GamingPlaystationElectronicsAccessoriesPS3

What are the best fighting sticks for PS3?

4

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Oct 31, 2017

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Here’s the Deal

4 Options Considered

Best fighting sticks for PS3	Price	Weight	Cable
82 Mad Catz Arcade Fightstick TE2+	$368.88	5 pounds	3m
-- HORI Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai	$149.96	2.2kg	9.8ft / 3m (non detachable)
-- Razer Panthera	$199.99	7.4 pounds	13ft
-- Qanba Drone	$79.99	1.6kg	7.5ft / 2.3m (non detachable)

Mad Catz Arcade Fightstick TE2+

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Top Pro

Full PS4 and PS3 compatibility

The TE2+ is one of the few controllers that supports complete functionality on Playstation consoles. A button lets you switch between PS3 and PS4 modes. There is a touchpad for the PS4 screen menus and separate L3 and R3 buttons on the analog sticks. See More

Top Con

PC compatibility is limited

Although it is possible to use this with a PC, a third party software needs to be used, and this doesn't offer the best experience. See More

Specs

Weight:5 pounds

Buttons:Sanwa Denshi OBSF-30

Supported platforms:PS3/PS4

Top Pro

Joystick can be used as a d-pad or as an analog stick

The joystick can be set to act as a d-pad, or as the left/right analog stick. See More

Top Pro

Responsive, durable components

Mad Catz didn’t compromise in terms of this controller’s build quality. It uses Sanwa parts that are well-known for their excellent sensitivity, response and durability. The case itself is built to withstand heavy and intensive use. See More

Top Pro

Modding-friendly

This controller is easy to mod. You can open the case with a push of a button without using a screwdriver. The buttons are easy to swap and the wiring is color-coded. See More

Top Pro

Artwork is easy to replace

The artwork is easy to replace, with no need to remove the buttons. See More

Top Pro

Detachable USB cable

This sticks's included 10 ft long USB cable is detachable, but also has a lock to prevent it from being detached by accident. See More

HORI Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai

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Top Pro

PC/PS3/PS4 compatibility

As a stick that's officially licensed, it is PS3 and PS4 compatible. There's even a touchpad on the back of the controller for PS4 functionality. It’s also PC compatible, using an Xinput standard. See More

Top Con

Slightly unstable

This stick's light 2.2 kg weight tends to make it slightly unstable. As an attempt to mitigate this effect, the bottom surface has two rubbery patches to prevent the controller from sliding around. See More

Specs

Cable:9.8ft / 3m (non detachable)

Buttons:HAYABUSA Buttons

Supported platforms:PS4/PS3/PC

Top Pro

Additional side buttons for improved gaming experience

HORI has included a lot of additional buttons on the right side of the controller, such as L3, R3, turbo switch or joystick trigger (to change joystick behaviour). See More

Top Con

Plastic parts feel cheap

The 4 Kai's plastic parts feel a bit cheap. An example of this is the compartment door for the USB cable, which comes off easily. See More

Top Pro

Joystick can be used both as a D-pad or as an analog stick

The joystick toggle lets you set the joystick to act as a D-pad or one of the analog sticks. See More

Top Con

Not very suitable for big hands

The Kai 4's wrists area may be too small for gamers with big hands. See More

Top Pro

Has metal parts, which are durable and resistant

The metal parts of the controller feel solid and can withstand abuse well. See More

Top Con

Modifying this stick voids the warranty

Users should keep in mind that making modifications on this stick will void its warranty. See More

Top Pro

Customizable Option button

The Option button, located near the main buttons, can be reassigned or disabled using the Assign button. See More

Top Con

Noisy lever

The 4 Kai's lever is somewhat noisy, especially when compared to its Sanwa counterpart. See More

Top Pro

Precise and durable joystick and buttons

HORI uses in-house manufactured joystick and buttons for their controllers. In this case, the very precise and durable original HORI Hayabusa Joystick and HORI Kuro Buttons are the ones that are used. See More

Top Con

USB cable is not detachable and it's not breakaway

The 4 Kai's 3 meter USB cable is not detachable. It's also not a breakaway cable, so there is a risk of pulling out the console if someone trips over the cable. See More

