Fighting Game Arcade Sticks and Controllers

vindk8

Does anyone know what the difference between the Hori Fighting Stick 3 ($53), Hori Fighting 3 Soul Calibur 4 Ltd Edition ($85) and the Real Arcade Pro 3 ($138) is?

Is the only difference between HFS3 and HFS3 Ltd Ed the stickers? Is the jump in price up to RAP3 worth it?

Eggy · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:23 pm�� Post subject:

The difference between the Fighting Stick 2/Hori SC4 and the Real Arcade Pro 3 is the parts used.

the FS uses Hori made parts.

The HRAP (Hori Real Arcade Pro) uses a Sanwa arcade quality stick, but uses Hori made buttons. The good thing about the HRAP is that it uses snap in buttons that can be swapped out for Sanwa buttons (which is much higher is quality). You can also easily swap out the stick for a different brand of japanese stick also. The alternative to using Sanwa brand is to use Seimitsu. I have 2 HRAP1s that I have installed Seimitsu sticks into, and I prefer it over the Sanwa due to being able to execute special moves easier (talking about Street Fighter). That is only my opinion though, as others have a preference to the Sanwa over the Seimitsu, so it depends on what works for you.

I have yet to try seimitsu buttons, but I currently have Sanwa buttons installed in my 2 HRAPs. Comparing to the HORI default buttons, the Sanwa require much less pressure to activate them. Only the smallest brush against them can trigger the microswitch, which will make the difference during a really close high level fighting game. I will be obtaining a set of Seimitsu buttons soon, so I can post my impressions of them once I install them.

The weight and build quality is also a lot different. the HRAP is ALOT heavier than the FS. On a table it will not move around as much, but I still ended up having to use some blutac when I brought my 2 HRAPs into work for some Street Fighter action. The metal top plate is also much better than what is used in the FS (it looks like plastic, but that is just the plastic decal plastered on the top of the metal).

Personally I would not bother with the FS if you are a serious fighting game fan. Definitely pay the money to get the good stuff. If you're even more crazy about your fighting game peripherals you might consider modding the buttons and sticks to meet your needs (as I ended up doing).

Another thing is the FS is harder to mod as the buttons are attached to the PCB, while the HRAP has a single PCB, and fast clip wires attached to the buttons.

If you've got the funds and time, you could end up with something like this:
(these are my 2 custom HRAP v1)

These pics are a little old and the white one has gone through another mod. Modded from a PS2 stick to a 360 wired stick, and also replaced 2 of the buttons with plugs since I didn't connect the analog triggers.

I guess the FS is worth considering if you're a casual fighting game player. I don't think you'll fault them too much, but once you've tried a HRAP (or Virtual Stick High Grade - it's another high quality PS3 stick that uses ALL Seimitsu parts)) you just can't go back. Eveything else just feels wrong.

Hope that wasn't too much reading. =p

Benza · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:34 pm�� Post subject:

I could never get into the sticks. I've tried but I've always found it easier on a decent D-Pad.
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arbok · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:12 pm�� Post subject:

Eggy - you seem to know a lot about sticks. What really annoys me is that I have so many systems with fighting games on the PS2, PS3 and 360 and I don't want to have to buy two sticks for all of them... what's the best solution? I would even be happy if there was a stick that did two systems such as PS2 and PS3 or PS3 and 360...

I was kind of waiting until there was some sort of solution to this before buying any.... and I don't mind what brand - although it seems hori ones are well respected. As long as its good enough to do a dragon punch its good enough for me.
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Eggy · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:06 pm�� Post subject:

yeah getting a stick for all systems is a doozy. Currently there is no big brand retail solution to this problem. Most of the peripherials released are targeted to a specitic platform most of the time. I think the only other one was the Street Fighter Anniversary stick that catered to Xbox1 and PS1/2, and was made by Nuby, using imitation US arcade parts (HAPP).

I reckon I only know a little about arcade sticks compared to the guys on the Shoryuken forums. Pretty much all the things I've learnt about arcade sticks and stick modding was from there. There are some modders on that forum who have successfully soldered up multiple controller PCBs so their stick is multi format. It was hard enough for me to solder just the 360 wired controller (it was a $10 one from DSE)

If you check out the tech forum there, and see the custom joystick sticky thread you'll see some phenonminal custom made sticks. They are truly magnificent.

