Fans of hardcore fighting games will be the first to tell you that the purest way to experience the genre of one-on-one combat is with an arcade-inspired fighting stick. There’s a good reason for this, as most modern fighting games still have gameplay mechanics inherited from the days when titles like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Killer Instinct ruled the arcades.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about having a peripheral with a big joystick, huge face buttons, and room to stash a few quarters so you can call dibs at the next turn. Modern fighting sticks also look great and feature a degree of officially approved customization that allows them to perform even better in the competitive scene.
We’ve looked at what the market has to offer in this area, so if you’re looking to add some retro flavor to your gaming setup, these fighting sticks will have you messing around in no time. With a number of arcade classics also available on different platforms these days, you can even use these fighting sticks extra as you dive into your classic library of games. Our list of the best fighting sticks is in no particular order, but you’ll find budget and high-end options here.
Mayflash F300
A good tournament-quality fighting stick can be an expensive investment, and if you’re not sure you want one of these over a regular D-pad for a controller, an affordable option to test the fist water is a must. The Mayflash F300 has an attractive price and is compatible with a wide range of systems. It has a solid design, you can connect it to your PC, different generations of Xbox and PlayStation, a Nintendo Switch and certain Android devices. If you’re looking for an old-fashioned experience, you can even use this on a Sega Genesis console or the NeoGeo Mini.
Mayflash F300 Elite
Once you’ve dipped your thumbs into the water of the fighting stick and the bug has bitten you, the next step up is a more premium controller. The Mayflash F300 Elite retains all the compatibility of the model mentioned above, plus it adds a more premium feel with a collection of high-quality SANWA inputs. It also added turbo features with different speed settings, interchangeable D-pad and X/Y analog stick components, and a metal panel to add some reassuring weight to the build quality.
Mayflash F500
It may look like it was ripped from the dashboard of the Knight Rider car, but the F500 is another reliable and customizable fighting stick from Mayflash. It is again compatible with a wide range of PCs and consoles, supports a vibration function and includes several turbo options in its sleek red-and-black design. The big difference here is that it also supports headsets on PS4 and Xbox One for added chat functionality.
Mayflash F500 Elite
With everything the F500 has to offer, the Elite version of that Fight Stick enhances it with quality Sanwa components. Everything else is largely the same here, from system compatibility to headset support, but the F500 Elite is also designed to be tinkered with by arcade enthusiasts. It’s easy to access, modify, and swap parts to create a battle stick that suits your preferences.
Hori Fight Stick
If you want to turn your Switch into a small arcade unit, the compact Hori Fight Stick gets the job done on a budget. It’s affordable, has a lightweight design and lots of buttons so you can use it for other Switch games as well. It has a classic arcade layout, but if you’re the type of gamer who likes to shoot gameplay, it also has a dedicated record button.
Hori Fight Stick Alpha
On the Xbox side of arcade gaming, Hori’s Fight Stick Alpha is an attractive option. It’s packed with quality parts, a Hayabusa-produced joystick, and up to four custom profiles to switch between. It also has audio controls, headset support and it is easy to maintain with its design.
Mad Catz Ego Fight Stick
This large fighting stick from Mad Catz is designed to faithfully recreate an arcade setup with its massive size and components. Internally, it has tournament-grade Sanwa components, eight customizable action buttons, a turbo switch and multi-button functionality that can be programmed. It is made to be durable and has a metal frame, wide base and non-slip foam.
8Bitdo Arcade Stick
8BitDo has earned a reputation for its controllers that combine classic style with modern conveniences, and the arcade fighting stick is another great example of its design philosophy. In addition to its beautiful retro aesthetic, this peripheral also has Bluetooth wireless support, a dynamic button layout and long battery life. The big draw here, however, is its ultra-moddable design that allows the fight stick to be physically and digitally customized through 8BitDo’s software.
Qanba Drone Joystick
It may be an older model, but the Qanba Drone still has a striking design and reliable features. For those gamers who don’t mind playing their favorite arcade games on older PlayStation consoles (or PC), this entry-level fighting stick gets the job done with sturdy materials, capable buttons and a solid joystick.
Qanba Dragon Joystick
For another standout design from Qanba, the Dragon is a hardcore offering packed with quality parts. The design alone is appealing, but add Sanwa Denshi buttons, support for Sony games with dedicated switches, and a top panel that makes it easy to swap new parts, and this legacy device still has a lot of charm.
dragon slay fighting stick
With a wide variety of platforms it can be used on and a faceplate that is heavy on the dragon theme, this fighting stick is no slouch. For the price, it includes Sanwa Denshi parts, a built-in storage compartment, and a vintage arcade layout.
Victrix Pro
The most expensive option on this list, the Victrix Pro looks elegant, features premium Sanwa Denshi parts and an absurd amount of customization. What sets this arcade controller apart, however, is that it’s designed to deliver the fastest (legal) response time on console, for that added advantage in competitive gaming spaces.
Hit Box
This list focuses on fighting sticks, but we would be remiss not to include the inventive fighting stick that doesn’t actually have a joystick. Called Hit Box, this controller has an all-button design and intentional layout that makes it easy to play fighting games without even using a stick or D-pad. Have you ever thought you moved the joystick up but the game registered the input as correct? Yes, we all did. The Hit Box fixes that. It’s all about accuracy, and it’s also faster to press buttons than to move a joystick. Joysticks are fun to use, so you lose that classic feel with a Hit Box, but this controller is great for beginners and fighting game pros alike. It made a splash at EVO 2022 and is currently (unfortunately) sold out.
The products discussed here have been independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may receive a portion of the proceeds when you purchase something featured on our site.
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