« The Last Minute Arcade Stick Buying Guide 2014 Edition Part 1: Mad Catz »
The Phantomnaut
It's time once again to introduce the new edition of the yearly feature series, The Last Minute Arcade Stick Buying Guide! For those looking to buy a new arcade stick for the biggest fighting game tournament or even shopping for their first stick ever, this is your chance to see what companies have in store!
While this edition of the guide will focus more on peripherals compatible with Xbox 360, take note that some will have a version that can work on PlayStation 3. In addition to showcasing arcade sticks, the guide will delve into additional content including controller pads so stay tuned!
To kick things off, let's take a look at what's currently available from one of the major peripheral companies, Mad Catz. Ever since introducing the Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition during the launch of Street Fighter IV in 2009, Mad Catz has been a flagship company for arcade sticks all around the world.
Arcade FightStick PRO ($129.99)
The Arcade FightStick PRO series is currently the principal stick sold. Originally introduced as branded sticks for Street Fighter X Tekken, the PRO models feature a rectangular body distinct from their popular TE models. The shell's grooves on the side are influenced by the Namco Noir arcade cabinet.
As with most Mad Catz arcade sticks, the PRO includes a quality Sanwa JLF lever and Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons installed in a genuine Taito Vewlix Layout. The 13-foot USB cable can be contained in a storage compartment. The start and select buttons are found in the front of the stick to avoid accidental mispresses mid-match, but players can also lock functionality through the special control panel. The stick has enough weight for it to stay in place on either your lap or desk while not being a burden.
The Arcade FightStick PRO is enough to satisfy the needs of most fighting game players.
Arcade FightStick KE ($129.99)
Mad Catz also has an arcade stick featuring a lever not commonly found in its other models. The Arcade FightStick KE (short for Korean Edition) replaces the Sanwa JLF lever with the Crown CWJ-303A from South Korea. Different from the JLF and other Japanese levers, Korean levers are primarily circular and use a rubber grommet, instead of springs, to create tension. This system allows for faster return to neutral stage and smoother circular movement.
The KE also features Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons housed in a small body originally found in the Arcade FightStick SE models.
Tekken players will be able to perform constant movement consistently. Players who use grapplers in 2-D fighters can execute 360°/720°s easier. It might not be for everybody but it's a nice change from the usual Mad Catz line.
Discontinued Models
Those who want to get the older models will have to buy in various resale outlets such as eBay or Craigslist. There should be an abundant amount of listings for many Mad Catz sticks. Prices will vary between models but factors such as condition and availability in its original production run will also shape cost. Pay at your own risk. Here are some discontinued models.
Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition S Tekken Hybrid modelArcade FightStick Tournament Edition- Arcade FightStick Standard Edition
- Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition Round 2
- Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition Limited (Femme Fatale, San Diego Comic Con)
- Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition S (Super Street Fighter IV, Tekken Hybrid)
- Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition S+ (Tekken Tag Tournament 2)
- Arcade FightStick V.S. (Street Fighter X Tekken, SH)
- Arcade FightStick PRO (Street Fighter X Tekken, Sanrio)
Other Information
One trait found in most Mad Catz sticks is the ability to mod with ease. With only a couple of simple tools, you can easily replace stock parts with accessories that best suit your needs. Xbox 360 models can work with some special printed circuit boards for multi-platform compatibility.
After downloading the driver from Microsoft, all 360 sticks by Mad Catz are confirmed to work on PC for those who want to play Ultra Street Fighter IV, Skullgirls, The King of Fighters XIII and emulators on the platform.
In addition to sticks, Mad Catz also sells carrying bags, accessories and replacement parts on its web store.
While Mad Catz sticks are sold online, they can be found in some special retail stores. Sticks are also sold at tournaments and other events sponsored by the company. There are also feature sales on MCZ models, so for those who want to save some money follow Mad Catz's Twitter feed.
Mad Catz issued its true successor to the Tournament Edition series on Xbox One. Stay tuned for a future iteration of the The Last Minute Arcade Stick Buying Guide focusing more on next generation sticks! The next part will be on Hori, Japan's most recognized manufacturer for controllers and arcade sticks!