As for PS2 and PS3.... hmm maybe just a PS2 one would work, then using an adapter to hook it into the PS3. A PS3 and 360 one.... I dunno. I have not tried my 360 modded stick on a PS3 before, but I can give it a try tonight, but i think it probably won't be detected.

On the topic of Dpads. The Sega Saturn japanese controller was the king of Street Fighter controllers. Perfect Dpad, and great arrangement of buttons (although the XYZ buttons were kind of small). A solution to use a Saturn pad on 360 is to obtain a "XFPS 360", which will allow you to connect the Saturn pad to the USB port, but..... here's the catch: You need a wired pad hook into the converter to make the 360 detect the converter.... so this method ends up being REALLY expensive. the converter goes for something like $50 to $120 (depending on the revision you get), and then a official wired 360 controller.... ouch.

Which ever direction you guys decide to go with I hope to see you on XBLA playing the SSF2HDR beta. WOOT! Wednesday!

vindk8 · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:33 pm�� Post subject:

Eggy, wow those sticks look awesome. So your recommendation is for pretty hardcore followers go for HRAP and casual players won't be able to really notice the difference between the two?

I am tossing up between getting the PS3 or 360 versions... such a dilemma... 360 has the super solid online play of live but I know the PS3 version will last longer as look what happened to the original xbox which is now truly a dead system and the PS2 is still going.

Have you heard of any successes with other people modding their sticks to work on both PS3 and 360?

arbok · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:02 pm�� Post subject:

^^ nah the 360 will be around for a few more years I reckon...

Thanks for the info Eggy and your sticks are totally awesome.

One thing I don't like about the Hori Fighting Stick 3 (i think its 3) is that the buttons are curved the wrong way. I think it would feel weird.

Eggy · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 12:54 pm�� Post subject:

Thread revival.

Okay with our Aussie dollar being so piss poor now, it's just not a viable option to import joysticks from overseas (Play-Asia, International eBay etc), so I'm wondering if anyone knows of places that would still sell the DOA stick for 360?

I've got a few friends who are looking for sticks to play HD Remix, so I'm trying to help them out. Pretty much a max $100 AUD budget.

grim-one · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 1:35 pm�� Post subject:

I wouldn't mind picking up one myself, but for the PS3. I should have bought a HRAP from PlayAsia before the dollar dropped damnit!
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Benza · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:18 pm�� Post subject:

Eggy a question, with the second pic did you mod that with Corey Lewis art or did that come standard?
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Eggy · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 4:27 pm�� Post subject:

Zhou · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:18 pm�� Post subject:

for those looking for ps3 fighting sticks, toys r us might have a chance of having one.

The week before I caved in and ordered the soul calibur IV ltd edition fighting stick, I saw my local store had about 3 left for $99.95. Another forum member at that time reported he picked his up for some crazy awesome price like..$25 or something? Since it was the last of the stock.

I also remember DSE stocking them, but a quick check on their website then suggests they dont have any anymore...
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SumAznGuy · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:41 pm�� Post subject:

As i just read this thread and saw someone ask about a arcade stick that works on PS3 and Xbox 360, there is one.....Just that it's very very expensive. It fully customizable(Button layout,joystick kind,Pick what artwork you want on it,etc) and features Sanwa parts. Also works on PC for emulators...

Review of the Arcade stick from IGN

Anyway, would you happen to know which arcade stick is the one at Toys r us zhou? I want one for street fighter....and apparently the FS3 are lousy for it because the buttons are curved the wrong way around(what arbok said)

SumAznGuy

Zhou · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 7:05 pm�� Post subject:

^ I think its just called hori fighting stick 3 or something.

Basically its the soul calibur IV one minus the awesome skin

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Marble<3 · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:17 am�� Post subject:

Zhou · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:25 am�� Post subject:

^ I WAS planning to do that at the time, but I've read only bad things about those Mayflash sticks.
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Eggy · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:34 am�� Post subject:

Marble<3 · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:06 pm�� Post subject:

arbok · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:00 pm�� Post subject:

I was just in Japan a couple of weeks ago... I couldn't find sticks anywhere in Akihabara (main gaming district). It was so frustrating, I pretty much walked into EVERY gaming shop there... I managed to find two Mayflash sticks in the end at the big camera shop near the station... one had a very loose stick that prevented me from buying it.

Therefore I recommend reading on other forums about the Mayflash sticks before buying!
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Eggy · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:56 am�� Post subject:

okay finished my modding my HRAP with the new custom top panel and art work.

