Review: Razer Panthera Evo arcade stick (PlayStation 4, PC)

You can only work off the same design so many times before it feels like a retread. Starting with the premiere of the Xbox 360 Atrox model arcade stick in 2013, Razer has been utilizing that body type for years even through the following console generation. While there have been variations in the models, the core look always maintained. Five years following, Razer finally went back to the drawing board for a new design.

RAZER PANTHERA EVO REVIEW SCREENSHOTS

I came to Razer's newest stick expecting it to be a full-on successor to the Panthera, similar to what Mad Catz had done for the Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition series. In the end, I realized that it's not trying to one-up its brethren.

Despite the name, the Panthera Evo looks like it's more trying to pave its own path than carry on the lineage maintained by the normal Panthera. It tries to differentiate itself with features that try to improve on aspects found on existing sticks as well as experiment with new ideas. Priced at $199.99, like the original Panthera, did Razer hit the mark with this new model to convince players that it's just as worthy of a purchase as its fellow stick?

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Sanwa Denshi apparently discontinuing Silent JLF levers, increasing prices on various parts

[Update December 24, 11:24 p.m. PST]: After reaching out to Sanwa Denshi on Twitter, the company has told us that it will keep making JLF-TPRG levers while possibly discontinuing one of the variants. Sanwa also confirmed that there will be a price increase for some of the parts carrying pieces from OMRON. The company hasn't made a decision on how much more would parts be from the raise.

The popular Japanese arcade parts company Sanwa Denshi is facing some changes in its catalog.

As revealed by parts supplier Akishop, Sanwa's Silent JLF levers has apparently been discontinued. These were both the low tension JLF-TPRG-8AYT model, from 2014, and the higher tension JLF-TPRG-8BYT, from 2017. With that said, Akishop plans to sell the core parts from these levers so existing JLF users can add them in the near future. It's currently unknown if other arcade parts suppliers will also do the same.

Akishop then revealed from a email by Sanwa that, due to increased prices recently set by OMRON, a manufacturer that supplies some of the core pieces in Sanwa parts, various products will get the same treatment. These include the popular JLF lever as well as the various OBS pushbuttons. OMRON also provides pieces to Seimitsu which can also affect the prices of those various parts. As for full arcade sticks carrying Sanwa parts, their prices might possibly face an increase in overall cost.

If both pieces of information are true, this might be a good time to possibly get the last of the Silent JLF levers or pick up other parts for current prices.

Not much else, such as specific prices for products, has been revealed at the time of this piece. IPLAYWINNER has reached out to Sanwa Denshi for comment on both matters.

Review: Paradise Arcade Shop Magenta analog to digital programmable add-on for Sanwa Denshi JLF

The Sanwa Denshi JLF is arguably the most popular arcade stick lever to date. While its stock iteration is the golden standard within the fighting game community, there have been variants mostly designed to cater to those who wanted something a bit quieter. The Silent JLF series of models reduces the sound to almost nonexistent levels while still maintaining comparable performance. They have been hits in recent years, resulting in Sanwa making follow-up models.

Many years ago, however, Sanwa worked on noise-reduction tech with their JLF replacement PCB: the Flash. Instead of using switches, the Flash uses optics to figure out where the JLF's shaft is traveling. Not only does the optical PCB succeed in minimizing sound output, but it also ensures optimal performance even when extensively used for years. Unfortunately, Sanwa discontinued the Flash in 2006. This, along with other optical levers such as the Happ Perfect360, sell for high prices in the secondhand market. While there have been similar optical JLF PCBs from enterprising technicians in the scene in the years following, they all faced a similar fate. This is not to mention that the Flash and other optical PCBs required more effort to properly install and use, an unappealing aspect at the time. Regardless, they were ahead of their time. Nowadays, players are more adept at modding their sticks and are willing to experiment with new things. This is a perfect time to make a switchless PCB.

Paradise Arcade Shop, an arcade parts supplier in the United States, wants to take on the optical challenge with a replacement JLF PCB that not only scratches the itch of those who wanted the Flash, but also improves it. Teased for years in FGC forums, the Magenta is finally available and provides an experience that rivals that of optical PCBs with new technology and additional features that various folks can appreciate.

