Proper Joystick for MAME Fighting Games on Macbook

[peter_gunz]

Just got MAME running on my Macbook and looking to get a joystick for it. I play mostly fighting games and looked into the X-Arcade stick, but I don't want it because it's awkward playing Neo Geo games with that kind of button layout. I realize with only $100 budget, I'm going to have to compromise, so given my budget anyone have any recommendations? I want an American style batstick with American style buttons. If possible, SNK 4 button layout, but I'll take a 6 button layout since it would be good for Street Fighter games. I'm in college so I don't have much cash to spare. Could possibly go to $150, but not trying to.

Thanks and LOVE THIS SITE!!!

Been playing arcades since 1987 (Not my b-day, but my first memory was around this time).

[theichibun]

Honestly, I got a $10 box from Wal-Mart that lets me plug in an xBox, PlayStation, Game Cube, and USB controller. I use those.

[peter_gunz]

Honestly, I got a $10 box from Wal-Mart that lets me plug in an xBox, PlayStation, Game Cube, and USB controller. I use those.

I'm trying to replicate the arcade experience and those controllers wont do. Plus, I don't even own any of those systems so I don't know if I would like the controls or not.

[kedawa]

That's not the point. You get the converter box to expand your choice of joystick. There are some great american style arcade sticks for PS2 and XBOX.

[peter_gunz]

That's not the point. You get the converter box to expand your choice of joystick. There are some great american style arcade sticks for PS2 and XBOX.

Can you show me where these are? I've never seen any U.S. bat style sticks for either of the 2 systems.

[peter_gunz]

That's not the point. You get the converter box to expand your choice of joystick. There are some great american style arcade sticks for PS2 and XBOX.

Can you show me where these are? I've never seen any U.S. bat style sticks for either of the 2 systems.

[Flack]

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=usb+arcade+stick&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=4945704802725730263&sa=X&ei=s4J5TbCFG8r-rAH_4MSCBg&ved=0CCAQ8wIwAQ#

[peter_gunz]

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=usb+arcade+stick&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=4945704802725730263&sa=X&ei=s4J5TbCFG8r-rAH_4MSCBg&ved=0CCAQ8wIwAQ#


That's not a U.S. style stick, that's a Japanese style ballstick. I'm looking for a bat stick like a perfect 360 or super joystick has with U.S. buttons.

[Tron 2.0]

That's not a U.S. style stick, that's a Japanese style ballstick. I'm looking for a bat stick like a perfect 360 or super joystick has with U.S. buttons.
Guess you mean happs far as buttons and sticks go.Btw joysticks by madcatz and hori can be modded if you don't like the standard sanwa and seimitsu.

Dunno if this site could get what you want.
http://www.arcadeinabox.com

[peter_gunz]

Guess you mean happs far as buttons and sticks go.Btw joysticks by madcatz and hori can be modded if you don't like the standard sanwa and seimitsu.

Dunno if this site could get what you want.
http://www.arcadeinabox.com

It seems when I refer to those joysticks, the name happs come up, so maybe. I've heard about modding the sticks, but I am the worst at using my hands (ironic for the son of a carpenter). So I've ruled that option out.

I've heard of and looked at arcadeinabox, I just wish they had pics of the specs I'm looking for. Have you used their service before? How was it?

I'm sure I sound like such a noob, but if I knew this was possible before, I would have done it a LONG time ago (if I had the cash of course, which is also kinda recent).

[kedawa]

Street Fighter Anniversary sticks are made for HAPP style parts.

[XYXZYZ]

Street Fighter Anniversary sticks are made for HAPP style parts.

Actually, I think that would be your best bet. There's really not much available in prebuilt American style arcade joysticks these days.

If you aren't too picky about the quality and feel of the controls you could get a Street Fighter Anniversary joystick and a PS2>USB adapter. There's one here for $65.00.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000GQ46EO/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

If you can't stand how crappy the controls are on that one, as Kedawa said you can easily switch them out with Happ parts on that model. So, you should be able to afford the SFA stick, the Happ parts and the USB adapter within your $100~150 budget.

