Modifying NEOGEO look to X-Arcade Duel Joystick (COMPLETE NEWB)

[CajunGamer]

Hello everyone, new to the forums. I want to create a some what similar version of this custom NEO GEO Joystick.



So after studying the market, I came across this board which look best for PC which is my main use. Its 2 player because I cant find a 4 player usb/pc joystick. If you can recommend one please do or I am also willing to pay someone to build a 4 player board. Just need to sit on a table, no cabinet building required.


http://shop.xgaming.com/collections/arcade-joysticks/products/x-arcade-dual-joystick-usb-included?gclid=COTkt9-M8sQCFQwLaQodPx8AxQ

So the first modification I want to do to the X-Arcade is change the colors of 4 of the buttons on each side to the classic NEOGEO look (red, yellow, green, blue). I see that theyre are cheap replacement buttons online to buy but will they work with my X-Arcade? Is painting the original buttons a better option? Here are the ones I was looking at,
http://www.shop.cajunarcade.com/Pushbutton-Red-Pushbutton-Red.htm

The next modification is changing the skin of the panel to the red NEO GEO look or atleast something resembling it. There are a few control panel layouts on google, so what is the best way to get this layout on my x-arcade? Do I go to Fedex Office and make it a sticker?


Thanks for any help! The next step is adding this to the top of an arcade panel.

[CajunGamer]

Actually found this on google,



exactly what I am trying to do in the first step.

[keilmillerjr]

Actually found this on google,



exactly what I am trying to do in the first step.

That panel is FAIL.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Change the color of the buttons, then use these guys to create a Neo Geo overlay to slap onto the stick.  $40 isn't bad at all.
http://www.recroommasters.com/Custom_Die_Cut_Overlay_Skin_for_the_X_Arcade_p/cus-overlay-t.htm

You don't even need to remove the existing joysticks and hardware:


The ONLY thing is that the overlay mentioned above is for the TANKSTICK.  Not the dual stick.  The tank stick is $199.99.  However, I have seen it go on sale for $149.99 at times.

Good Luck!

DeLuSioNaL29

[CajunGamer]

Change the color of the buttons, then use these guys to create a Neo Geo overlay to slap onto the stick.  $40 isn't bad at all.
http://www.recroommasters.com/Custom_Die_Cut_Overlay_Skin_for_the_X_Arcade_p/cus-overlay-t.htm

You don't even need to remove the existing joysticks and hardware:


The ONLY thing is that the overlay mentioned above is for the TANKSTICK.  Not the dual stick.  The tank stick is $199.99.  However, I have seen it go on sale for $149.99 at times.

Good Luck!

DeLuSioNaL29

Thanks for the website. I am going to contact the website and see if they can do one for a DUEL instead of tank. I dont really want the ball cursor on my control panel.

Thanks agian! What is the best ways to change the colors of the buttons? Is there a website that will swap out ones with X-Arcade that have color?

[DeLuSioNal29]

Thanks for the website. I am going to contact the website and see if they can do one for a DUEL instead of tank. I dont really want the ball cursor on my control panel.

According to the website, they do not support the DUAL as mentioned here at the bottom of the page:  "TANKSTICK VERSION ONLY AVAILABLE:  The inconsistently in the X-Arcade Dual Joystick production over the past 12 years makes it very difficult to produce this particular precision die cut skin for the X-Arcade dual joystick and it unfortunately does not look like were going to be able to offer a solution for the X-Arcade Dual Joystick (2 Player with out trackball) anytime soon. The X-Arcade Tankstick (2 Player with Trackball) seems to be much more consistent in production as we've had very little issues with precision die cut skins for the Tankstick.

What is the best ways to change the colors of the buttons? Is there a website that will swap out ones with X-Arcade that have color?

It's pretty easy to open up and swap out the buttons.  Here's a video of it being opened up (joystick is being swapped in this video, but you can see the buttons.  It's even easier to do the buttons.


DeLuSioNaL29

[CajunGamer]

Thanks for the website. I am going to contact the website and see if they can do one for a DUEL instead of tank. I dont really want the ball cursor on my control panel.

According to the website, they do not support the DUAL as mentioned here at the bottom of the page:  "TANKSTICK VERSION ONLY AVAILABLE:  The inconsistently in the X-Arcade Dual Joystick production over the past 12 years makes it very difficult to produce this particular precision die cut skin for the X-Arcade dual joystick and it unfortunately does not look like were going to be able to offer a solution for the X-Arcade Dual Joystick (2 Player with out trackball) anytime soon. The X-Arcade Tankstick (2 Player with Trackball) seems to be much more consistent in production as we've had very little issues with precision die cut skins for the Tankstick.

What is the best ways to change the colors of the buttons? Is there a website that will swap out ones with X-Arcade that have color?

It's pretty easy to open up and swap out the buttons.  Here's a video of it being opened up (joystick is being swapped in this video, but you can see the buttons.  It's even easier to do the buttons.


DeLuSioNaL29

Thanks! Again I am a complete newb at this. The standard 1/8 arcade buttons will work with the x-arcade?

Looking at buying from here,
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/generic-happ-style/305-generic-happ-style-blue-concave.html?search_query=button&results=181

Thanks for video, really helped.

[ark_ader]

Nothing stopping you to mask the x arcade panel and spray paint it, then varnish it.  Shouldn't take very long to do.  Just create a couple of templates of red and white.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Yes, Standard Happ 1/8" buttons will work in those holes.

D

[CajunGamer]

Nothing stopping you to mask the x arcade panel and spray paint it, then varnish it.  Shouldn't take very long to do.  Just create a couple of templates of red and white.

Thats the route I think I am going to go after replacing the buttons. Not interested in a control panel with a cursor ball.

Ive also found a 4 player board I like,

http://www.recroommasters.com/Xtension_4_Player_Control_Board_p/rm-xt-sd-board-4p.htm

Think I am going with that one, then paint and add additional NEOGEO/SNK logo stickers on it after the paint job.