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Virtual-On's first three games coming to PlayStation 4, Tanita's twin stick crowdfunding project succeeds

Players will be able to have a convenient chance to try out the beginning entries of Sega's all-robotic arena fighting game series Cyber Troopers: Virtual-On.

The original Virual-On game, along with its sequels Oratorio Tangram and Force, will be coming to the PlayStation 4. According to Famitsu, Oratorio Tangram will be based on version 5.66, the last update found on both Sega NAOMI and Xbox 360. As of now, no release date nor pricing details have been announced.

This news came from an announcement from Sega's COO Kenji Matsubara on a stream by Tanita, a health products manufacturer. While not known for gaming peripherals, Tanita looked to make a twin stick for Virtual-On games including the recently released A Certain Magical Virtual-On. With help from Sanwa Denshi, Tanita restarted Twin Stick Project Z and looked into Japanese crowdfunding site Campfire to gauge interest. The project succeeded in surpassing its minimum 44.6 million yen requirement.

IGN Korea interviews Nin & owner of Green Arcade about history, custom parts & closure

IGNThe well-known Korean arcade dedicated to Tekken might be closed, but its legacy remains.

IGN Korea writer Lee Dong-hun recently interviewed Nin and then-owner Yoon Kyung-sik about the end of Green Game Land arcade. Both Nin and Yoon talked about how the arcade ran before its untimely closure, its 21-year existence, its hospitality to visiting players and the future for the owner.

One of the most popular things about Green Arcade was their highly coveted custom lever. Commonly referred to as the Green Lever, Yoon goes into detail about the development of what he felt was the ideal lever. This also expands to the notion of work on a custom pushbutton.

The four page piece, which includes pictures of the now-closed arcade, can be found here. There is currently no English translation of the article.

Nacon announces Daija Arcade Stick for PS4 at Gamescom 2018, coming Fall 2018 in Europe

[Update Aug. 23 2:00am PDT]: The Daija stick does carry Sanwa Denshi parts according to Kayane.

European peripherals manufacturer Nacon is joining the arcade stick fray with its own design.

Called the Daija Arcade Stick, this product is a change for Nacon, who is more commonly associated for its third-party controllers for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as well as PC accessories. This will work for PS4, PlayStation 3 and PC.

The stick has a box-like aesthetic with a noticeable hand rest just below the main panel as well as a grille pattern on the side. The main panel seems that it can be customizable to allow custom artwork. The right side, which includes special controls, also features a red button that likely allow players instant access to the Daija's internals. It also features headset support. As for the stick's parts, it's currently unknown what it will offer but the box does hint that the Daija will possibly be using those from Sanwa Denshi.

This was announced at Gamescom 2018 in Cologne, Germany. Along with promotion from Nacon themselves, French player Marie-Laure "Kayane" Norindr was also promoting the stick.

According to Kayane, the Daija Arcade Stick is planned for a Fall 2018 release in Europe for €199.99. She also mentioned that there are plans to release it outside the region.

Samducksa experimenting with Cherry MX switch-capable pushbuttons

Photo by Yo-o, SamducksaSouth Korea's major arcade parts manufacturer Samducksa (aka Crown) is joining the trend of others who have arcade pushbuttons capable of accepting Cherry MX mechanical switches.

Samducksa employee Yo-o posted on Korean community forum Ruliweb showing off buttons, similar to their SDB-201 line, utilizing Cherry MX switches. This is different from Samducka's usual use of Futaba MA Clicky switches for some of the company's popular buttons. Featured switches from Cherry include the popular linear-based red; tactile and clicky blue; and the recent silver models.

Along with the Cherry MX switches themselves, the button also uses adapters and other pieces for them to properly work. For those who like LEDs, one of the mounting pieces allows for easy clearance for LED controllers to connect to.

Yo-o stated that while Futaba switches found on the SDB-201 were designed to compete with the Cherry MX switches, this project's aim is to provide more options for players.

