Best Fight Sticks for the Ultimate Arcade Experience

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Over the past thirty years, video games have grown from a toy, to a niche hobby, and finally into mainstream entertainment. Within the wide world of games, however, there are still subcultures with a hobbyist bent, and few are quite as insular and dedicated as the fighting game community. Not everyone who loves Street Fighter or Tekken uses a fight stick, a specialty controller with large buttons and a joystick modeled after arcade cabinet controls, but dedicated fighting game heads will usually find their way to at least trying one.

The world of fight sticks can be obscure and confusing to a fighting game neophyte. Though anyone can use one, it is a specialized piece of gear, so manufacturers and fans cater to the hardcore, sometimes at the expense of those starting out. There are a wide variety of manufacturers in the space offering different layouts and button types, and many sticks work on some game platforms, but not others. It’s very easy to dive in and get lost in the undertow.

If you’re interested in picking up a fight stick but aren’t sure what you want, we can help you figure out how to get started. No matter your skill level, there's a fight stick out there that'll work for you.

Best Fight Sticks

• Best Overall: Mayflash Arcade F500

• Best Value: Mayflash F300

• Best for PS5: Qanba Obsidian 2

• Best for Xbox: Hori Fighting Stick Alpha For Xbox

• Best for Switch: 8BitDo Arcade Stick

What To Consider When Buying a Fight Stick

Fight sticks replicate the experience of playing in the arcade, which is where the fighting genre was born. Featuring a tall joystick and six to eight round buttons, it’s like a slab of arcade cabinet that you can use at home. Enthusiasts often prefer them, as they make it easier to perform the unique maneuvers that fighting games demand.

Using a fight stick feels very different than a standard controller. The base is large enough that you should set it on a desk or tabletop. Compared to the analog stick on a DualSense or Xbox controller, which you push with your thumb, a fight stick’s joystick is very large. You move it with your whole hand, giving you the fine motor control you need to smoothly input quarter- and half-circle motions, which are fighting game combo staples.

Realistically, using a fight stick requires you to give up some comfort–you can’t use one lying back on your couch–but they offer more precise control and, for some of us, nostalgia for days and nights out mixing it up with other players at the local arcade.

Layout

Fight sticks lay out all buttons in two rows so you can tap out complex combos in sequence, rather than navigate the face and shoulder buttons on a conventional controller. The button layout of a fight stick doesn’t mirror a modern controller, so it's generally best to stick with a traditional pad to navigate console menus, then switch to your fight stick when you’re playing a specific game.

That said, different fight sticks come with different button layouts. Most modern sticks feature the Vewlix layout, with two straight rows of buttons. You may also find some sticks with a Noir layout, where the buttons are curved to better suit the natural shape of your hand. Choosing the right layout and build materials may have a big impact on your fight stick experience, so you should weigh the following factors carefully before deciding which of our picks to get.

Compatibility

To paraphrase the Angry Video Game Nerd, the most important aspect of a fight stick is determining if it'll actually work in the first place. While this might seem pretty basic, it needs to be said. If you play your fighting games on PlayStation 5, make sure your stick is compatible with the PS5. Most fight sticks are made with one console series in mind–PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch–and may also work on PC.

Some fight sticks make checking their compatibility a bit more complicated than your average controller, though. For example, some older PS4 sticks might require a firmware update to enable compatibility with the PS5. These updates often require you to plug them into a Windows PC and run a file, though it's best to check with the manufacturer first. Xbox sticks tend to work on the last two generations of consoles.

We've listed the platforms that each stick supports below, but if you're ever in doubt, verify before you buy.

Connectivity

The wired vs. wireless debate rages on in many nerd hobbies, and fight sticks are no different. Wireless devices offer more convenience, and you don't have to worry about tripping over pesky cords. However, wired devices generally introduce less input latency (A.K.A. lag), and work more reliably overall. Fighting game fans overwhelmingly prefer wired fight stick setups to minimize lag and button mispresses in competitive play. For either setup, you may need a regular controller to activate your console and navigate menus.

