Best Fight Sticks in 2021

Great controllers are the backbone of every fighting gaming. Pro gamers are turning to arcade sticks for a better and more intuitive experience as they have more functionality than standard controllers. With a good fight stick, you’ll make excellent combo links, fire off your fireballs in a fast and sharp manner, and time and make your super moves in a better way. While controllers may be the go-to options for many gamers, fight sticks, also known as arcade sticks, are fast becoming the ideal weapon of choice for many.

We’ve selected the best fight sticks below to help you make a better buying decision. Additionally, we’ve included a short buying guide that explains the necessary factors to consider when choosing an arcade stick. Whether you want to play Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat, the arcade sticks in our review are sure to help enhance your gaming experience. Without further ado, let’s get into it:

TL;DR - Best Fight Sticks:

• Qanba Drone Joystick
• Victrix PS4 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick
• Mayflash F500 Arcade Fight Stick
• HORI Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai
• Qanba Obsidian Joystick
• Razer Panthera Street Fighter V Sanwa Joystick
• Razer Atrox Sanwa Joystick and Buttons
• HORI Real Arcade Pro N Hayabusa Arcade Fight Stick
• Qanba Dragon Joystick
• Nacon Daija Arcade Fight Stick

1. Qanba Drone Joystick

Best Budget Fighting Stick

The Qanba Drone Joystick is an entry-level fighting games stick. Sitting in the $70 price range, this arcade stick is compatible with the PS4, PS3, and PC. While it uses in-house parts on its buttons and joystick, instead of Sanwa, you're sure to get used to the tactile feel in no time. It's noteworthy that the tactile feedback you'll get from the Qanba arcade stick will feel different if you're already used to a Sanwa fight stick.

The Qanba Drone Joystick is designed with an anti-slip bottom pad, a button-lock switch, LED indicators, and a compartment where you can store the USB cable. Weighing just 2.6 pounds, this arcade fight stick is excellent for users with large hands. It can also be modded easily compared to other budget models. However, you don't get the easy access panel that can be found on more premium fight sticks. With that said, the Qanba Drone Joystick is one of the best arcade sticks you can buy for less than 80 bucks.

2. Victrix PS4 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick

The Best Premium Fight Stick

From the design to the parts included, anyone can tell that the Victrix PS4 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick is a high-quality product. Sporting a price tag in the $300 range, this fighting stick is for gamers who want a premium and real arcade fight experience. It's a fight stick that allows you to make great moves and stunts on your opponents. So, what do you get for paying over 300 bucks for this fighting stick? You get a sleek and beautiful air-craft grade aluminum body that looks and feels cool, Sanwa Denshi buttons, as well as two Sanwa Denshi joysticks. The package also includes an Allen wrench that allows for easy adjustability, a headphone jack, and an anti-slip base.

But that's not all. The Victrix PS4 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick uses a wired connection, and it comes with a removable die-cast metal wrap extension where you can secure the three-meter USB C cable. Unlike the Qanba Drone Joystick, the access panel of this fight stick can be accessed quickly, and you also get adjustable LED lighting. It features a training mode button that helps reset and change your fighting stick games' characters' position. There are two different models -one for PS4 and the other for the Xbox One; both versions can be used on PC. The Victrix FS Arcade fight stick weighs up to 7.8 pounds and is large enough to accommodate users with large hands. If you've got over 300 bucks to spend on a fight stick for the best experience possible, this is one of the top fight sticks you can buy.

3. Mayflash F500 Arcade Fight Stick

The Best Arcade Stick For All Platforms

The Mayflash F500 Arcade Stick is one of the best and most affordable fighting stick for all platforms. It works on the PS4 and 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, SEGA, and more. Built with a sturdy base, this arcade stick comes with eight solid buttons that allow you to smash through your opponents. You get to enjoy different Turbo settings that can be set at different speeds.

The Mayflash F500 Arcade Fight Stick is compatible with Sanwa Denshi joystick and buttons just if you're looking to make some customizations. It comes with headphone support, allowing you to output your background music and sound when playing on Xbox One and PS4. The only caveat to this less than $90 fight stick is having to connect your Xbox One or Xbox 360 controller when playing on Microsoft consoles.

4. HORI Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai

Best Mid-Range Arcade Stick For PC

Fight stick games are available across multiple platforms. However, some function well on some platforms than others. A good example is the Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai. Like the Qanba Drone Joystick above, this fight stick works well with PS4, PS3, and PC. It features a redesigned chassis that allows for increased space between and below buttons and sticks. This arcade stick comes with Hori's Hayabusa buttons and joystick, so you get to have a better fight stick game experience.