Other companies have provided many different ways to introduce Cherry MX switches to pushbuttons. Gamer Finger introduced the tech in its proprietary HBFS button family; Paradise Arcade Shop introduced drop in kits for Sanwa Denshi OBSF-30 buttons as part of the OBS-MX line; and Razer will be introducing its own mechanical switches, based on the Cherry MX switches, to buttons found on the upcoming Panthera Evo arcade stick.

While there is no date, it's planned to release in the coming future.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite-themed Razer Panthera officially announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2018

The biggest comic book and entertainment convention in the United States was the place for Razer to fully reveal itd newest game-branded version of the Panthera arcade stick.

The peripherals company was finally able to show off the Panthera featuring Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite branding at San Diego Comic Con 2018. This version features panel artwork by Long Vo, designed to be a homage to the promotional poster of the first Marvel vs. Capcom by Kinu Nishimura. Aside from the art, its feature set is no different from the original, Street Fighter V and Dragon Ball FighterZ variants of the Panthera. You can expect easy access to the internal compartment, high end parts from Sanwa Denshi, a detachable USB cable and more.

Prior to the official announcement, the stick was leaked on eBay from a comic book store back in May with the listing closed shortly afterwards. It was then featured at the most recent E3, serving as a teaser to the SDCC reveal.

While the Razer Store shows the MVCI Panthera to be out of stock, expect it to be available to buy in the near future.

Hori offering bonus prize pool at Evo 2018 for representing Street Fighter V players

One of the major arcade stick manufacturers is looking for players to represent it at this coming Evolution tournament, with an added benefit.

Hori is doing a casting call for players who use a Hori-branded controller or arcade stick and have signed up for Street Fighter V at Evo 2018 to represent the company. Those who can place at least top 100 in the tournament will qualify for Hori's own prize pool. The amount ranges from $100 if placed at around 65 to 96 and up to $3000 at top 8.

Qualified players will be notified on Aug. 1 and they will have to provide a copy of their email and a photo ID at the Hori booth at Evo to receive their branded shirt. This offer is only exclusive to Evo 2018 and will not carry over to future events.

Players can sign up on this form for their chance to qualify until July 20. More information such as terms and conditions can be found on the form.

Unreleased Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite-branded Razer Panthera arcade stick found on eBay

In the world of arcade sticks, eBay is more known for people selling their used sticks. It's very uncommon to see unreleased sticks like this one from Razer.

Seller Lehigh Valley Comics and Collectibles listed a Razer Panthera arcade stick featuring Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite branding. The box features some of the characters from the game unique to the normal version of the Panthera as well as the Marvel Gamerverse imprint. The stick's front panel art is reminiscent of a promotional poster from the first Marvel vs. Capcom likely done by Long Vo, known for the Street Fighter V edition of the Panthera.

Game-specific branding on Razer's stick is nothing new from the company. With the Atrox arcade stick, they have released models featuring artwork from Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition, Ultra Street Fighter IV and Killer Instinct.

Feature-wise, this version of the Panthera seems to be the same such as the ability to open the stick as well as have Sanwa Denshi arcade parts.

Lehigh Valley had been selling the stick for $995 but pulled it early on May 4 due to "an error with the listing." There is currently no info on why this version of the Panthera wasn't released or if there are other models out in the wild. We reached out to both Razer as well as Lehigh Valley Comics and Collectibles for info and will update whenever possible.

Review: HORI Fighting Edge arcade stick (PS4, PC)

The original HORI Fighting Edge, released back in 2012, was one of the coolest arcade sticks on the market at the time. It was HORI’s big attempt to not only make an original premium-level body design, but also introduce the company's proprietary high-quality arcade parts. When compared to other sticks during its release, the stick's edgy design and flashy features were something not found in other sticks made by other companies. In hindsight, the result turned out mostly successful. The stick was a popular choice for players. The parts were featured on future HORI sticks, with the buttons later upgraded on other models. But when consoles reached the next generation, a new version of the Fighting Edge was missing in action up until now.

HORI FIGHTING EDGE SCREENSHOTS

Exclusive to the PlayStation 4, the latest model of the Fighting Edge comes with changes in both the visual and playability departments. Some of these alterations are for the better, while others might irk you depending on your love for the original model. There are still many things left untouched to show that, in essence, it’s still the same old Fighting Edge, but for the next generation.

