NeoGAF Arcade Stick Thread

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Quick question for anyone who owns both one of the SFIV SE FightSticks and the TvC FightStick for Wii: I'm a big fan of the TvC stick's matte finish. Does the SFIV SE stick share the same finish, or is it glossy (or just different)?

I ask because I completed my first mod... a full Seimitsu mod of my TvC stick. Played some Karous and SnS III, and I love it. Totally worth it...and I'm a big fan of the finish...I feel that it's very comfortable.

Now I feel like I want to mod something else... or perhaps even just buy a stick for the sole purpose of modding it. Has this happened to many of you?
 
That stick is pretty cute. Liking the clear Seimitsus.


-----

iO49m.jpg


This thing was announced recently.
Comes with the cat helmet edition of Mortal Kombat 2011.
Happ parts.
 
viewtiful_dru said:
If I want to fit Seimitsu clear buttons into an EX2, should I use snaps or screws.
Click to expand...

Use screw-ins. Always use screw-ins. They're less trouble to put in and remove and AFAIK they don't make clear Seimitsu snap-ins anymore.
 
So it does have Happ parts! That's pretty awesome of them to go for quality parts and not generic filler.

How many of those are you going to pick up markman?
 
hikarutilmitt said:
Use screw-ins. Always use screw-ins. They're less trouble to put in and remove and AFAIK they don't make clear Seimitsu snap-ins anymore.
Click to expand...
This. The EX2 buttons are a hassle to swap because they have these metal tabs on the top plate you have to file down, and screw-ins go in slightly easier.
 
_dementia said:
This. The EX2 buttons are a hassle to swap because they have these metal tabs on the top plate you have to file down, and screw-ins go in slightly easier.
Click to expand...

It's OK, it'll be my 3rd EX2 mod, and I'm handy with a Dremel ^_^
I've always used Sanwas in them, so I was curious how Seimitsus would fit.

It's going to have one of those new 'PS360' pcbs in it from akihabarashop.

Look forward to it
them actually...
.
 
Hey guys I got a question. I recently bought a bunch of stuff to mod my stick. My buttons and bat top are here but I'm still waiting on the plexi and bezel. I wanted to wait and do everything at once but since I got the buttons and bat top early I wanted to change the ball top to a bat top right now. I thought I could just keep twisting till the ball top came off but that doesn't seem to be the case. Do I have to open up the stick or what? I have a Mad Catz TE-S stick by the way.

EDIT: Oh and I would love to see someone use that MK stick for SSF4 or just about any other mainstream fighter just for the LOL's. That would be interesting to see if top players could adjust to the button placement and still hit there combos.
 
Rice-Eater said:
Do I have to open up the stick or what?
Click to expand...
Yes. Once open, use a flathead screwdriver to pin the base of the shaft down and then you'll be able to twist off the ball top.
What you're turning now is the entire shaft, not just the ball itself.
 
Rice-Eater said:
Hey guys I got a question. I recently bought a bunch of stuff to mod my stick. My buttons and bat top are here but I'm still waiting on the plexi and bezel. I wanted to wait and do everything at once but since I got the buttons and bat top early I wanted to change the ball top to a bat top right now. I thought I could just keep twisting till the ball top came off but that doesn't seem to be the case. Do I have to open up the stick or what? I have a Mad Catz TE-S stick by the way.
Click to expand...
TE-S still has a shaft cover, right? So you'll have to open up the top panel then use a flathead screwdriver to hold the shaft in place, then twist the balltop off.

EDIT: Beaten... orz

Uhh, I guess I'll add something of substance to this post. I got my PS360 PCBs from Akishop last weekend and installed one of them into a TE (removed the original 360 PCB that wasn't 100% reliable) while I was at home. So good. <3
 
Don't know if this is the right place for questions like this one, but well, I just bought a SF4 TE stick since I've read is of good quality, but I'm having actually using, I can't seem to find a confortable sweet spot at using it, I can do some basic movements (Quarter and Half circle motions) but I'm feeling that I'm still way better with a dpad

Any tips for an arcade stick newbie, how should I grab the stick? What are some good practices? maybe a game I should start with untill I get used to it?

My goal is basically to get better at fighting games and being able to pull off good combos
 
Found this info on GameStop regarding the upcoming MK stick:

* High quality, authentic Suzo Happ arcade parts for the ultimate in performance.
* Designed exclusively by NetherRealm Studios
* Inspired by the wooden arcade cabinets from the golden age of gaming
* Features the classic Mortal Kombat ergonomic button layout to best optimize game play.
* Memory foam underside for comfortable lap use
* Flip open lid for easy arcade part customization access and storage.
Click to expand...