Thanks to its slim and beveled design, the Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai is a highly-rated arcade fight stick. This design allows gamers to enjoy faster response and excellent actuation. You get an input switch toggle, button configuration mode, turbo function, and a well-positioned touch panel. The 9.8 feet cable it comes with allows you to plug and play easily. If you're looking to enjoy a real arcade experience for under $150, the Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai fight stick is one of the best sticks you can buy.

5. Qanba Obsidian Joystick

Best High-End Arcade Stick

Qanba is a brand that gets their arcade sticks right. Once you start playing fighting games with Qanba sticks, there's no going back. The Qanba Obsidian Joystick is a high-end stick that offers a top-notch gaming experience. It's one of the best arcade sticks for competitive and professional gamers. This fight stick is one that can boost your chances of getting ahead of your opponents. It comes in a black chassis accentuated with beautiful aluminum edges. You get sleek LED lights that complement the overall experience and high-end Sanwa Denshi buttons that feel and act right.

Compatible with the PlayStation 4 and 3, the Qanba Obsidian Joystick uses a wired connection. There's a clickable touchpad on the back and an anti-slip padding underneath. A 3.5mm headphone jack allows you to connect your headsets, while the Sanwa Denshi buttons provide you with precision for every turn, jump, and combo you make. It also features a lock button that ensures that you don't make mistakes during your match. If you're an e-athlete or you're looking to get the best experience in your fighting games, this is one of the best fight joysticks you can buy.

6. Razer Panthera Street Fighter V Sanwa Joystick

Best Arcade Stick For Modders

Razer is a brand that's highly dedicated to making the best gaming peripherals. From their computers to headphones, mechanical keyboards, and gaming chairs, you're sure to get an excellent gaming experience. This proves true with the Razer Panthera Street Fighter V Sanwa Joystick. It's an arcade stick ideal for competitive Xbox One, Xbox 360, Playstation, and PC players. The build quality is solid, and the Street Fighter V overlay lets you know that this is the arcade stick to bring your fight sticks game on.

This arcade stick is built with a plastic body that's reinforced by metal. Weighing up to 7.44 pounds, it has a little heft and can remain in place even during the most intense gameplay. You get Sanwa Denshi levers and buttons connected by a well laid-out color-coded wire management system. The panel is easily accessible, and you can switch out all buttons and joystick to suit your gameplay. Additionally, the bottom of the internal compartment is designed in a way that makes it easy to screw mount in any and every location. You can deactivate the Start, Xbox One guide, and back buttons on this arcade stick to get the best fighting games experience.

7. Razer Atrox Sanwa Joystick and Buttons

Best Arcade Stick For Xbox

If you're looking for the best fight joystick for your Xbox One, S, and X series, the Razer Atrox Sanwa arcade stick is one of the best you can choose. This fighting games arcade stick is specifically tailored to meet the needs of Xbox users. Like the Razer Panthera above, the Atrox can be customized and modded to fit your gameplay. It comes with an 8-way joystick and ten highly responsive buttons. These buttons and joystick are Sanwa buttons, just like what you get on the Razer Panthera. There's an internal storage compartment that allows you to store the two extra buttons, your screwdriver, and the detachable screw-lock cable it comes with.

The Razer Atrox features Razer's classic black and green design with its logo displayed on the exterior. Just like you get on the Razer Panthera, you can deactivate the start, Xbox One guide, and back buttons on this arcade stick. It's compatible with multiple fighting games as well as the Windows 10 Xbox app. High-quality and very durable, the Razer Atrox offers incredible precision and excellent actuation. If you're an Xbox player who's keen on getting the best experience possible, this arcade stick is one of the best fight joysticks you can get.

8. HORI Real Arcade Pro N Hayabusa Arcade Fight Stick

Best Arcade Stick For Playstation and PC

The Hori Real Arcade Pro N Arcade Fight Stick is tailored to meet every serious Playstation and PC gamer's need. Officially licensed by SIEA, this arcade stick is compatible with PC, Playstation 4, and Playstation 3. It comes in an all-black design accentuated with metallic gold. Like the Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai above, this fight stick comes with a touch panel, turbo function, and button assignment. The large base is remarkably comfortable, and since it uses an 8-way square gate, you'll be able to play multiple fighting games with no issues.

