These threads seem to always pop up because there is no right answer. I've never liked the magstik's feel, but others will probably say the opposite. There is a lot of Magstik love. It is a much more versatile joystick than something like a Sanwa JLF. I absolutely love the JLF for games like fighters, but it is waaay too sloppy feeling for many of the "classic" games. For classic games, I usually end up liking a Wico leaf. Still haven't tried any modern leaf joysticks.
For a casual stick, I am surprised how much I like the cheap ones, like the Zippyy. If the ability to switch between 4 and 8 way isn't a feature you care about, then this stick might be worth looking into.
Downside of the U360? The price.
If you don't like the feel of the stick, you sunk a lot of money into a joystick you might not be happy with. There is also a little bit of setup involved, where regular joysticks just work as soon as they are wired in. And if you really are not gonna play a whole lot of analog control games, then there isn't a big reason to need them either.
Thanks for the response. Yeah, I figured it was a common article.
I will definitely check out the zippy. I am guessing 4 way sticks are really only needed on more classic games? I'm a 90's kid, so not a whole lot of love for pac-man/DK and such (blasphemy right?). However, I do like the ability of the MAg+ and changing from 4 to 8 on the fly, and the price isn't THAT bad.
I think I am going to stay away from the Ultrastik 360. I really don't like the idea of using it as a windows joystick.
If it came down to a Magstik +, and a J-Stick (Sanwa)...who would win in your opinion?
See, I have never personally felt these, so have no idea if I will like one or the other better. And I realize it is all personal preference, but would learn from a majority opinion.
The cabinet I am working on has old Leaf style joysticks, but they are so bulky. Another BIG determining factor in my build is space constraints. Any recommendations for size, or are they all about the same dimensions as far as mounting bases go?