What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?

[bmcdonald]

What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?   I've learned that 8 is probably more than needed, but the holes were already drilled and the buttons purchased.  I'd be very grateful for insight and understanding on how number the buttons for use with my Mini-Pac

1 2 3 4     or      1 2 3 7         or     5 6 7 8  or   OTHER??
5 6 7 8              4 5 6 8                1 2 3 4

Our family's cabinet will mostly be used by my 5-year old and I to battle various aliens and monsters and other nefarious bad guys playing MAME games.  We will also play some fighting games but not so many as to twist Noah's young mind...LOL

Thanks much,
Brent

[ranma]

I have 7 buttons, on purpose and I used this (for MAME):

1 2 3 4
4 5 6


This way four buttons games have them all on the same row (neo geo mostly) and fighters use the first 6 of them. I can't think of anything interesting that uses more than 6 anyway.

[jimmy2x2x]

I would say the third layout, with button #1 at the bottom left

You don't want to be reaching over buttons all the time to press the primary action buttons (buttons 1,2 and 3 are the mains)

[Ginsu Victim]

4567
1238

You can always set MAME to see 8 as button four also.

[Turnarcades]

I used the second layout in my first cab.

[Edwards80]

1237
4568

That way 6 button fighters/any game using more than 3 buttons will be normal. You can always remap games individually if you find anything doesn't suit.

:EDIT: Just realised Ginsu Victim suggested the same.

[Ginsu Victim]

:EDIT: Just realised Ginsu Victim suggested the same.

Wrong.

[Edwards80]

 

Scratch that comment.

bottom line is, you can always remap if you don't get on with the layout.