The best fight sticks give you better control, more directional accuracy, and greater tactile feedback in arcade-style games. They’re more comfortable, natural, and satisfying to operate for fighting games and their design is inspired by the controls found in traditional arcade uprights.
The button and stick inputs are spread across your arms and hands rather than relying primarily on your thumbs. Trust us, when you’re spamming Hadoukens on Street Fighter, your thumbs will be thankful for a fight stick.
For our money, we’d plump for the Nacon Daija, a premium fight stick that exudes quality and craftsmanship. Its Sanwa quality parts also offer that unmistakable arcade feel. If you’re on a budget, the 8Bitdo Arcade Stick or Hori Fight Stick Alpha will serve you well. Then there’s the Qanba Drone, which allows you to swap out the parts for better components. We’ve tried and tested the best arcade fight sticks to help you find one at the right size and price.
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The best fight sticks
7.
Hit Box – best hitbox controller
Nacon Daija specifications:
Compatibility |
PC, Xbox, PlayStation |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Cable length |
3m |
Dimensions |
456 x 324 x 168mm (17.9 x 12.7 x 6.6-inches) |
Weight |
3.5kg |
Reasons to buy
- Premium build quality
- Removable faceplates
- Lock button for tournament play
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive
- Not very portable
- Wired-only connection
This seemingly simple-looking fight stick is a real beast in functionality, design, and heft. Designed in collaboration with Kayane, a premier French esports player, the Daija clearly has its sights set on attracting professional and competition-level gamers.
On the surface, there’s a textured palm rest, swappable sticks, and a button lock feature to prevent accidental presses. The right side houses the auxiliary inputs such as L3, R3, and the PS5’s trackpad, which takes some getting used to, but is well worth it if you want to game at a competitive level.
The Daija is also hugely customizable, with plenty of space within its innards for swapping over button profiles and components. It’s also super responsive, with Sanwa parts replicating that arcade experience. That makes it our controller of choice for competition players, even if its weight makes it less than ideal for carrying it around. Additionally, the Daija’s high price might make it a hard sell for entry-level players who want to casually enjoy retro games or fighting games.
Read our Nacon Daija Arcade Stick review.
Hori Fighting Stick Alpha
Best fight stick for PC and Xbox
Hori Fighting Stick Alpha specifications:
Compatibility |
PC, Xbox, PlayStation |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Cable length |
3m |
Dimensions |
480 x 365 x 165mm (18.9 x 14.3 x 6.5-inches) |
Weight |
3.3kg |
Reasons to buy
- Excellent alternative to Sanwa parts
- Tournament lock button
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
Reasons to avoid
- Uninspiring Xbox design
- Can feel bulky
- Cable not detachable
Though Sanwa parts are the gold standard arcade components, there’s room at the top for another brand. Hori’s Hayabusa stick and buttons are highly regarded even among the most discerning competition players, and that’s a tradition that continues with the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha. Its button profile and layout make it ideal for Xbox use.
The stick is extremely sensitive, but once you get used to it, you’ll be pulling off ultra combos with ease thanks to its short travel, pin-sharp accuracy, and responsiveness. The matte buttons are also hardworking and solid, while the auxiliary buttons are held near the top of the unit, making accidental presses almost impossible.
While the blue color scheme of the PlayStation version is nice enough, we’re a little underwhelmed by the Xbox version’s slightly drab white and gray design. Thankfully, the panel is removable, and you can easily get your hands on replacement custom art, thanks to Hori’s templates.
The Alpha is also one of the easier sticks to customize. Flipping a latch lets you access the stick’s internals, so replacing the buttons and stick is a breeze. With accurate controls and a good balance of portability and heft, it’s a real contender if you’re in the esports space.
Mayflash F500 Elite
The best fight stick for multiple platforms.
Mayflash F500 Elite specifications:
Compatibility |
PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Cable Length |
90 – 100cm |
Dimensions |
362 x 233 x 115mm (14.2 x 9.1 x 4.5-inches) |
Weight |
2.4kg |
Reasons to buy
- Universal compatibility
- Sanwa parts
- Sanwa parts
Reasons to avoid
- No L3/R3 buttons
- Design could be better
There aren’t many fight sticks that offer cross-console compatibility for those who play across both PC and home consoles, but even then, why should you need to buy more than one? Thankfully, Mayflash has your back with its F500 Elite.
It features buttons labeled with both PlayStation and Xbox input sets, with its respective Select and Home buttons wisely placed well away from the fray.
Though it’s not the most intimidating stick, there’s something wonderfully analog about the F500’s design, right down to the 80s-style white lettering in the bottom corner. However, we must admit to preferring the sharp red button and black panel design of the standard F500. That said, gamers can also swap out this design with their own custom art by removing the acrylic panel.
Thankfully, unlike its cheaper brother, the F500 Elite features Sanwa arcade components, instantly boosting its build quality and accuracy. The unit is also easily customizable, with removable metal panels allowing access to its internals. The lack of the L3 and R3 buttons is a weird omission, however. Despite this, the controls are responsive, and the unit is nicely balanced.
