Many players will benefit from innovations made in modern titles by using a standard controller.
Despite all this, I still love mine.
Now that arcades have become largely obsolete, fighting game developers must consider their console players first and foremost.
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek
This has led to most modern releases boasting optional simplified control schemes.
But for me, and maybe you too, this strips out the old-school appeal of the genre.
Piloting a fight stick brings both tangible and intangible benefits that make it my preferred way to throw fireballs.
Tim Rattray / How-To Geek
Its a level of immersion in the on-screen also-sweaty hand-to-hand combat that lounging with a controller doesnt offer.
The challenge of using motion inputs on a large-format controller is also appealing.
I didnt have a chance to partake in arcade culture at its height in the 1990s.
Tim Rattray / How-To Geek
As a 93 baby, it was just before my time.
Fight sticks provide a sense of authenticity that can only be outmatched by playing on an actual arcade cabinet.
Taking my stick off my shelf is a ritual that gets me ready for the fight to come.
Tim Rattray / How-To Geek
It puts me in the mindset to take on a challenge.
The weight of the stick in my lap reinforces this feeling throughout the gaming session.
Its intangible for sure but it elevates the genre beyond an experience to an event.
Tim Rattray / How-To Geek
Which Controller Is Right for You?
Fighting games have grown in population over the past handful of years due to their increased approachability.
Designs that center around triggers and single-directional inputs often feel comparatively awkward to play on an arcade layout.
Tim Rattray / How-To Geek
These controllers feature circular D-pads and octagonal-gated joysticks both tailor-made for motion inputs, and two additional face buttons.
This is perfect for games likeStreet Fighterwhich use a six-button layout.
Finally, we arrive at fight sticks.
Tim Rattray / How-To Geek
Most playerseven experienced onesshouldnt expect a gameplay advantage when using a stick.
The steep learning curve will hinder your play to begin with.
My recommendation for a starter stick is theMayflash Arcade Stick F500 V2($89.99).
Hit Box
Due to Sonys restrictions on third-party controllers, youll need theMayflash Magic-S Ultimate USBadapter ($38.99) for.
Theres absolutely nothing wrong with this; the more people playing fighting games, the merrier!