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PlayStation 4 version of Hori Fighting Edge available now

The newest version of the Fighting Edge arcade stick from Hori came to North America ahead of its early 2018 release in Japan.

You can get the PlayStation 4 version of the Fighting Edge either from Hori directly or at Arcade Shock right now. The Fighting Edge, first available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, combined Hori's large form factor design with its own arcade-quality parts. 

The PS4 Fighting Edge swaps the plexi top panel with that of a brushed metal design. This model opts to have a variety of special controls placed in different parts of the body instead of using the previous generation's LED touch panel. This model still features Hori's proprietary Hayabusa lever, but now also has Hayabusa pushbuttons instead of the Kuro set found in the original version. There is also support for 3.5mm headphones and headsets found in the front of the Fighting Edge.

The Japanese release of the Fighting Edge is currently set for Jan. 15, 2018.

GamerFinger returns with new version of mechanical HBFS pushbuttons

Photo by GamerFingerTaiwan-based arcade parts company GamerFinger was at TW Fighting Major after some absence away to introduce the newest version of its marquee product. 

The mechanical HBFS—short for Harder Better Faster Stronger—arcade pushbutton series is now at its third generation. Named HBFS G3 Extreme Edition, aspects from previous versions of the HBFS-30 including support for various Cherry MX mechanical keyboard switches as well as built-in noise reduction pads return. A major trait found in the HBFS G3 is that it features both snap-in tabs as well as screw-in nuts for wide compatibility with different arcade stick bodies.

You can check out photos of the HBFS G3 buttons at the following links (1, 2, 3). GamerFinger will be selling both the 30mm and 24mm HBFS G3 buttons starting next week. Expect them to be available directly from GamerFinger's website.

PlayStation 4 version of Hori's Fighting Edge arcade stick coming to Japan in February 2018

One of Hori's popular arcade sticks from the last console generation will be returning next year.

The newest edition of the Fighting Edge series, now exclusive to the PlayStation 4, has been dated for a February 2018 release in Japan. The stick was teased back at Evolution 2016 at the Arcade Shock booth, featuring Sako's elaborate button layout. It was later featured, in a form similar to what's featured now, at Hori's booth the following year.

Instead of a pure black or white color scheme on the main panel, the new model uses a brushed metal aesthetic combined with black surrounding it. Despite the FE being a PS4 stick, there is no dedicated PlayStation 3 switch. It does, however, have PC support through XInput. Hori is still using their proprietary Hayabusa parts with this Fighting Edge.

The core body design of the Fighting Edge still remains, but there have been some changes done to the features. One of the most notable aspects at first glance is the lack of a LED touch pad for the special controls. This has been effectively replaced by a normal Options button on the top right of the main panel with the rest of the special controls located just under the right side handle. Touch Pad can be found on the front end at the same spot the secondary compartment was originally located. The original FE's special modes such as button assignment and Tournament are still available in this model.

If you live in Japan, you can pre-order now on Amazon Japan. As for a North American release, stay tuned for updates.

Review: Qanba Aegis arcade fight stick bag

There are arcade sticks of many sizes. Most of them can probably fit in a normal school backpack. But what if your stick is out of the ordinary? It probably won't fit in those bags and even if it can, there is the possibility the bag can damage your stick in some way. When it comes to protection, there are dedicated arcade stick bags that can do that, but size is another story since the bags were were made for specific, mostly normal-sized sticks. Big arcade sticks have been relatively uncommon for years.

With the release of the Dragon stick, Qanba realized that something needed to be done to have people easily carry it to tournaments. The Guardian bag, while good, simply doesn't work with the Dragon. The answer to this beast of a stick is the recently released Aegis bag. If you have a Dragon stick or another large stick, then you might might want to seriously consider this bag.

Instead of taking a similar route found with the Guardian, which was just a newer version of the Defender, the Aegis is a new design. Aside from the hard rubber feet from the bottom end and side drink holder, this bag contains very few aspects of the Defender design.

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Arcade Stick Indonesia announces retail version of Golden Fanta mod kit for Korean levers

Korean arcade stick users who want modding flexibility for their levers might want to look into trying this kit out.