Most of our picks are wired only, but you can connect them wirelessly using an aftermarket wireless adapter. It's also worth noting that several of the sticks on this list have to be wired to a traditional controller (which can be wired or wireless itself) in order to work correctly. All in all, the easiest solution is to plug your fight stick directly into your console.

Portability

Despite their size, fight sticks are controllers, and some people like to carry their controllers from place to place. There is a sliding scale between build quality and portability among fight sticks, with many of the expensive, heavy-duty models coming in at over 5 or even 10 pounds.

If you're planning to go to a lot of tournaments, it's best to select a model that doesn't take up a lot of space, or that allows you to remove the joystick or buttons to avoid damaging them in transit. You might also consider picking up a dedicated carrying case or backpack to make things easier.

Modability

Fight sticks are designed for dedicated fighting game hobbyists, and there's nothing that nerds love more than tinkering. I generally recommend buying the fight stick you want rather than trying to build your own, but if you're willing to put some time and research into the hobby, you can mod a factory-made stick into a perfectly personalized controller.

Though there are all kinds of ways to customize a fight stick, both technical and aesthetic, most players start by swapping out the joystick and buttons. Many players will replace stock buttons with parts from Sanwa, a Japanese manufacturer whose arcade machine components are generally considered the best on the market.

Modders may also add a different gate to the joystick, which lightly restricts how it moves. For example, a square or four-way gate's contact points emphasize the four cardinal directions, while an octagonal or 8-way gate directs you to cardinal and diagonal points.

Like pre-built gaming PCs, many fight sticks are designed to be more or less moddable, so make sure to check for that functionality if you plan to put in new parts right away.

Buttons And Layout

Fight sticks vary considerably in their fine details, from joystick type, number of buttons, button layout, and even the shape of the gate that holds the joysticks. Most of the specifics really come down to personal preference and the games you plan to play most.

Ultimately, I decide whether you'll prefer the Noir or Vewlix layout, but if you plan on using your fight stick a lot, you should stick with brands that use real arcade parts to ensure they’ll stand the test of time… Or least get you through a full console generation.

How We Selected The Best Fight Sticks

To pick the best fight sticks, I perused official spec sheets, YouTube videos from fighting game experts, and my own experience as a fighting game player. I also consulted consumer reviews from retailers like Amazon and FocusAttack, expert guides from enthusiast sites like The Arcade Stick and ProFightStick, and FGC forum threads. I attempted to pick a well-rounded selection of sticks for all kinds of players, so you can be sure that you can find a nice fight stick that suits you.

As you might expect, I fine-tuned this guide for novice players looking to dive deep into fighting games for the first time. As such, there are some excellent fight sticks for veteran competitive players that I love, but didn’t make the list because they wouldn’t be a great fit for someone learning the ropes.

For example, the Hit Box, which replaces the joystick with four movement buttons–left, right, down, and up–has become increasingly popular among fighting game fans. Another take on that concept, called the Mixbox, replaces the joystick with arrow keys, blurring the line between fight stick and gaming keyboard. These sticks are interesting and exciting, but I’d only recommend them to a dedicated player who already knows their preferences.

Arcade F500

The Mayflash F500 works on nearly every console you can throw at it, and costs less than $100. It's sturdy, with smooth buttons and a charming red-and-black design. It's a little bit smaller than several of its competitors, which can either be a perk or a problem, depending on your preferences.

It has to be plugged into a wireless controller to work, which isn’t all that convenient, but also fairly common among sticks. It’s also easy to mod, thanks to a removable back panel.

Our recommendation of the F500 comes with one small caveat: You need to shell out an extra $30-40 for an extra wireless adapter to make it compatible with the PS5. That makes the price slightly less enticing, but it’s still a great fight stick that both feels great out of the box and works well as the base for a custom stick.

F300

The Mayflash F500's little brother, the F300 is a small but fierce fight stick that’s perfect for beginners looking to dip their toe in the hobby. The small, portable design gives you a lot of bang for your buck, and costs even less than our top pick. It features proprietary buttons, which are a bit mushier than Sanwas, but you can take the stick apart and replace them without much trouble.