I wonder what "inspired by the wooden arcade cabinets" actually means... like, if they're actually going to be made out of wood... not sure how I feel about that. I'm definitely liking the flip-open lid though.

Heh, I didn't even know they were rebooting MK until I read it here. I'm out of touch...
 
Ifrit said:
Don't know if this is the right place for questions like this one, but well, I just bought a SF4 TE stick since I've read is of good quality, but I'm having actually using, I can't seem to find a confortable sweet spot at using it, I can do some basic movements (Quarter and Half circle motions) but I'm feeling that I'm still way better with a dpad

Any tips for an arcade stick newbie, how should I grab the stick? What are some good practices? maybe a game I should start with untill I get used to it?
Click to expand...
Best way to practice is to go into training mode and turn input display on then just do reps of the motions you're having issues with over and over - input display will let you troubleshoot and repetition will build muscle memory. Honestly, the best feature of playing stick is the button layout (for pianoing/plinking/etc.) but yeah, learning how to manipulate the lever is difficult at first but ultimately it simply takes practice.

A lot of people seem to have success with using Daigo's grip, so maybe give that a shot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRnfXzax94c#t=0h6m36s

And keep in mind that Japanese arcade parts are quite sensitive, so you don't need to push the lever very far to register motions - don't jam the stick to the edge (aka ride the gate) when pushing it just far enough to hear/feel the click of the microswitch is sufficient.

Good luck!
 
Thanks for the reply Dementia and ExMachina. I don't know why I thought it would be that simple but I did. I think I'll just wait till everything comes in instead of popping open to do that right now.

Ifrit said:
Any tips for an arcade stick newbie, how should I grab the stick? What are some good practices? maybe a game I should start with untill I get used to it?
Click to expand...

My only advice is patience. If you've never played on a arcade stick or played on one seriously then the learning curve is pretty high. I've played on stick before but never seriously tried to learn it. Anyways I've been playing SF4/SSF4 for the first year on pad. Then I finally decided to invest in a stick and it was a very frustrating. So many times I contemplated going back to pad, I even whined about it on the forums a number of times. But I was able to stick to it and now I'm well adjusted to using it. But it took me at least 2 months just to say I felt comfortable using one. So it's going to take a lot of time. Some people can pick it up in 2 weeks, for the rest of us it'll probably take months.
 
yyr said:
I wonder what "inspired by the wooden arcade cabinets" actually means... like, if they're actually going to be made out of wood... not sure how I feel about that. I'm definitely liking the flip-open lid though.
Click to expand...
I strongly doubt they're wood. They'd be way more expensive if they were.
Probably MDF like the Pelican Real Arcade or Nubytech Street Fighter Anniversary sticks.

Nice pickup with the PS360 PCB, ExMachina. I missed out on the Akishop orders, and they would have been a perfect replacement for my VSHG's PCB.
 
ExMachina said:
Best way to practice is to go into training mode and turn input display on then just do reps of the motions you're having issues with over and over - input display will let you troubleshoot and repetition will build muscle memory. Honestly, the best feature of playing stick is the button layout (for pianoing/plinking/etc.) but yeah, learning how to manipulate the lever is difficult at first but ultimately it simply takes practice.

A lot of people seem to have success with using Daigo's grip, so maybe give that a shot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRnfXzax94c#t=0h6m36s

And keep in mind that Japanese arcade parts are quite sensitive, so you don't need to push the lever very far to register motions - don't jam the stick to the edge (aka ride the gate) when pushing it just far enough to hear/feel the click of the microswitch is sufficient.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Haven't finished watching that video but it seem just what I was looking for, thanks

EDIT: Holy shit the pinky, never thought of that :lol

EDIT2: Daigo is a fucking beast goddamn

Rice-Eater said:
Thanks for the reply Dementia and ExMachina. I don't know why I thought it would be that simple but I did. I think I'll just wait till everything comes in instead of popping open to do that right now.



My only advice is patience. If you've never played on a arcade stick or played on one seriously then the learning curve is pretty high. I've played on stick before but never seriously tried to learn it. Anyways I've been playing SF4/SSF4 for the first year on pad. Then I finally decided to invest in a stick and it was a very frustrating. So many times I contemplated going back to pad, I even whined about it on the forums a number of times. But I was able to stick to it and now I'm well adjusted to using it. But it took me at least 2 months just to say I felt comfortable using one. So it's going to take a lot of time. Some people can pick it up in 2 weeks, for the rest of us it'll probably take months.
Click to expand...