I'm getting away from American style sticks outside of arcade cabinets myself, hopping on the Sanwa bandwagon. But if I wanted an American stick for consoles, the SFA + happ combo is probably how I'd do it. I own two of those sticks, I just haven't gotten them modded yet.

http://bellsouthpwp2.net/s/w/swarwick1/files/room/SF2overlay.jpg

http://bellsouthpwp2.net/s/w/swarwick1/files/room/CvSstick.jpg

I did make some custom overlays though!

[peter_gunz]

Actually, I think that would be your best bet. There's really not much available in prebuilt American style arcade joysticks these days.

If you aren't too picky about the quality and feel of the controls you could get a Street Fighter Anniversary joystick and a PS2>USB adapter. There's one here for $65.00.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000GQ46EO/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

If you can't stand how crappy the controls are on that one, as Kedawa said you can easily switch them out with Happ parts on that model. So, you should be able to afford the SFA stick, the Happ parts and the USB adapter within your $100~150 budget.

I'm getting away from American style sticks outside of arcade cabinets myself, hopping on the Sanwa bandwagon. But if I wanted an American stick for consoles, the SFA + happ combo is probably how I'd do it. I own two of those sticks, I just haven't gotten them modded yet.

http://bellsouthpwp2.net/s/w/swarwick1/files/room/SF2overlay.jpg

http://bellsouthpwp2.net/s/w/swarwick1/files/room/CvSstick.jpg

I did make some custom overlays though!

When you say feel and quality, what do you mean? I mean compare this to a typical arcade that I would have played in the early 90s. Is there that much of a difference? How crappy are the controls? From what I can see, it looks to be a decent replica of the original, but looks can be deceiving.

I'm not looking to use one for my console (I don't own a PS2), I'm trying to use one for my Macbook. I may have to go this route though, if it'll work. Thoughts?

[XYXZYZ]

When you say feel and quality, what do you mean? I mean compare this to a typical arcade that I would have played in the early 90s. Is there that much of a difference? How crappy are the controls? From what I can see, it looks to be a decent replica of the original, but looks can be deceiving.

I'm not looking to use one for my console (I don't own a PS2), I'm trying to use one for my Macbook. I may have to go this route though, if it'll work. Thoughts?

It's kind of hard to describe, the joystick is much stiffer and clunkier than a Happ. You have to apply a little more strength to move it around. I think it has a stronger spring in it. The buttons are awful; they're convex rather than concave, and much bigger than Happs. (but the hole size is the same) the best way I can describe it is that it feels like I'm pressing down on plastic marshmallows.:|

It may be good enough for you anyway, you could get it and try it out before you order new parts. And I think the only other alternative you have is a Pelican "Tournament Ready" joystick, without getting into custom builds.
http://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Accessories-Universal-Arcade-Tournament-Xbox/dp/B0001XFLV4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1299925278&sr=8-3

[peter_gunz]

It's kind of hard to describe, the joystick is much stiffer and clunkier than a Happ. You have to apply a little more strength to move it around. I think it has a stronger spring in it. The buttons are awful; they're convex rather than concave, and much bigger than Happs. (but the hole size is the same) the best way I can describe it is that it feels like I'm pressing down on plastic marshmallows.:|

It may be good enough for you anyway, you could get it and try it out before you order new parts. And I think the only other alternative you have is a Pelican "Tournament Ready" joystick, without getting into custom builds.
http://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Accessories-Universal-Arcade-Tournament-Xbox/dp/B0001XFLV4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1299925278&sr=8-3

If that's the case, I'm wondering if I should just go X-Arcade? You know for a fact this thing has no lag? I say X-Arcade, because of the lifetime warranty, but if it lags then it would be pointless. The stick you recommended would be better for Neo Geo games though, since it has a 4 button layout (although not the same, but close enough). X-Arcade would be weird in that regard. Also, as noted above, I probably wouldn't be able to mod it myself, how hard would it be to find a place to do it for me, if I bought the parts on my own. I live in the SF Bay Area at the moment. BTW, sorry if I'm hesitant or being irrational, just trying to make the right choice given my funds at the moment. Thanks though, you're being extremely helpful.