Top Pro

Light and portable

Weighing 2.2 kg, this stick feels quite light compared to other alternatives, which makes it more portable than some of its competitors. See More

Top Con

Working on the inside hardware can be a bit of a hassle

Unlike other fighting sticks, which have buttons or latches, the 4 Kai requires a screwdriver to remove its backplate screws and access its internal components. Even though internal components can be swapped with ease, it feels like they are a bit crammed inside. See More

Top Pro

Buttons can be replaced

The standard buttons can be replaced for Sanwa buttons, if that's preferred. However, this process requires applying some force, so you’ll have to take extra caution. See More

Top Con

Button stifness may take some getting used to

Some people find that the HORI buttons are excessively stiffer than those found on other fighting sticks, so it may take some getting used to their feel. See More

Top Pro

Color-coded wiring

The wiring is conveniently color-coded. See More

Top Con

Replacing the artwork is likely to break the protective cover

The 4 Kai's artwork can be changed, but there is a high risk that the plexiglass will break while doing so. Therefore, be prepared for the need to get a spare. See More

Top Pro

Turbo button can be set to 3 different levels

The Turbo button can be set to 5, 12, or 20 attacks per second. See More

Top Pro

Ergonomic, comfortable layout

The solid and responsive buttons are arranged in a Taito Vewlix-style configuration. This layout is used on most fighting sticks and is quite comfortable for gaming. The space between the stick and the buttons is wide enough to be ergonomic for most users hand size. See More

Razer Panthera

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Specs

Weight:7.4 pounds

Buttons:Sanwa Denshi OBSF-30

Supported platforms:PS4

Qanba Drone

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Top Pro

PS3/PS4/PC compatible

This stick is officially licensed by Sony and compatible with the PS4 and the PS3 (there’s a dedicated switch to toggle between the two platforms.). It can also be used on a PC, using the DirectInput standard, but third party software may be needed to get it to work with some games, like Street Fighter V. See More

Top Con

No closed compartment

There is no closed compartment for spare parts or cable storage, only a hollow space for the USB cable. See More

Specs

Cable:7.5ft / 2.3m (non detachable)

Buttons:Qanba buttons

Supported platforms:PS4/PS3/PC

Top Pro

Comfortable and ergonomic

The Drone is much smaller than most high-end models. However, the cleverly positioned buttons and joystick creates a big enough surface for your palms to rest. The additional control buttons are placed on the top of the control and can be easily accessed. See More

Top Con

Cable is not detachable

The Drone's USB cable is not detachable. See More

Top Pro

Improved stability with padded surface grip

The bottom has an anti-slip padding that prevents surface slipping. See More

Top Con

Somewhat unstable when positioned on a desk

This controller weighs only 1.6 kg which makes somewhat unstable when positioned on a hard surface, such as a desk. See More

Top Pro

Turbo can be manual or automatic

The Turbo button can be set to manual mode or automatic mode. See More

Top Con

Does not have a PS4 touchpad

Though this stick is PS4 compatible, it does not have the touchpad that's needed for some PS4 games. See More

Top Pro

Internal wiring work is easy

This device's internal wiring is conveniently color-coded, making wiring changes quite easy. See More

Top Con

Modding is not easy (but at least it's possible)

While it is possible to mod this controller, doing so is much more complicated that with most premium controllers. The buttons are relatively easy to replace, but you will need to swap the wiring harness if you want to replace the joystick. Despite these difficulties, it is worth noting that other budget controllers usually don't allow any modding at all. See More

Top Pro

Decent build quality for its price range

This is a stick that can withstand some bashing quite well, even if the plastic used is not as sturdy as the one used on more expensive models. It feels better than most similarly priced alternatives. See More

Top Con

Modding voids the warranty

If used mod this controller, its warranty becomes void. See More

Top Pro

Extra functionality buttons can be disabled

There is a lock switch that disables the extra functionality buttons. See More

Top Con

Lever and buttons feel loose

The Drone uses cheap buttons that perform reasonably well, but sometime they feel loose. The lever suffers from the same problem, making it hard to determine its neutral position. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable to use on lap

This controller weighs only 1.6 kg which makes its comfortable to use on a lap. See More

Top Con

The artwork can not be replaced

The Drone's artwork is directly printed on the upper surface, so it cannot be swapped. See More

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