Also changed out the Seimitsu LS-32 stick for a Sanwa JLF modded with a double spring (makes it REALLY tight, and makes special moves a breeze in HD Remix). After this Sanwa mod, I've convert back to Sanwa sticks. After a double spring mod, the stick is absolutely amazing. I couldn't believe the massive difference it made.

Anyway here is the finished product:

If anyone is wondering why I chose this kind of art work. It's because I based it on the official panel art used in the Street Fighter IV arcade machines in Japan. Mine is a little different though, as my button layout is slightly different to the Vewlix (on a Vewlix panel the buttons on the right are at the same level as the middle buttons, where as mine ones are slightly lower - like traditional Japan arcade layout).

Was a real pain to do this too, cuz as I was remounting all the parts into the new panel the 2 of wires I had soldered to the 360 PCB came off, so I had to find my soldering iron, and get it going again. I really hate soldering too, cuz I'm so bad at it.....

Ciel · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 4:59 am�� Post subject:

shinhawk · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:14 pm�� Post subject:

I just saw the HRAP3 and dang... That thing is awesome. I've used the other HRAP sticks before and they are just awesome.
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grim-one · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 12:33 pm�� Post subject:

Has anyone tried the X-Arcade sticks? They aren't compatible with X360, but they seem to support everything else. I'm tempted to look at a dual X-Arcade than a pair of Hori sticks.
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Eggy · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 12:42 am�� Post subject:

Not related to HORI arcade stick, but instead to the upcoming Mad Catz Street Fighter IV peripherals.

Yeah we know Mad Catz does not have a good track record for quality, but this time I think they've got it right.

links from the CES09 impressions of the new peripherals. All good impressions.

Links courtesy of Markman from SRK forum
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/mad-catz-stock-rises-on-new-products
http://kotaku.com/5128016/ces-09-hands-on-with-mad-catzs-street-fighter-iv-tournament-sticks
http://gear.ign.com/articles/943/943834p1.html
http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2009/01/08/ces-hands-on-mad-catz-official-street-fighter-arcade-sticks
http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/official-street-fighter-iv-controllers-499071?src=rss&attr=news
http://www.gamedaily.com/gear/2009/01/08/street-fighter-iv-tournament-joystick-first-look/
http://play.tm/news/22833/mad-catz-offer-street-fighter-iv-controller/
http://ces.gamespot.com/story.html?sid=6202941
http://www.ps3attitude.com/new/2009/01/madcatz-sf4-1st-look/
http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=58701
http://www.destructoid.com/ces-2009-street-fighter-iv-mad-catz-controller-cracked-open-117539.phtml
http://www.accessmaterial.com/mad-catz-announces-sfiv-controllers-accessories/
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10134747-100.html
http://kotaku.com/5125288/mad-catz-hits-ces-with-street-fighter-hawx-controllers
http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2009/01/08/mad-catz-announces-sfiv-controllers-accessories/
http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56649
http://gaygamer.net/2009/01/capcom_accessorizes_sfiv_with.html
http://www.psu.com/Mad-Catz-reveal-official-Street-Fighter-IV-accessories--a0006046-p0.php
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/88514-Street-Fighter-IV-Arcade-Sticks-and-Pads-Announced-at-Last
http://www.xboxsolution.com/2009/01/07/mad-catz-announces-street-fighter-iv-fightstick-fightpad/
http://www.videogamer.com/news/08-01-2009-10318.html
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/mad-catz-reveals-street-fighter-iv-controllers-accessories/
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mad-catz-talks-up-sf-iv-peripherals
http://gaming.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=16788

I was a doubter before, because of the Mad Catz name, but I now I gotta get me one of them Tournament Edition sticks. I'm sold.

No confirmation if we are getting these in Australia, but word on the street is that JB is trying to get these in.

Moist Flaps: You reckon you can check at work for a memo about JB trying to get these in? Apparently a JB staffer at OzHadou forums is collecting interest for his store to get them in.

Zhou · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 1:06 am�� Post subject:

I too am interested in the street fighter madcatz stick now. Apparently it uses Sanwa parts and will perform pretty much the same as what you'd expect in the arcades. Kotaku reported they were selling for $120 USD, but no mention of what that's going to sell for in Australia.

I remember a while ago, I happened to overhear a customer @ EB asking a staff member if she could pre-order the CE of SF4 and the staffer said not at that time, but there were 4 (!) to choose from and there was no set price point yet. Not sure if any of the 4 editions mentioned would carry the fighting stick. Lets hope it does.
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