The Golden Fanta is a mod kit made by Arcade Stick Indonesia designed to provide users the ability to swap various parts of the Myoungshin Fanta or Taeyoung Fanta levers. The kit features different sizes of brass shafts and actuators. There are also silicone grommets of various tension levels. Those who want steady microswitchs can make use of the two-piece switch support unit. Owners will have to look into using a Sanwa Denshi LB-35 bat top if using one of the Golden Fanta's shafts, however.

I have personally been trying out an earlier version the Golden Fanta kit for a while. I'm glad to see it evolve to the point where it's not only easier to tinker with but also easier to obtain.

If you are looking into getting the Golden Fanta, check it out here! For those who have Crown/Samducksa levers, a Golden Crown kit is currently in the works so check out the dedicated Korean arcade parts thread on Shoryuken for more info.

Brook Xbox, PlayStation to Switch converters available for preorder

Brook Accessory's new Super Converters that allow players to use Xbox and PlayStation controllers on the Nintendo Switch console are now available for preorder.

Brook's Super Converters have become a standard option for players who do not want to modify the internal components of their arcade stick or pad. The forthcoming devices will allow players to use modern Xbox (Xbox 360 or Xbox One) or PlayStation controllers (PS3 or PS4) on their Switch console.

The converters can be purchased at Arcade Shock or Focus Attack, and are scheduled to ship at the end of August 2017.

Review: Crown SDL-301-DX Infiltration signature Korean arcade stick lever

The Tekken community in South Korea, as well as international players, responded positively to the 309 arcade stick lever by Crown (aka Samducksa). Being a collaboration with Tekken player Help Me, it was considered the first signature lever on the market. The arcade parts manufacturer wanted to continue this trend with a new model. Coming off the heels of Evo 2016, Crown worked with the Street Fighter V champion Infiltration to make a new lever.

The SDL-301-DX signature lever combines aspects from an experimental design as well as input from Infiltration. Compared to other Korean levers on the market, it's the most distinct when it comes to feel. It aims to have some qualities found in Japanese levers such as the popular Sanwa Denshi JLF while featuring necessary Korean traits. After months of testing and anticipation, is the lever all it's cracked up to be?

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Infiltration's signature SDL-301-DX arcade stick lever from Crown coming August

Players will be able to get their hands on a lever designed by Korean arcade parts company Crown (Samducksa) in collaboration with one of the biggest names in competitive Street Fighter today.

The SDL-301-DX Infiltration lever is planned to be released on Aug. 5, 2017, for 40,000 won. Originally concieved in 2014 as an experimental lever with both Korean and Japanese qualities, the project was revived when Infiltration collaborated with Crown in 2016. Designed with Japanese arcade sticks in mind, especially the Razer Panthera, players can try out what Infiltration is actually using in tournaments.

The release will come in three models, with normal, red and green transparent bat tops. It's unknown what overseas stores will carry the SDL-301-DX and what it will be priced at. Stay tuned not only for updates but for our review of Infiltration's own lever here on IPLAYWINNER!

Paradise Arcade Shop's analog joystick lever Project Magenta coming this fall, introduced at Evo 2017

During my time at this year's Evolution, I checked out the Shoryuken Team Tech Talk booth which showed off Paradise Arcade Shop's upcoming product that has been in the works for a couple of years.

Project Magenta is a PCB for the Sanwa Denshi JLF joystick lever that effectively replaces the stock switches. This in turn makes the JLF change from having digital outputs to being an analog lever. Even the exposed side of the PCB shows which directions you triggered. For players who want to hear switch clicks, it's possible with the Magenta.

One of the big reasons that Magenta is aiming for an analog solution is so players can adjust both directional and cardinal zones thanks to its dedicated calibration software. Not only can you adjust the overall zones but you can even customize individual areas. If you want to have no neutral dead zone or maybe only want down left to have more coverage, it's definitely possible with Magenta. The PCB does require a five-volt power source so you will need a JLF harness with six pins and wires with some modding required

If you are worried about legality in tournaments, Magenta is tournament legal. Evo's Mr. Wizard is the product's first customer! The plan is that the Magenta will launch some time this fall so follow the Shoryuken thread for updates.