Control Panel Layout

[JohnyO]

Getting ready to put my first cabinet together and am amazed by the millions of tiny decisions that need to be made in the planning. Right now I am planning on a 2 player cab with 6 buttons for each player and JLF sticks. I think I would also like to put a 4-way controller in the middle of the panel. Is there any reasons NOT to do this? Anything I should keep in mind when I am putting it together?

[harveybirdman]

First off Welcome!

To answer your question, yes there is ton's of reasons not to do it, but many of them may not make sense to you at first.

What you first need to figure out is if you really want to play fighting games (8 way 6 buttons and horizontal monitor) on the same machine that you play vertical classics like Pac Man and Donkey Kong (4 Way usually no more than 2 buttons and vertical monitor)

If the answer is yes, then a four way can be added onto a panel tastefully, just make sure you check out the control panel thread for ideas of how to incorporate it so that its A) not in the way of other controls and B) doesn't look retarded.

[mgb]

Yeah, I agree with Harvey.
Take the time to think about what games you are most interested in.
My favorites tend to be 4way verticals so that drove my design.

[Yenome]

I agree with the others think of the games your gonna play most. You can always get a 4/8 switchable joystick. at least one for player one. i cant think of any 2player at same time that uses 4 way. but then again i play mostly 8 way games.