Unfortunately, the F300 has the same downsides as the F500: You will need to tether it to a wireless controller when playing on consoles, and you’ll need to spend an extra $30-40 on an adapter to connect it to a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Even with those caveats, it’s a solid first fight stick, and a bargain to boot.

Obsidian 2

PlayStation has generally been considered the console of choice for fighting games for years now, but finding a fight stick that pairs easily with your PS5 isn’t exactly easy. Many of the most popular PS4 fight sticks only work with a PS5 if you’re playing the PS4 version of the game. The quirks vary from stick to stick and game to game.

The Qanba Obsidian 2 is one of the first officially-licensed fight sticks made specifically for the PS5. Its premium build quality and Sanwa buttons stand out as an elite option compared to the wide array of cross-generation fight sticks.

Its all-black aesthetics and shiny finish give a classic vibe that should make fight stick fans feel right at home. The stick comes with both ball and bat tops for its joystick, and makes it easy to swap between them.

The Obsidian 2 is a great stick out of the box, but modders may not love how difficult it is to replace basic components. Despite that, it lets you sidestep a lot of the complications that come with using a fight stick on PS5, and pairs well with Windows also.

Fighting Stick Alpha For Xbox

Finding fight sticks for the Xbox Series X and S feels less complicated than finding one for PlayStation, since any last-gen Xbox One stick will work with the current consoles as well. As such, I recommend an old favorite, the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha. Hori is a well-known name in the hobby, and its products are often recommended to first-timers by experts in the space.

The Fighting Stick Alpha stands out because of its latch-open system that makes it easy to change its buttons and joystick without tools. You can swap out the art panel on its face, too, which is a plus that you don't see in commercially available fight sticks too often.

It also has additional features like a key lock mode to disable system-level commands like the Xbox button for competitive play, and swappable profile support.

The Fighting Stick Alpha's key downside is its plastic construction, which some might find underwhelming compared to metal or aluminum alternatives.

It's also worth noting that this stick uses the Noir layout rather than the more common Vewlix, so the button layout is curved to match the shape of your hand. Personally, I prefer Noir over Vewlix, but it's ultimately up to you to determine your own preference.

Arcade Stick

8BitDo makes controllers with an elegantly retro vibe, and its fight stick for the Switch is designed accordingly. Clad in a black and grey color scheme inspired by the original NES, it’s an excellent starter stick for Switch players, especially if you prioritize convenience over modding potential.

The 8BitDo Arcade Stick offers both Bluetooth and 2.4g wireless support, as well as a wired connection over USB-C, which allows you to connect to the console whether it's docked or undocked. It also supports modern controller luxuries like button mapping and macro support. And, on top of all that, it's significantly cheaper than many comparable sticks.

Its key flaw for competitive players is that it isn’t really designed to be customized. You can mod it, but you’ll need a Torx-head (star) screwdriver to remove the back plate. Under the hood, it's also difficult to get at the joystick itself, and several reviewers said that installing a new joystick would likely require some form of soldering. You can easily replace the buttons, though.

Given its signature design, however, I’d say you’re better off letting the 8BitDo Arcade Stick do its own thing. It’s perfect for mixing it up in fighting games with friends.

Drone 2

The Qanba Drone 2 is a lightweight fight stick that's perfect if you want to bring your gear to a friend’s place or a local tournament. The Drone 2's all-black aesthetic is simple and clean. At just under 4 pounds, it’s very portable, but still offers enough wrist space to play any character comfortably.

It connects with your PS5, minimizing any potential complications that may arise during setup away from home. It's also pretty easy to mod, so if you want a great stick to take to a friend's house, this is probably the one you want.

Qanba's proprietary buttons aren’t pro-grade, but they feel comfortable and work well in non-competitive settings. That said, you can easily swap them out: Just unscrew the back panel and go to town. The Drone 2 does not work on Switch or Xbox by default, so it's not a great choice for your Nintendo Switch Online nostalgia tour, but it's a solid stick.

Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick

The Victrix Pro FS is an PS5-compatible fight stick with some bells and whistles, and a slick look that will make a strong statement at tournaments. Furnished with Sanwa buttons and aluminum components, the Victrix feels durable and responsive. It comes with a handle that makes it easy to carry, despite its size.