I played on the golden age of arcades, so like you, I have played with sticks before but never got that serious with them (My greatest achievement is probably finishing MvC on 1 credit on the good old days, so I don't consider myself bad) I just think I'm still better with a dpad than a stick

So... a lot more practice seems to be the answer, I guess I'll keep trying then, thanks
 
Got some buttons in the mail today (thx ExMachina), decided to put the black rims to use:




...I think I prefer the all white more though, it looks cleaner.
 
Ifrit said:
So... a lot more practice seems to be the answer
Click to expand...

I would also recommend playing some non-fighting games with it... in general, the more you play with it, the more comfortable you'll be and the better you'll get.

The recently-released Pac-Man Championship Edition DX is a game that demands one quick, precise maneuver after another. It's a true test of your skill and reaction ability, and IMHO a wonderful way to practice your stick skills outside of fighting games. =)
 
Ifrit said:
I played on the golden age of arcades, so like you, I have played with sticks before but never got that serious with them (My greatest achievement is probably finishing MvC on 1 credit on the good old days, so I don't consider myself bad) I just think I'm still better with a dpad than a stick

So... a lot more practice seems to be the answer, I guess I'll keep trying then, thanks
Click to expand...

Same here, I grew up playing in the arcade. But I spent most of the time playing fighters on console, so that's what I was most comfortable with. When we went to the arcades and we didn't do that well, we just said that if we could have played on pad then it would be a different story.

But yeah, keep practicing and don't give up so easily. Your going to have those experiences where you want to quit but just try to keep going. Maybe you and Timedog should be training partners. He's had a a stick for over a year and I think he's still trying to get the hang of it :lol
 
ExMachina said:
Uhh, I guess I'll add something of substance to this post. I got my PS360 PCBs from Akishop last weekend and installed one of them into a TE (removed the original 360 PCB that wasn't 100% reliable) while I was at home. So good. <3
Click to expand...

When did you place your order? I've been waiting on the 2 I ordered to put into the FSSE I bought during the Walmart sale and use the MadCatz PCB to replace the one in my TE (accidentally dropped a soldering iron on it...), but I haven't heard anything from them since beginning of November after I sent the payment.
 
I recently got a PS3 Street Fighter fightstick, does anyone know if you can get it to work in Windows? Windows detects the device, but it will not read any button input.
 
I just realized now that with all the money I've spent on modding my stick($93 including shipping) I could almost buy the next stick on my list which is a Qanba Q3. When you buy everything separately it doesn't seem to really hit you until you add it all up at the end.

Oh well, instead of the Qanba I was thinking about going all out with the Hori VLX next and dual modding it so I know that my $300+ stick isn't limited to one system. You just don't pay that much for a stick and then not be able to use it because the tournament isn't using the system you bought it for.
 
Drkirby said:
I recently got a PS3 Street Fighter fightstick, does anyone know if you can get it to work in Windows? Windows detects the device, but it will not read any button input.
Click to expand...
PS3 SE's and TE's only work on computers with specific chipsets (intel and VIA only IIRC). They fixed that with the chun TE, but for the other ones the only two solutions are to either use it on a different computer with a compatible chipset, or buy a cheap USB PCI card that has a VIA chipset.
 
Drkirby said:
I recently got a PS3 Street Fighter fightstick, does anyone know if you can get it to work in Windows? Windows detects the device, but it will not read any button input.
Click to expand...

You probably have a motherboard with a non-Intel chipset? The PS3 FS works only on UHCI USB controllers, not OHCI that's the industry standard.
 
This wouldn't of been a problem if Walmart didn't put the wrong stick in my order. I mean, you can't beat $30 for Street Fighter IV and a Madcatz stick (And then return Street Fighter IV), but I ordered the 360 version damn it! They even got the game right, they just packaged in the wrong stick D:

I guess I'll use my Tekken on and Saturn pad for the next few days.
 
Aokage said:
Nice! Eerily similar to my TE... (and I don't play Ryu either)

eiqhap.jpg
Click to expand...

When my stick is finished, it's going to look almost exactly the same. I also have a red bezel, except I have 6 white sanwa's with 2 reds at the end and a black bat top instead of that crystal looking ball top. And my stick is a TE-S so the side panels won't be there either.

I see that you designed it. Thanks for the design Aokage, I spent a lot of time in the template thread before coming across this and settling on it.
 