I always preferred the heavier sticks, but yeah no way to know for sure w/out checking.

[XYXZYZ]

Modding isn't really that hard. The hardest (most time consuming) part is getting the new quick connects onto the wires. (the stocks are too small for Happ switches) And even then you're just putting a wire into a slot and crimping it with pliers or something. Actually, for me the hardest part is getting the damn E-clip on the joystick assembly. But you won't need to solder or anything. There was a guide to modding the SFA stick online somewhere but I can't seem to find it.

And anyway, you may like the stock controls well enough to keep them; perhaps you could jyst buy the SFA or Xarcade, use it, and if you don't like the controls you can switch the parts out later.

Have you read this thread about the X-Arcade?
http://shoryuken.com/f177/x-arcade-parts-129256/

[peter_gunz]

Modding isn't really that hard. The hardest (most time consuming) part is getting the new quick connects onto the wires. (the stocks are too small for Happ switches) And even then you're just putting a wire into a slot and crimping it with pliers or something. Actually, for me the hardest part is getting the damn E-clip on the joystick assembly. But you won't need to solder or anything. There was a guide to modding the SFA stick online somewhere but I can't seem to find it.

And anyway, you may like the stock controls well enough to keep them; perhaps you could jyst buy the SFA or Xarcade, use it, and if you don't like the controls you can switch the parts out later.

Have you read this thread about the X-Arcade?
http://shoryuken.com/f177/x-arcade-parts-129256/

Trust me, when it comes to working on things with my hands, it's better not to. Seriously, I had to crimp some stuff at a jewelry shop until my boss saw my work and immediately put me back on working on the online store. Yep, that bad! So I wouldn't be able to mod a damn thing no matter how simple it would be, especially if it involves cutting of ANY sort.

I did not read that particular article, but I've heard some bad stories from that forum before. They all seem to be from people that prefer Japanese style sticks. I have a Japanese style stick (Neo Geo), it is not as good as the American stick as far as I'm concerned. Too loose and the buttons are too small. Great for a Japanese guy, but for someone that played in U.S. arcades my whole life, it's not gonna cut it for me. They're just too small and I end up gripping with 2 fingers instead of 3, which is unnatural for me and awkward.

I'm wondering if the lag they complain about is only on the consoles? If it is, I could care less as I plan to ONLY play it using MAME on my Macbook. That said, switching the parts out is not an option unless I can find someone to do it for me. Do you know if it lags on computers?

[XYXZYZ]

Trust me, when it comes to working on things with my hands, it's better not to. Seriously, I had to crimp some stuff at a jewelry shop until my boss saw my work and immediately put me back on working on the online store. Yep, that bad! So I wouldn't be able to mod a damn thing no matter how simple it would be, especially if it involves cutting of ANY sort.

I did not read that particular article, but I've heard some bad stories from that forum before. They all seem to be from people that prefer Japanese style sticks. I have a Japanese style stick (Neo Geo), it is not as good as the American stick as far as I'm concerned. Too loose and the buttons are too small. Great for a Japanese guy, but for someone that played in U.S. arcades my whole life, it's not gonna cut it for me. They're just too small and I end up gripping with 2 fingers instead of 3, which is unnatural for me and awkward.

I'm wondering if the lag they complain about is only on the consoles? If it is, I could care less as I plan to ONLY play it using MAME on my Macbook. That said, switching the parts out is not an option unless I can find someone to do it for me. Do you know if it lags on computers?