The Hori Real Arcade Pro N Fight Stick comes with Hayabusa buttons and a joystick. You get eight different buttons that can be customized easily. This Hori arcade stick features a reasonable distance between the buttons and the joystick so that you won't make mistakes during intensive gameplay. Even though it uses a square gate, you won't experience any hiccup when making circular motions. The Hori Real Arcade Pro N is simply one of the best arcade sticks you can buy for your Playstation and PC fighting games.

9. Qanba Dragon Joystick

Stable and Highly-Durable

The Qanba Dragon Joystick is a massive fight stick you're bound to love. Featuring a red and black design, this arcade stick weighs up to 11.6 pounds and features a large face that's perfect for intense gaming. The build quality is solid, and the weight ensures that it remains in place no matter how brutal your fighting games match might be. Sleek and shiny, this fight stick comes with multiple LED lighting options and two rubber grips that make it difficult for it to slide off.

The Qanba Dragon Joystick is compatible with the PS4, PS3, and PC. Unlike the Razer Panthera, this arcade stick comes with a headphone jack. The top panel features a thick shell of plexiglass, and you won't hear any squeak between the aluminum layer underneath and the plexiglass no matter what you throw at it. You get authentic Sanwa buttons and a joystick, which means that your controls will be more responsive. If you're looking to get a premium arcade stick for your PS4, PS3, and PC fighting games, the Qanba Dragon Joystick is one of the best fight sticks you can buy.

10. Nacon Daija Arcade Fight Stick

Best Arcade Stick For PS4 Pro

The Nacon Daija Arcade Stick is another excellent fight stick often used by pro players. It's compatible with the PS4, PS4 Pro, and PC. Unlike the many other Playstation options on our list, the Nacon Daija doesn't work with the PS3. It comes with simple controls that help you manage your inputs while allowing better navigation control. The buttons and joystick are high-quality Sanwa peripherals, and gamers get to choose between a ball top and bat top for their joystick.

This fight stick is also customizable. Opening the lid is relatively easy and changing the components isn't something that will take you hours to get through. There's also a wiring guide that will ensure that you get everything properly connected. The clear faceplate is removable, which means that you can create custom designs that suit your taste and put it underneath the faceplate. If you're big on customization and would like one of the best fight sticks for PS4 Pro, PS4, or PC, this is one option you should consider.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Fight Stick

Platform

One of the major factors you need to consider when buying an arcade stick is the platform on which it’s going to be used. While many arcade sticks are designed to work with PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and the Playstation, there are also fight sticks explicitly made for each platform. Thanks to Windows flexibility, you’ll be able to use the fight sticks of most platforms with PC games. But for your consoles, ensure that the arcade stick you buy is one that’s perfect for your gaming platform.

The Size

The size of your fight stick is another factor you want to consider. People with large hands are going to have some difficulty using an arcade stick with a small case. You won’t have enough space to rest your hand comfortably, and your left hand may have some difficulty controlling the joystick if the area leading to the joystick is too narrow. Optimally, you want to choose a fight stick that’s perfect for the shape of your hand while allowing you to rest your hand comfortably.

• Why not checkout our guide on the Best Gaming Headset 

The Weight

Aggressive players should get a fight stick that has more weight. If your arcade stick is too light, it won’t stay in a position when playing aggressively. This can derail your overall gaming experience and even make you lose games. Ideally, you should choose a fight stick that can stay on your lap or table without moving around. Some of the best arcade sticks feature rubber padding or feet underneath them. Gamers who travel with their controllers can choose a lighter and smaller fight stick. You’ll be able to carry it around without having any kind of discomfort.

Connection Type

There are two types of arcade sticks connection-wise; they are either wired or wireless sticks. Wired fight sticks use USB cables as their mode of connection. Ensure that the cable attached to your joystick is long enough to reach your gaming chair. Wireless arcade sticks, on the other hand, use Bluetooth technology and batteries as their power source.

Conclusion

Whether you’re trying to create the ultimate combo or annihilate your opponent in a fighting game, an excellent fight stick is going to provide you with a better advantage over the best PS4 or Xbox controller. Nothing beats arcade sticks when it comes to fighting games. However, there are many arcade sticks on the market, which makes choosing the ideal one a daunting task.

That is why we’ve reviewed ten of the best arcade sticks above. From budget options to high-end options, you’re sure to find the ideal fight stick for you. Whether you’re looking for an arcade stick with Sanwa parts, one that could be easily modded, or a fight stick with LED lighting, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect stick above.