Hori Fighting Stick Mini
Most compact fight stick
Hori Fighting Stick Mini specifications:
Compatibility |
PC, PS4, PS5 |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Cable length |
2.5m |
Dimensions |
87 x 150 x 210mm (3.4 x 5.9 x 8.3-inches) |
Weight |
467g |
Reasons to buy
- Highly portable compact design
- Ideal for those with small hands
Reasons to avoid
- Well be too small for some
- No room for modding
Are you someone with small hands who has found that some of these other fight sticks are too large to use comfortably? Or do you want a lighter fight stick that you can easily bring with you when traveling? Look no further than the Hori Fighting Stick Mini – an impressive piece of hardware wrapped in a small package.
The only real limitation of its size is the fact that it effectively rules out modding. While other fighting sticks on this list have enough room for you to swap out buttons and customize the pads to make them your own, it’s just not possible here as the case is very shallow and all the buttons are fixed in place and cannot be removed. For out-of-the-box play, this isn’t an issue, but if you like building the ultimate pad for tournaments, this probably isn’t going to be for you. People with large hands might also find it a little bit too small.
Still, the small size is the entire point of the product, and in terms of the button placements, and the feel of the stick, there’s absolutely nothing to fault. It’s perfectly proportioned for you to carry it in a bag without it feeling too heavy. You can even use it on PlayStation, if you also happen to be a console gamer.
8Bitdo Arcade Stick
The best fight stick with Switch compatibility.
8Bitdo Arcade Stick specifications:
Compatibility |
PC, Switch |
Connectivity |
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wired |
Cable length |
3m |
Dimensions |
303 x 203 x 111.5mm (11.9 x 8 x 4.4-inches) |
Weight |
2.1kg |
Reasons to buy
- Easily programmable
- Decent build quality
- Multiple connectivity options
Reasons to avoid
- No support for PlayStation/Xbox
- Design might feel too retro for some
- Not quite arcade-quality construction
Let 8Bitdo take you back to a simpler, more pixelated time with its Arcade Stick. We’re big fans of this stick’s retro Famicom-esque design (which will appeal to PC gamers with a soft spot for Nintendo), which blends its familiar red, gray, and black styling for an instantly recognizable look. Robust rubber feet adorn its 2kg body, which is decent, though we’ve seen heavier sticks. The last thing you need is the unit slip-sliding around while you’re mid-combo.
The Arcade Stick is also super versatile in function. Not only does it come with a generously lengthy 3m cable, but you can also use it wirelessly via the Bluetooth connection or 2.4Ghz USB receiver. Buttons are easily reprogrammable, and the platform itself is open for tinkerers to customize at will.
While there are cheaper options out there, the 8Bitdo Arcade Stick is a solid mid-range fight stick. It just misses out on a grand slam home run as this model is only compatible with Nintendo Switch and PC, meaning cross-platform users will need to look elsewhere.
Best all-button fight controller
Razer Kitsune specifications:
Compatibility |
PC, PS5 |
Connection |
USB-C |
Switches |
Razer Low-Profile Linear Optical (Reds) |
Weight |
800g |
Dimensions |
296 x 210 x 19.2mm (11.65 x 8.27 x 0.76-inches) |
Reasons to buy
- The first officially licensed all-button controller
- Linear switches are a big step up from Sanwa buttons
- Feels like a premium product despite the small form factor
Reasons to avoid
- No RGB lighting on any of the buttons
- No way to adjust the button layout or SOCD functionality via software
Razer’s entry into the world of dedicated fight and arcade controllers puts a different spin on the all-button approach. Instead of using a stick or lever for direction, the input is via buttons – a bit like using WASD keys on a keyboard.
All-button controllers like the Kitsune have been relatively niche up until recently so most units – such as the Hit Box below – have been bulky and expensive. The Kitsune, though, is a more low-profile design that’s more comfortable for use on a desk. And it’s gorgeous to look at. Plus, It uses keyboard switches underneath its buttons, rather than traditional fight stick switches (such as made by Sanwa). These optical keyboard switches make for a smoother and more responsive feel.
The Kitsune is also the first all-button controller to be officially licensed for PS5 use, so is guaranteed to work with all games and includes a DualSense Touchpad along with Option and Share buttons.
Some slight downsides include the fact that the buttons aren’t RGB-illuminated (when it’s a common feature on keyboards with similar switches) and that it’s quite expensive, especially given that lack of customization and modability it provides. Still, you can remove the top plate and get funky Street Fighter Cammy and Chun Li tops. If you’re after a high-performance, compact fight controller, the Razer Kitsune is hard to beat.
Read our full Razer Kitsune review.
Hit Box
Best premium all-button fight controller
Hit Box specifications:
Compatibility |
PC, PS4, Switch |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Cable length |
3m |
Dimensions |
406 x 179 x49mm (16 x 7 x 1.9-inches) |
Weight |
2kg |
Reasons to buy
- Cuts down on human error
- Less likely to cause hand fatigue
- Rock solid build quality
Reasons to avoid
- Takes some getting used to
- Not yet fully compatible with PS5
- Limited personalization options
Those resolved to master the alternative playing style of the Hit Box will find a highly rewarding fight stick. The Hit Box lacks the traditional stick, instead opting for four directional buttons partly intertwined on the unit’s surface, differentiated with a deep red or brilliant white. The buttons consist of Sanwa parts for best-in-class components, while the unit itself oozes quality with its slim steel frame and acrylic surface.