I don't know about the X-Arcade but I can check the SFA for you tomorrow. (I'll be working until then)

[peter_gunz]

I don't know about the X-Arcade but I can check the SFA for you tomorrow. (I'll be working until then)

Cool, thanks. I should say that this is just a temporary thing. Once I get out of college, I would have money to get a proper set up from one of the custom sites. I just need something right now that would require minimum maintenance and minimal time dedication in general as well as something that feels right playing Neo Geo and Street Fighter games.
Preferably something that is geared towards the Neo Geo/SNK gamer as I prefer these over Street Fighter in general.

[XYXZYZ]

Okay, I'm going to withdraw my suggestion for the SFA stick. Now that I drag it out of the closet and play it again, it's quite possibly the most uncomfortable joystick I've ever used (Next to the PS2 shadowblade) and even if you mod it, the height of the casing makes it awkward to play on. (I play all my games sitting in a chair with the stick on a table) Also, one of the boards is defective.

The next thing I was going to recommend is the Pelican Real Arcade Universal, it also has the Chinese parts, but it's a pretty decent joystick as far as retail console sticks go. I still have one, I bought it an a Gamestop the day I bought my Xbox. But unfortunately it didn't work with the PS2 adapter.

I think that leaves you with the Real Arcade. I'd keep in mind that the Shoryuken review was written by fighting game elitists, and less than the best generally doesn't cut it over there. The X-arcade seems to be just fine for everyone else, here's the Digital Press review by Don Evanoff (http://www.digitpress.com/archives/cc_xarcade.htm). You don't have to worry about adapters or modding or anything, and if you want a Neo Geo layout without that second button down there, you can always pull it out and stick in one of these bad boys (http://www.lizardlick.com/Happ-Hole-Plug_p_84.html).

So, I think the X-Arcade would be the best choice for you after all.

[peter_gunz]

Okay, I'm going to withdraw my suggestion for the SFA stick. Now that I drag it out of the closet and play it again, it's quite possibly the most uncomfortable joystick I've ever used (Next to the PS2 shadowblade) and even if you mod it, the height of the casing makes it awkward to play on. (I play all my games sitting in a chair with the stick on a table) Also, one of the boards is defective.

The next thing I was going to recommend is the Pelican Real Arcade Universal, it also has the Chinese parts, but it's a pretty decent joystick as far as retail console sticks go. I still have one, I bought it an a Gamestop the day I bought my Xbox. But unfortunately it didn't work with the PS2 adapter.

I think that leaves you with the Real Arcade. I'd keep in mind that the Shoryuken review was written by fighting game elitists, and less than the best generally doesn't cut it over there. The X-arcade seems to be just fine for everyone else, here's the Digital Press review by Don Evanoff (http://www.digitpress.com/archives/cc_xarcade.htm). You don't have to worry about adapters or modding or anything, and if you want a Neo Geo layout without that second button down there, you can always pull it out and stick in one of these bad boys (http://www.lizardlick.com/Happ-Hole-Plug_p_84.html).

So, I think the X-Arcade would be the best choice for you after all.

Thanks, that helped narrow things down. I'd most likely be playing on my laptop so something light yet sturdy would be best.

From what I can tell the folks at shoryuken are a little on the ridiculous side. I used to be a competitive player and laugh at anyone that says Japanese joysticks are superior to U.S. style. The bottom line is you play what you are good/comfortable with. Plus, I hold the stick with 3 fingers, not 2 so it's awkward using 2 (which I do on my Neo Geo AES). They probably prefer sit down cabinets too, not me. I'd take a stand up cabinet any day over a sit down. Something about sitting down playing an arcade game doesn't feel right to me.

Thanks for all of your advice. I think I will get a one player stick as I rarely play games with people nowadays.

[peter_gunz]

I found this thread: http://shoryuken.com/f177/better-hori-ex-sf-iv-se-works-right-177193/

Apparently, if one prefers Happ parts they recommend modding an X-Arcade stick as it is easy to do. Is this why you also recommend it?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I have a full X-Arcade cabinet with the trackball tankstick, and I can't say enough good things about the X-Arcade brand.

They function great with MAME are ultra durable and apparently have a lifetime warranty.

