can go pretty nuts with the joystick and/or button colors. Additionally, you can request text or image laser engravement, and you can also request custom art.
In fact, we at The Arcade Stick can help you with the art. For instance, take a look at this Ultra Arcade illustration that our artist Gilbert Han put together for his client—and he can illustrate art for your CNC too:
(By the way, the CNC can feature not only top panel art but side panel art as well.)
Conclusion
The CNC gives you access to a metallic enclosure with the custom layout, compatibility, and art of your dreams.
- Sanwa and/or Cherry parts
- Four editions & layouts
- Six function buttons
- Two joystick choices
- Three gate options
- SiTong enclosure
- Palm rest slope
- Anti-slip pads
- Moderate size
- Color selection
- Top and side art
- Magnetic bottom
- Weighty aluminum
- Firmware excellence
- Possible engravement
- Upgradeable compatibility
- Passthrough needs controller