Write up on the New Magenta Stick from Paradise

[Ian]

I feel like it's been a while since we had some new joystick hardware action... this looks very similar to the U360's. Interested to see if anyone has yet to try these?

http://shoryuken.com/2017/08/18/shoryuken-preview-paradise-arcade-shops-magenta-could-be-most-customizable-lever-ever-created/

[Titchgamer]

Looks interesting, I would not want to drop £100 on one without some extensive play time first though.

I can see where the price comes from though to be fair.

[JudgeRob]

Setup mapping app looks interesting.  If it can't swap maps automatically at game launch it would be a non-starter for me.

Funny how there is not a single mention of the Ultrastik in that article.

[pbj]

"Lever?"  WTF.

[Slippyblade]

I chuckled when I saw that you can attach microswitches to it so you can have the "feel and sound" of a clicky stick.

[Ian]

Setup mapping app looks interesting.  If it can't swap maps automatically at game launch it would be a non-starter for me.

Funny how there is not a single mention of the Ultrastik in that article.

I thought that was funny too...

[Mr. Peabody]

You're not understanding. This stick measures in radians. At six times the resolution of the U360.

This means you're not restricted to a grid. Diagonals have the same volume of space as cardinal directions = diagonals are as easy to reach as cardinal directions (pokes Randy at GGG). Division between directions is a straight line, rather than stepped. And it is more responsive than any stick ever made - with the exception of any analog design (pot-based, or the original hall effect design).

A stick shaft moves in an arc, and the Magenta tracks it 'natively'. This is what the U360 should have been capable of at least within a year of roll-out, and is probably the answer to why it hasn't been embraced by the shmup and fight stick communities. I don't know why Paradise Arcade designed the Magenta with those communities in mind, but it is the joystick for the emulation community. I assume software map change on the fly is a trivial matter, if not already feasible but not showcased. If so, and if they can get the cost down to $70, Andy at Ultimarc may be scrambling to re-fit the U360. Which still won't be as accurate as the Magenta, due to the sensor design.

[strblast]

I had to take the U360. I may be waiting 

[ark_ader]

Which part of the joystick was magenta? 

[gamepimp]

I chuckled when I saw that you can attach microswitches to it so you can have the "feel and sound" of a clicky stick.

I liked the part where it says that you "can tell exactly where your shaft is at all times". Seems pretty important to me! LOL.

[Ian]

You're not understanding. This stick measures in radians. At six times the resolution of the U360.

This means you're not restricted to a grid. Diagonals have the same volume of space as cardinal directions = diagonals are as easy to reach as cardinal directions (pokes Randy at GGG). Division between directions is a straight line, rather than stepped. And it is more responsive than any stick ever made - with the exception of any analog design (pot-based, or the original hall effect design).

A stick shaft moves in an arc, and the Magenta tracks it 'natively'. This is what the U360 should have been capable of at least within a year of roll-out, and is probably the answer to why it hasn't been embraced by the shmup and fight stick communities. I don't know why Paradise Arcade designed the Magenta with those communities in mind, but it is the joystick for the emulation community. I assume software map change on the fly is a trivial matter, if not already feasible but not showcased. If so, and if they can get the cost down to $70, Andy at Ultimarc may be scrambling to re-fit the U360. Which still won't be as accurate as the Magenta, due to the sensor design.

Thanks for the clarification! It looks like a great option for mame!

[Brian74]

I was at Paradise Arcade Shop two weeks ago and seen this stick. Its pretty impressive.