Want to get your hands on the best Tekken 8 arcade stick? Then we've got the perfect guide for you.
Fighting games have become more accessible over the years, being perfectly playable on regular controllers, or pads, as they're most commonly referred to by fighting game players.
Some players prefer the classic feel of holding a bulky arcade stick and pulling off all kinds of combos to relive their old-school arcade days, which is why arcade sticks (also commonly called fight sticks) are still seen everywhere in the fighting game community.
In this guide, we'll give you our recommendations for the best arcade stick you should be on the lookout for if you want to get yourself one ahead of Tekken 8's release (or maybe if you're interested in trying other recent fighting games like Street Fighter 6).
While you're here, check out the Tekken 8 PC system requirements, will you be able to run it?
The best arcade sticks to play Tekken 8
Prior to starting, many new players are curious about the benefits of leverless controllers (hitboxes) in comparison to traditional arcade sticks. However, the truth is that this is entirely a matter of personal preference and only becomes relevant if you plan on going pro or are seasoned enough to notice the differences.
Having said that, this guide will be completely dedicated to arcade sticks. We'll recommend some high-end products and move into the more budget-friendly options.
Best in class
First, let's take a look at the best arcade sticks money can buy.
Victrix Pro FS fight stick
If you have $399 to spare and are looking for a top-of-the-line fight stick, then you can't go wrong with the Victrix Pro FS. It comes with Sanwa Denshi buttons, some of the most reliable and used by fighting game players.
The lever is a patented Link 2 and has an easy-to-access back panel if you want to mod the stick with a new ball top or different buttons. It works on PlayStation 4, 5, and PC.
Check Victrix's website if you want to purchase it.
Nacon Daija arcade stick
A relatively new fight stick, having been released at the tail end of 2022, the Daija arcade stick is a sturdy, solid choice for those looking to get their hands on a premium peripheral.
Unlike the Victrix, this one's available for all you Xbox players (as well as PlayStation, naturally). It comes with full Sanwa controllers and joystick, even tossing an extra bat top if you wish to change the one by default as well as all the tools required to do it.
The 3mm cable can be easily detached for safekeeping, you can use custom profiles to avoid the nuisance of having to set up button layouts in case you're looking to share it with someone else. You can even customise the faceplate with three default options or a personalised one by following the guidelines on Nacon's website.
This one will set you back €279.90, you can purchase it directly from Nacon's website.
Qanba Obsidian 2
When it comes to arcade sticks, few can do it like Qanba. The Obsidian 2 just hit the market this past December and has become a hot commodity.
The Obsidian 2 is compatible with PS4, PS5, and PC (once again, sorry Xbox players), and just like the previous sticks we've mentioned, it boasts Sanwa Denshi buttons and joystick. The ball top can be changed and this stick even comes with an extra bat top if you're more comfortable using that.
The side panels can be opened to store different ball tops and USB cables. While the stick can't be personalised, it does at least offer an anti-slip base pad so you know it won't jiggle around while you're trying to pull off a tight combo.
The Obsidian 2 costs $299 and can be purchased directly from Qanba's site. There's a slightly cheaper option, the Titan, as well. It comes with slightly fewer features but it's $50 cheaper.
Budget-friendly arcade sticks
Just because they're cheaper doesn't mean they're any less worth checking out. Here are our recommendations.
Qanba Drone 2
Notice how we mentioned both the Obsidian and Titan in our previous section? That's because Qanba offers a super budget-friendly option – the Drone 2.
It comes with proprietary Qanba buttons and joystick, being considerably smaller and easier to carry than other sticks. The Drone still boasts all the bells and whistles of a high-end stick, missing some premium features like a detachable ball top or the ability to easily mod it.
If you want to get your hands on it, you'll need to fork out $124.99 and can do so via the Qanba official website.
Hori Alpha fight stick
There's a $50 arcade stick available via Hori, the fight stick mini, but in all honesty, it resembles a kid's toy more than an actual controller you'll be using for dozens of hours.
The Hori Alpha, on the other hand, is a super versatile fight stick that's right in the middle between a premium peripheral and a cheap budget one. It can be easily modded due to how easy it is to open up, even the artwork itself can be easily swapped, being a conscious decision by Hori to make personalisation extra accessible.
In terms of specifications, the Alpha comes with proprietary Hayabusa buttons and joystick, perhaps not as popular as Sanwa, but the buttons still boast an incredible feel to them, if a bit louder than other brands. And with how easy it is to swap parts, you'll have no problem doing so, even if it's your first time modding an arcade stick.
The base version (with no extra customisation on the chassis) costs $199.99. The Tekken 8 (to be released on January 26) and Street Fighter 6 editions costs an extra $20. You can purchase all of them via the Hori website. For Xbox players, there is a version compatible with your console and PC.
8BitDo
For our last recommended stick, we're focusing on an Xbox controller (it also works for PC, don't worry) – the 8BitDo.
After finding success with the Nintendo Switch version, the 8BitDo arcade stick is an outstanding little stick that's perfect for someone trying to get into the world of fighting games.
If you're not that worried about latency and are looking to impress some friends at a gathering, this one has the commodity of being both a wired and wireless controller, using 2.4G.
While the buttons are nothing to write home about, this stick can be modded, and is compatible with a wide variety of buttons including the Sanwa JLF, Sanwa JLW Seimitsu, LS 33, 55, 56, 58 joysticks, and Sanwa OBSF-30.
If you want to get your hands on it, you can buy it from the 8BitDo site for $119.99.