For veteran stick users, there’s a fair learning curve to mastering the Hit Box. However, many now swear by them for fighting games, as this unit involves less travel distance in its inputs, minimizing human error and giving you confidence in pulling off chain attacks in the heat of battle.
As a caveat, note that some competitions have outlawed the use of certain button profiles, so ensure you review all guidance if you’re buying one for tournament play. The Hit Box may be hard to master, but it has the potential to change your fighting game prowess for the better.
Qanba Drone
Best budget fight sticks
Qanba Drone specifications:
Compatibility |
PC, PS5 |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Cable length |
2.5m |
Dimensions |
326 x 221 x 115mm (12.8 x 8.7 x 4.5-inches) |
Weight |
1.5kg |
Reasons to buy
- Highly affordable
- LED indicators
- Very portable
Reasons to avoid
- Not the best build quality
- Buttons can feel loose
- Can feel too light
The Qanba Drone has been around for a good few years — its successor, the Drone 2, is new for 2023, but for its tempting price, we’re sticking with the original for this list. At under $80, it’s an absolute steal.
We’re fans of the Drone’s design, with a yellow honeycomb aesthetic that is both bright and striking. It’s built for portability too, with a weight that still feels solid but not a nuisance to carry around. There’s even a compartment to house the USB cable, meaning it won’t get tangled or worn down while inside a bag. Love it.
The shell does have a plasticky and light feel to it, but again, for the price, we can’t mark it down too harshly for that. However, we will say that the unit’s glossy surface collects fingerprints like nobody’s business, and you’ll be forever wiping away smears to maintain its sheen.
Though the stick feels fairly decent, and the buttons are responsive enough, there’s some looseness to the controls, so we’d recommend investing in some Sanwa parts if players want the best. Thankfully, swapping components out is relatively easy.
The Qanbra Drone is a great budget stick that still holds up pretty well, especially for casual play, but esports competitors might want to look elsewhere.
How to choose the best fight sticks
When shopping for the best fight sticks, think about what platform you’re going to use them. Some work across multiple consoles, while others are designed for PC use only.
For premium quality and that arcade experience, you’ll want a stick with Sanwa Denshi components. These globally-renowned parts from a Japanese gaming hardware manufacturer exude quality and the very best arcade feel, providing tangible stick resistance and buttons that feel satisfyingly springy and responsive.
When it comes to design and customization, arcade sticks tend to take up sizeable desk space, so measure up what you have to play with and go with a stick with suitable dimensions. Customization is all about whether you want to swap out sticks, buttons, and faceplates — some options offer easy swapping. And there are also programmable buttons and profiles to consider. You might want to swap button configurations around for easier or enhanced play during certain games, and the best sticks tend to make this process as painless as possible.
Weight and size are also factors. Sure, you’ll want a chunky unit to help minimize slipping, though weight can become a hindrance if you want to carry one to a tournament or even have it resting on your lap as you play. Many arcade sticks also provide options for wired or wireless play, and while it’s nice to go wireless for convenience, professionals always go wired for minimal input lag.
We’ll say it again; it’s really important to think about compatibility with your chosen system. Many work on a PC and another console, but cross-console compatibility is rare in fight sticks, so choose the one you’ll be using the most. Read our how we test page to find out how we pick and review products, and check out the FAQs below if you have any queries.
Why do people use fight sticks for fighting games?
Having the best PC controller for the game at hand will make you quicker, more responsive, and more competitive. Just as a PC steering wheel can make a huge difference for racing games, fight sticks, or arcade sticks, can enhance your experience in racing or retro games.
What fight stick do the pros use?
No one particular fight stick is widely used among professionals, but you will notice that they typically use well-respected brands, such as Nacon, Hori, and Qanba. Many of the fight sticks recommended in this list are suitable for pro-gaming, but if you decide to go for another option, we recommend sticking with these manufacturers.
Is a hitbox or fight stick better?
Both have their strengths – it all depends on the game you’re playing and your preferred gameplay style. The primary difference is that a hitbox depends exclusively on the use of directional buttons, rather than a control stick.
Some players may feel that the buttons provide a higher level of accuracy, while others might have a preference for the flexibility of the joystick. If there’s a specific game you want to get one for, it might be a good idea to check what professional players use for it.
How much does a good fight stick cost?
The very least that you can spend on a fight stick without getting a cheap piece of rubbish is about $50 (£70). This will get you a decent controller, but you will find others that are better than it. High-end models can cost up to about $300 (£250) and if you see anything beyond that price, the chances are it’s going to go beyond the needs of most players.
Are fight sticks loud?
Typically, a fight stick isn’t much noisier to use than a standard controller. If you’re worried about making the transition and creating noise pollution in your home, you can rest assured that this should not be a problem.
If you’re shopping around, you might also want to check out our list of the best PC joysticks. You also might want to look at our guide on the best gaming headset, if you play online a lot.