Threi said:
Got some buttons in the mail today (thx ExMachina), decided to put the black rims to use:
Click to expand...
Lookin' good, sir! When I'm done with the SE you sent me I don't think it'll look nearly as clean as your combinations... :lol

_dementia said:
Nice pickup with the PS360 PCB, ExMachina. I missed out on the Akishop orders, and they would have been a perfect replacement for my VSHG's PCB.
Click to expand...
Yeah, it's probably the perfect replacement PCB for any current stick... I'm glad I held off on a gutted Joytron PCB but jumped on this pre-order. I think FocusAttack.com is taking the next set of pre-orders?

gokieks said:
When did you place your order? I've been waiting on the 2 I ordered to put into the FSSE I bought during the Walmart sale and use the MadCatz PCB to replace the one in my TE (accidentally dropped a soldering iron on it...), but I haven't heard anything from them since beginning of November after I sent the payment.
Click to expand...

I sent my initial pre-order on Oct. 9 and paid on the 15th, took up the offer for ordering an extra to get the free EMS shipping as well.

Per has said that he's still got a final batch of PCBs to ship out this week, hopefully you're just one of that last 12%. I'd shoot them an email (or message via the site's contact form)/PM to Per on SRK just in case though.
 
Drkirby said:
I guess I'll get the cheap USB PCI card. But first, let me install the drivers to my USB 3.0 ports, maybe they will magically work.

Edit: Nope. This PCI card good?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001L4HXVI/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Click to expand...

That should work fine. I had to do the same to get my stick working. It's too bad Walmart screwed that order up.

If you have an extra $20 to spend, I recommend grabbing some buttons from Lizardlick to replace the stock ones. I'm really happy with my upgrade.
 
ExMachina said:
Best way to practice is to go into training mode and turn input display on then just do reps of the motions you're having issues with over and over - input display will let you troubleshoot and repetition will build muscle memory. Honestly, the best feature of playing stick is the button layout (for pianoing/plinking/etc.) but yeah, learning how to manipulate the lever is difficult at first but ultimately it simply takes practice.

A lot of people seem to have success with using Daigo's grip, so maybe give that a shot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRnfXzax94c#t=0h6m36s

And keep in mind that Japanese arcade parts are quite sensitive, so you don't need to push the lever very far to register motions - don't jam the stick to the edge (aka ride the gate) when pushing it just far enough to hear/feel the click of the microswitch is sufficient.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Stupid me, I always ride the gate, I don't think my hands are precise enough to do it any other way :(
 
viewtiful_dru said:
@ExMachina


How is the PS360 working out? any issues? I have some of the boards already but I just haven't spent the time to install them
Click to expand...
The PCB's been working perfectly - switching between PC/360/PS3 modes is effortless and it's worked on both consoles and any PC without a hitch. Also, as far as I can tell the Turbo functionality is the same as a TE's, possibly a bit faster on its first setting.
 
Sounds awesome ExMachina!
Though, I think the TE's turbo does an input on every other frame so if this is faster it would register the same as just holding a button down for most games.
 
This is a very big, scary thread.

Can somebody be kind enough to point which 360 stick I should get to customize (and with which buttons) for shmups only?

I currently have a Hori EX2 and a Hori Pro EX, but would sell/swap them for an "ultimate," so to speak.

What about the Tekken stick for wireless? Yes/No?

Edit: I would like pretty pink replacement sticks/buttons. :3
 
Princess Skittles said:
This is a very big, scary thread.

Can somebody be kind enough to point which 360 stick I should get to customize (and with which buttons) for shmups only?

I currently have a Hori EX2 and a Hori Pro EX, but would sell/swap them for an "ultimate," so to speak.

What about the Tekken stick for wireless? Yes/No?

Edit: I would like pretty pink replacement sticks/buttons. :3
Click to expand...
The ultimate retail/out-of-the-box stick for shooters is the HRAP EX-SE
Full Seimitsu parts and the thing is built like a tank. One of my personal favorite sticks of all time.

You can bring your existing HRAP EX parity with the HRAP EX-SE by replacing the lever with a Seimitsu LS-32 and the buttons with Seimitsu PS-14-G (Pink ones if you wish!). You'll need a nut driver, a screw driver, and soldering iron to replace the parts (unfortunately the HRAP EX is one of the few HRAPs that have the lever soldered down).
 
_dementia said:
The ultimate retail/out-of-the-box stick for shooters is the HRAP EX-SE
Full Seimitsu parts and the thing is built like a tank. One of my personal favorite sticks of all time.

You can bring your existing HRAP EX parity with the HRAP EX-SE by replacing the lever with a Seimitsu LS-32 and the buttons with Seimitsu PS-14-G (Pink ones if you wish!). You'll need a nut driver, a screw driver, and soldering iron to replace the parts (unfortunately the HRAP EX is one of the few HRAPs that have the lever soldered down).
Click to expand...
o_O;

This is probably a lot easier than I'm reading it as. :lol

I put a region switch and a blue LED in my GameCube with a soldering iron.. should be enough skill to tackle this you would say?
 
