« The Last Minute Arcade Stick Buying Guide 2014 Edition Part 4: More Arcade Sticks »
The Phantomnaut
With Mad Catz, Hori and Qanba/Eightarc covered, here are some more arcade sticks to check out.
Most sticks featured in this edition of the guide have compatibility on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Players looking for a unique multiplatform stick different from the competition will probably find worth in these models. Some featured sticks are normally sold outside North America, so players will likely need to pay international shipping to receive them. There is also the possible risk of sticks carrying no warranty or return policy. To players who have more money to spend and are willing to gamble, here is the list.
Widely known for its brand of hardcore gaming-central controllers and devices, Razer created the Atrox for the fighting game community.
Razer's inaugural arcade stick is an amalgamation of features found on various competitive models in the market as well as adding the company's own technology. One of the biggest draws is the ability to access the stick's internals with the press of a button. Once opened, there is a lot of space to work with for modding the stick. The lever and buttons can easily be replaced with the included multi-tool, the detachable cable can be housed inside and special third party PCBs can be added and attached thanks to the Atrox's honeycomb screw structure. All of it is housed in a well-sized ABS plastic body that packs a good amount of weight.
It also includes a rubber antislip bottom mat featuring the Razer logo. The start and select buttons are placed on the side to prevent accidental pauses on the front. Being a Xbox 360 stick, the Atrox also features a Xbox Live headset port.
Despite its premium price, the Razer Atrox has a lot of flexibility for people who want multiplatform compatibility or to add additional things like LED support and more!
Etokki Omni ($195 + International Shipping)
Straight from South Korea, Etokki's Laugh has his own arcade stick bridging the gap between standard models and custom-made creations.
The Etokki Omni sports an all-metal chassis influenced by Sega's Virtua Stick High Grade. Being at its fifth revision, the body has been improved for better maintenance and durability. With a Paewang Revolution multiplatform PCB installed in every Omni stick, players can play on both 360 and PlayStation 3.
Players can also swap between both Japanese and Korean arcade parts. With the right plexiglass and parts, an Omni with a Sanwa Denshi JLF lever and OBSF-30 buttons can be exchanged for a Myoungshin Fanta lever and Samducksa/Crowin/Crown CWB203A buttons.
Versions of the Etokki Omni are limited when announced so keep a look out for future updates.
Joytron EXChanger ($123 + International Shipping)
Also from South Korea, peripheral company Joytron has its own arcade stick featuring some traits found in the Etokki Omni.
The EXChanger bears compatibility for both PS3 and 360 through a switch found in the stick's special control panel. It can also equip Japanese and Korean levers thanks to its special metal panel. The EXChanger also supplies tools to properly install the levers. While it features OEM buttons by Qanba, they can be easily replaced with Japanese buttons.
Like the Razer Atrox, the EXChanger has the ability to open its interior with the press of a button. As a precaution the stick also has a lock system on the sides of the modernist-like body.
Outside of concerns from the stick's PCB, the EXChanger is an interesting stick to import.
Acteck Combo Breaker ($59 + Shipping)
Down south in Mexico, electronics company Acteck manufactured its own multiplatform stick.
In addition to 360 and PS3 compatibility, the Combo Breaker is also equipped to work on PlayStation 2.
While it doesn't feature Sanwa Denshi parts as advertised, the stick can be modded to work with the parts. For its low price, the Combo Breaker can be great for modding projects or even salvaging the all-in-one PCB.
Other Sticks
Gamerbee's arcade stick by Vetash 32In Taiwan, there are two arcade stick manufacturers to look out for if you are in the country. Vetash32 is a local staple in the scene for selling his own sticks to players. Using his own case as a basis, players can choose what they prefer including layout, PCB, etc. Players from Taiwan including Yoro and Gamerbee are known to exclusively use Vetash's sticks.
Also from Taiwan is the arcade stick company Keep Design in Taiwan, KDiT for short. KDiT manufacturers sticks similar to Mad Catz and Hori sticks. They currently sell a model with platform variants and all are equipped with parts from Sanwa Denshi.
From South Korea, IST Solution has a model called the Makestick Pro. Like the EXChanger and the Omni, the Makestick Pro can be equipped with Japanese or Korean levers. Various players in the scene including MadKOF are known users.
Next episode will be on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 arcade sticks!