It’s also highly moddable—an easy-open back panel allows you to change out the joystick and buttons without much effort. You can find plenty of videos of people modding this stick on YouTube, which makes it a great option for newbies.

It also includes good cable management and a touchpad, all of which you won't find on many similar fight sticks. The only downside to the Pro FS is its price. At $400, it’s among the most expensive options out there. However, there's no denying that you get what you pay for.

If you’re in the market for something a little different, Victrix also makes a Hit Box-style version of its fight stick, the Pro FS-12, which we’d recommend as an alternative when the original Hit Box sells out.

Dragon

The Qanba Dragon is arguably the biggest, baddest fight stick currently on the market, and we mean that literally. At 11 pounds, this is physically the heaviest and largest fight stick on our list by a significant margin. It also costs significantly more than any of our picks. You're definitely getting what you pay for with the Dragon, though. It features Sanwa buttons, a high-end braided USB cable, and LED lighting.

The Dragon is also one of the easiest sticks to mod. It has two release levers that allow you to open up its housing without any tools.

The only real downside to the Dragon is that it doesn't work with Switch or Xbox out of the box, though you may have some success with aftermarket adapters if you choose to purchase them.

It also goes without saying that this massive fight stick is not portable at all, which might present certain problems in terms of traveling for tournaments. At home, though, this heavy-duty fight stick is perfect for hardcore fighting game fans.

Switch Fighting Stick Mini

Massive fight sticks are great for enhancing your setup at home, but sometimes you just want something you can use to play casually without much fuss. The Hori Switch Fighting Stick Mini is small and light, so it’s perfect for throwing in a bag whenever you head out.

This wired USB stick comes in two flavors, one made for the Nintendo Switch and another for the PS4 and PS5. Both versions work with PC as well. Its compact form factor and crisp, responsive joystick make it a great fit for classic arcade games like Galaga or Pac-Man, in addition to throwing down in Street Fighter.

Given its small size and low price, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this option isn’t made for modding. While possible, the joystick and buttons aren’t made to be replaced, so swapping them out may require some soldering or even grinding down buttons with a rotary tool. The rubber dome inputs under the buttons aren’t exactly pro-grade, either.

Given that, we wouldn’t recommend it for hobbyist fighting game fans looking for an upgrade: Instead, this is a casual fight stick that can help you get the full experience when you return to your favorite arcade classics.

Q+A

Are fight sticks actually better than controllers for fighting games?

The idea that fight sticks are automatically an upgrade over traditional controllers is something of a pernicious myth in the fighting game scene. It is true that many players find it easier to do quarter-circles and dragon punch movements on fight sticks than standard gamepads, but it takes a lot of practice to get used to the larger form factor of a fight stick. Similarly, some characters might be better suited to fight sticks than others, depending on their moveset.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference. Many pro fighting game players still use traditional controllers and win tournaments with them.

How do I clean my fight stick?

You should clean your fight stick regularly. In addition to removing the sweat and grime that will inevitably build up over time, you want to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the buttons, which may make them stick.

To clean a fight stick, use a damp (but not dripping) cloth to wipe the surface of the stick, paying close attention to the joystick itself and the area around the buttons. You should use an air duster to blow dust off its surface.

We also recommend opening up the fight stick at least once every few months to clean out the interior. Once a year, you should completely disassemble the stick and clean it by hand, then reassemble it once it dries.

Is a Hitbox or Mixbox really better than a normal fight stick?

Button-based alternatives to traditional sticks like the Hit Box and the Mixbox are currently the hottest hardware trend in the fighting game community, but they aren’t for everyone. Generally, I’d recommend a Hit Box to a player who’s already familiar with normal fight sticks and would like to try something new.

Hit Box-style sticks may be better for specific characters in some games that require frame-perfect inputs (like Jin and Kazuya in the Tekken series) or 360-degree motions, but some players feel that the buttons make it more difficult to achieve precise quarter-circles or dragon punches. Either way, these controllers have a steep learning curve, even for veteran players.

I think that traditional controllers, fight sticks, and these new all-button controllers are viable in tournament play, but the only way to determine which one works best for you is to try them all for yourself.

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