I've opened my tank-stick once to tighten a few of the large plastic nuts that hold the buttons on. They don't have any quick acccess panel, and they don't really seem to be wired with changing out parts, but the wires are pull-off quick release tabs, so if you want or need to swap out parts it's do-able.

[peter_gunz]

I have a full X-Arcade cabinet with the trackball tankstick, and I can't say enough good things about the X-Arcade brand.

They function great with MAME are ultra durable and apparently have a lifetime warranty.

I've opened my tank-stick once to tighten a few of the large plastic nuts that hold the buttons on. They don't have any quick acccess panel, and they don't really seem to be wired with changing out parts, but the wires are pull-off quick release tabs, so if you want or need to swap out parts it's do-able.

Excellent Frankie_Says_Relax this is exactly what I was hoping for. I'm in college and will be using it on my Macbook with MAME. I doubt I'll be using 2 player mode much, should I just get the solo stick for now (would be nice for travel)? I graduate next year (hopefully) and once working plan on upgrading.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Excellent Frankie_Says_Relax this is exactly what I was hoping for. I'm in college and will be using it on my Macbook with MAME. I doubt I'll be using 2 player mode much, should I just get the solo stick for now (would be nice for travel)? I graduate next year (hopefully) and once working plan on upgrading.

No problem. Also I meant to say that it doesn't look like they were wired up with changing out the parts in mind like some of the japanese tournament sticks I've seen (but ultimately I see no reason why you couldn't do it).

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/FrankieViturello/Uploads%20via%20Pixelpipe/Condo%20Completed/2010-03-20114944.jpg

There's my setup w/tankstick in the cabinet.

[peter_gunz]

No problem. Also I meant to say that it doesn't look like they were wired up with changing out the parts in mind like some of the japanese tournament sticks I've seen (but ultimately I see no reason why you couldn't do it).

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/FrankieViturello/Uploads%20via%20Pixelpipe/Condo%20Completed/2010-03-20114944.jpg

There's my setup w/tankstick in the cabinet.

See now if I could, I'd love to have a controller set up like that little puppy next to your X arcade. Neo Geo is my fav.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

See now if I could, I'd love to have a controller set up like that little puppy next to your X arcade. Neo Geo is my fav.

Yeah, the HanaHo Games Neo Geo Gameroom Classics bartop unit uses essentially the same stick/button/switch hardware as the X-Arcade.

They did the HotRod stick which is nearly identical to the standard 2 player X-Arcade stick.

That's a neat little cabinet. It's real JAMMA hardware in there. Played around with the thought of cramming a 1-slot in there, but according to the experts that I showed the guts to said that they'd need to wire up a separate power supply which probably wouldn't be able to fit in there WITH the Neo Geo AND the monitor, it's already a tight fit.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

See now if I could, I'd love to have a controller set up like that little puppy next to your X arcade. Neo Geo is my fav.

Yeah, the HanaHo Games Neo Geo Gameroom Classics bartop unit uses essentially the same stick/button/switch hardware as the X-Arcade.

They did the HotRod stick which is nearly identical to the standard 2 player X-Arcade stick.

That's a neat little cabinet. It's real JAMMA hardware in there. Played around with the thought of cramming a 1-slot in there, but according to the experts that I showed the guts to said that they'd need to wire up a separate power supply which probably wouldn't be able to fit in there WITH the Neo Geo AND the monitor, it's already a tight fit.

[peter_gunz]

Yeah, the HanaHo Games Neo Geo Gameroom Classics bartop unit uses essentially the same stick/button/switch hardware as the X-Arcade.

They did the HotRod stick which is nearly identical to the standard 2 player X-Arcade stick.

That's a neat little cabinet. It's real JAMMA hardware in there. Played around with the thought of cramming a 1-slot in there, but according to the experts that I showed the guts to said that they'd need to wire up a separate power supply which probably wouldn't be able to fit in there WITH the Neo Geo AND the monitor, it's already a tight fit.

