Mayflash F500 Review

Universal Arcade Stick F500 V2
PriceAmazon
ReleaseSeptember 20, 2016
Compatibility*PS5 / PS4 / PS3 / XSX / XB1 / X360 / NS / PC / Android
Dimensions14.2” x 9.1” x 4.7”
Cable3 m
Weight6.61 lbs
*The Magic-S Ultimate is needed for PlayStation 5 compatibility.

Other Editions

Quick Fact

This is a clone of the Joytron EX Revolution V2, Joytron EX Revolution V5, and Venom Arcade Stick.

Performance

The Mayflash Universal Arcade Stick F500 V2 is bigger than its predecessor, which means more space for comfort. The metallic enclosure and base increase the weight & overall security. However, the buttons feel a little bit clunky and sound louder than average. The buttons and joystick still operate pretty decently though, and they passed an acceptance test. Furthermore, the increased width of the F500 makes it comfortable for lap play in addition to desk play.

There are two turbo modes, and besides the mode light indicator, there is a light indicator to let you know that turbo is working. The start button is recessed, making it hard to press accidentally.

Here are the secondary toggles and buttons:

  1. Input mode
  2. LS/DP/RS
  3. Turbo 1 & 2
  4. Touchpad
  5. Select/back/share/view
  6. PS/home

L3/R3 buttons would have been nice, but on the positive side, the arcade stick is big enough with plenty of wrist space. Besides the four rubber feet at the bottom, you can install six more rubber pegs that come with the F500.

The cable comes out of a compartment on the left side, and it comes tied. With the F500, you also get a male USB-A to micro cable as well as a USB to USB-C adapter (female to male).

Hardware

The F500 has good weight for stability and carrying around. An octagonal joystick gate is provided as a stock accessory, and replacing the gates is relatively simple. The same applies to the buttons due to the six easy-to-see screws at the bottom. The inside of the F500 is organized and fairly color-coded.

An improvement over the predecessor is that there is finally a headphone jack. Next to it are a mute button and another port for a rumble wrist-strap.

A native controller is still needed when playing on some consoles. Do not forget to grab the Mayflash Magic-S Ultimate for PlayStation 5 compatibility. For firmware updates, check out Mayflash’s website.

Appearance

There is a little more nuance to the design this time around. Specifically, it was intended for the artwork to make it seem like the surface has cracked towards the joystick, perhaps to look battle worn. If your F500 accumulates oil after extended bouts of playtime, you can wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.

The acrylic panel is easily removable should one want to add new artwork. Mayflash provides an acrylic panel, and you can order our custom artwork service. Check out this Sagat art by our artist, Gilbert Han, fitted with the F500 template:

Conclusion

The Mayflash F500 delivers a slew of pros and cons that are primarily positive.

  • Multiplatform
  • Decent parts
  • Start button recessed
  • Lap & desk play
  • Stability
  • Included accessories
  • Firmware updating
  • Missing L3/R3
  • Piggyback connectivity

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