Princess Skittles said:
o_O;

This is probably a lot easier than I'm reading it as. :lol

I put a region switch and a blue LED in my GameCube with a soldering iron.. should be enough skill to tackle this you would say?
Click to expand...
All you have to do is desolder the 4 wires connected to the stick, unscrew and remove the existing sanwa stick from its mounting bracket, replace with the seimitsu stick, and resolder the 4 wires.

Buttons are connected with quick disconnects, so no need to worry about soldering those. The nut driver and screw driver are just for opening the case so you can get to the internals.

edit: Wait, I'm not 100% sure if the HRAP EX's stock mounting bracket can accommodate a Seimitsu LS-32 stick. Can anyone confirm?
 
_dementia said:
All you have to do is desolder the 4 wires connected to the stick, unscrew and remove the existing sanwa stick from its mounting bracket, replace with the seimitsu stick, and resolder the 4 wires.

Buttons are connected with quick disconnects, so no need to worry about soldering those. The nut driver and screw driver are just for opening the case so you can get to the internals.

edit: Wait, I'm not 100% sure if the HRAP EX's stock mounting bracket can accommodate a Seimitsu LS-32 stick. Can anyone confirm?
Click to expand...
Thanks!

What about this button over the one you suggested?
http://www.arcadeshop.de/Seimitsu-Buttons-Seimitsu-PS-15-deep-pink_1029.html

Mostly cause that shade is my favorite color.

Otherwise thinking of using these for top row:
http://www.arcadeshop.de/Seimitsu-Buttons-Seimitsu-PS-14-G-BK-pink_695.html

And maybe these for bottom row (again, not sure of the difference of buttons):
http://www.arcadeshop.de/Seimitsu-Buttons-Seimitsu-PS-14-GN-MK-pink_936.html
 
Princess Skittles said:
Thanks!

What about this button over the one you suggested?
http://www.arcadeshop.de/Seimitsu-Buttons-Seimitsu-PS-15-deep-pink_1029.html

Mostly cause that shade is my favorite color.

Otherwise thinking of using these for top row:
http://www.arcadeshop.de/Seimitsu-Buttons-Seimitsu-PS-14-G-BK-pink_695.html

And maybe these for bottom row (again, not sure of the difference of buttons):
http://www.arcadeshop.de/Seimitsu-Buttons-Seimitsu-PS-14-GN-MK-pink_936.html
Click to expand...
Those deep pink ones will work fine, as long at it's a 30mm button with .110 inch terminals it should work fine with your HRAP.

The difference between the G and GN are that the GN's and screw-in whereas the G's snap in to the metal top plate with tabs. As far as naming convention goes, just think N = nut. There might be a bit of difference in feel and rigidity between them due to the way they are mounted to the plate, but if you don't mind that you could mix and match.
 
Princess Skittles, these threads may have some information useful to you:
http://shoryuken.com/f177/hrap-ex-hrap-ex-se-mod-180299/
http://shoryuken.com/f177/hrap-ex-modding-questions-226409/

Or: if you'd rather just take the easy way out, and don't mind a smaller stick, you can grab a SFIV SE FightStick and swap with the same Seimitsu buttons _dementia mentioned, and an LS-32-01 stick. No tools besides a screwdriver will be necessary.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001M22VCU/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Another alternative: if you know someone else who also wants a stick, store.gameshark.com is still running B1G1 on the MadCatz TE sticks today:
http://store.gameshark.com/listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=247 (add coupon code HOLIDAY for free shipping + 10% off)
The mod is similarly easy to the SE stick, in that no soldering is required. Plus, you'll have a full set of Sanwa parts left over that you can sell, trade or just keep as spare.

Personally I'm finding that the sensitivity of the Sanwa buttons is wonderful for shmups.
 
_dementia said:
Sounds awesome ExMachina!
Though, I think the TE's turbo does an input on every other frame so if this is faster it would register the same as just holding a button down for most games.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I wasn't positive about this since I don't use Turbo very often but... as far as I could tell the TE's fastest setting was slower compared to my PS1 ASCII's and the PS360's. In SSF4's training mode they all register consecutive button presses yet it seemed like the ASCII and PS360 would both "cheat" links more consistently than the TE.

I'm probably just being delusional but whatever the speed is, I'm sure it's more than enough for SHMUPs. :P
 
Ya know, I actually WOULDN'T mind a smaller stick.. that Pro EX is BEASTLY.

How easily is the backing art removed from the SFIV sticks? Difference between SE and TE?
 
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