Okay, so you're a Neo Geo/fighting game fan like me and you find the X-Arcade set up to be no problem, right? Why do the folks at Shoryuken.com have it in for the joysticks then? Is it just fighting game elitist propaganda?

Also, I can get a JAMMA joystick, but only for an MVS unit, so I'm waiting til after college to work on that. Emulators are cool, but they aren't MVS/AES perfect and the MVS cartridges are more reasonable moneywise over the AES home carts (Kizuna Encounter went for $12,500 on Ebay).

I wanted a HotRod because the spacing looks a tad better for the Neo Geo set up than X-Arcade, but I know they helped w/the X-Arcade set up. You have both, no noticable difference? Same parts?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Okay, so you're a Neo Geo/fighting game fan like me and you find the X-Arcade set up to be no problem, right? Why do the folks at Shoryuken.com have it in for the joysticks then? Is it just fighting game elitist propaganda?

Also, I can get a JAMMA joystick, but only for an MVS unit, so I'm waiting til after college to work on that. Emulators are cool, but they aren't MVS/AES perfect and the MVS cartridges are more reasonable moneywise over the AES home carts (Kizuna Encounter went for $12,500 on Ebay).

I wanted a HotRod because the spacing looks a tad better for the Neo Geo set up than X-Arcade, but I know they helped w/the X-Arcade set up. You have both, no noticeable difference? Same parts?

Personally I find X-Arcade to be fine for fighting games (I play a lot of Street Fighter II, Street Fighter III 3rd Strike and Street Fighter Alpha 3 with it), but tournament level players (one of which I'm not) aren't going to settle for anything less than high-grade parts like Sanwa.

I don't doubt that for things like tournament play or frame-counting levels of performance that X-Arcade probably doesn't cut it, but I've never felt like it was sub-par in terms of working the way that you'd want it to. The buttons don't stick or fail to function, and it works fine for both 4 and 8 way games.

Furthermore, in MAME you can tweak the shit out of the sensitivity for digital controls, so you can easily make up for any perceived delay there as well.

[peter_gunz]

Personally I find X-Arcade to be fine for fighting games (I play a lot of Street Fighter II, Street Fighter III 3rd Strike and Street Fighter Alpha 3 with it), but tournament level players (one of which I'm not) aren't going to settle for anything less than high-grade parts like Sanwa.

I don't doubt that for things like tournament play or frame-counting levels of performance that X-Arcade probably doesn't cut it, but I've never felt like it was sub-par in terms of working the way that you'd want it to. The buttons don't stick or fail to function, and it works fine for both 4 and 8 way games.

Furthermore, in MAME you can tweak the shit out of the sensitivity for digital controls, so you can easily make up for any perceived delay there as well.

I played in a few tournaments (street fighter 2 and Alpha 2) years ago (I and do mean YEARS) and I for one never counted frames (I read a wiki on that page and to be honest it's ridiculous. I won 23 straight against some pretty high level players and never went that in depth into the game), so no I don't need that level of perception. I never liked Japanese parts either, they're too soft and small. I often duck when I want to back up among other problems.

Ah, another issue they didn't seem to figure out. If you can tweak the shit out of it in MAME then the so-called lag problem that some complain about on PC should be a non-issue. Well I guess that's the difference between a computer geek and a fighting geek. Who knew?

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

[Tron 2.0]

It seems when I refer to those joysticks, the name happs come up, so maybe. I've heard about modding the sticks, but I am the worst at using my hands (ironic for the son of a carpenter). So I've ruled that option out.

I've heard of and looked at arcadeinabox, I just wish they had pics of the specs I'm looking for. Have you used their service before? How was it?

I'm sure I sound like such a noob, but if I knew this was possible before, I would have done it a LONG time ago (if I had the cash of course, which is also kinda recent).
Never used a joystick by arcadeinabox but i've heard there quality is good that's all.Still modding a joystick usely mean 'swapping the stick and buttons.I've yet to do it,myself years ago i got a tekken joystick for the PS2 by hori and i know i need to mod since it being stock it's not that good.