Dreamcast joysticks

[Kevin Listwan]

What is a good Dreamcast arcade style joystick? I really want to get one, but some look very questionable.

Thanks!

[Arcade Antics]

X-Arcade with the Dreamcast kit is A#1.

http://www.x-arcade.com/dreamcast.shtml

[digitalpress]

I use the X-Arcade with Dreamcast adapter.

http://www.x-arcade.com/dreamcast.shtml

[udisi]

I like the agetec dreamcast arcade sticks....they're not the cheapest, but have good feel to them.

[chadtower]

So how exactly does the Xarcade handle the whole analog stick vs digital pad thing?

[bargora]

I bought an Agetec arcade stick used once. I ended up returning it because it was sticky in one of the corners. Since it was used (and I couldn't figure it out after opening it up, either), I assumed that it was due to wear. Also, two of the buttons didn't depress properly. They would register you pressing them, but didn't travel more than 1/16 inch.

I assume that a new Agetec arcade stick wouldn't have any of these issues, and I do think that the stick felt good. I'd like to get another one in better condition, but they're neither common nor cheap.

[Kevin Listwan]

How about one under $30.

[bargora]

I don't know of any DC sticks under $30, but then I haven't looked, really. I'd bet that they're probably crap, though.

[digitalpress]

So how exactly does the Xarcade handle the whole analog stick vs digital pad thing?

Ah! Good question. The button on the side of the stick toggles between analog and digital. Tap it, the stick is analog. Tap it again, it's digital. Works great!

Of course for the driving games there's nothing quite like a steering controller, I like the Mad Catz rumble wheel for that.

[ClubNinja]

I don't know of any DC sticks under $30, but then I haven't looked, really. I'd bet that they're probably crap, though.

Topmax Enforcer. Mine was $4.99 new at EB, and while it's not the greatest stick in the world by any means, it does the job just fine. Far from crap. I use it exclusively for 2D fighters on the DC and have no complaints - though I really want to get one of those Saturn to DC adapters so I can play with the Saturn pad.

[Kid Ice]

Topmax Enforcer. Mine was $4.99 new at EB, and while it's not the greatest stick in the world by any means, it does the job just fine. Far from crap. I use it exclusively for 2D fighters on the DC and have no complaints - though I really want to get one of those Saturn to DC adapters so I can play with the Saturn pad.

The Saturn to DC converter is a good cheap option if you don't want to spring for an X-Arcade. Mine is by Innovation, although I don't remember what it's called, it has inputs for Saturn (IMO Saturn had the best controllers and sticks of any system), PSX, and a keyboard. . It does have a VMU slot, but I've found that quite unreliable, so I usually plug a DC controller into one of the other ports w/ a VMU.

I'm surprised by your endorsement of the Topmax stick, Ninja. It may be okay for shooters, but it is in no way serviceable for fighters. I experienced serious diagonal issues with that stick.

[ClubNinja]

Yeah, I'm surprised by my endorsement of the Topmax stick too ;)

Seriously though, I've never had any problems with it. It's not the greatest choice of stick available for the DC, but if you're looking for a bargain, then it's perfect. Incidently, I've also noticed some diagonal issues with the stick, but they've come up so rarely that it's been a non-issue for me. Still, a Saturn pad would kick its arse :)