4 way controller - recommendations | Must Play Pac-Man better!

[IceBear81]

TLDR; I need a 4-way recommendation, as my magistik-plus as 4-way still sucks with Pac-Man on a RetroPi with a Magstik-plus

Hi -- new here. Been lurking via many google searches for quite some time.
Recently just finished a mod of and Arcade1Up cabinet (RetroPi), before that I had been using X-Arcade dual and tank sticks with wires sprawled everywhere -- Im sure some people can relate to that.

During my X-Arcade times, I always noticed poor performance with Pac-Man. I attributed it to the 8-way, and was too lazy to pop the back and do the 4-way adjuster. When building the Arcade1Up I had a magstik-plus that I had been sitting on procrastinating other projects.

I was super excited to use, lift it and switch it to 4-way.

Although it does work better than the X-Arcade, I still notice I catch dead zones, and Pac-Man stalls, till I get the controller back into one of the positions.
Im thinking this is a controller issue -- are there good dedicated 4-ways? Or is this a MAME configuration that can help alleviate this?

really appreciate it -- Ice

[IceBear81]

I came across Tornado Terry's HAPP mod stick --- looks promising .. any feedback appreciated

[Drnick]

If you want to play 8 way classics too then I recommend the Leaf-pro stick

https://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=365

I got one to replace a magstick in my bartop, It hasn't made it there yet, its just mounted to a bit of scrap, but it definitely plays the classics a lot better.  The only issue is it is not restrictable to 4 way so if you are primarily playing pac man then maybe look to a sanwa with a restrictor, 

If we call loud enough maybe Mike A will come along and advise

Calling Mike,

[Mike A]

If you are really picky for Pac Man specifically, you should get a 4 way stick with leaf switches. You can experiment with different actuation points.

I have used this one and it felt good.

https://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=402

I have an original Wico 4 way in my Pengo cab and I like that one too.

If it is possible, try to reach out to people near you and try them for yourself.

[opt2not]

TLDR; I need a 4-way recommendation, as my magistik-plus as 4-way still sucks with Pac-Man on a RetroPi with a Magstik-plus

Hi -- new here. Been lurking via many google searches for quite some time.
Recently just finished a mod of and Arcade1Up cabinet (RetroPi), before that I had been using X-Arcade dual and tank sticks with wires sprawled everywhere -- Im sure some people can relate to that.

During my X-Arcade times, I always noticed poor performance with Pac-Man. I attributed it to the 8-way, and was too lazy to pop the back and do the 4-way adjuster. When building the Arcade1Up I had a magstik-plus that I had been sitting on procrastinating other projects.

I was super excited to use, lift it and switch it to 4-way.

Although it does work better than the X-Arcade, I still notice I catch dead zones, and Pac-Man stalls, till I get the controller back into one of the positions.
Im thinking this is a controller issue -- are there good dedicated 4-ways? Or is this a MAME configuration that can help alleviate this?

really appreciate it -- Ice

https://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=JOYMPGAL

[Mike A]

How clicky is that one?

I have a Pac Man cabaret that has a garbage stick right now. I need an upgrade eventually.

[J_K_M_A_N]

People may not like the suggestion but I was tired of putting 2 sticks on my control panel (4-way and 8-way) so I tried the magstik plus with the pull up to switch. Didn't care for it. I got the U360 and I use the 4 way mode with the up-down bias and I really like that. I use it on Donkey Kong mostly. I actually like not having the restrictors. I have really gotten used to it.

J_K_M_A_N

[opt2not]

How clicky is that one?

I have a Pac Man cabaret that has a garbage stick right now. I need an upgrade eventually.

It's fairly clicky.  But you can always change the microswitches with softer ones.

I've put cherry switches on these, and I've also put on the softer Zippy switches.  You might even be able to put GGG's micro-leaf switches onto it for even softer actuation.

[IceBear81]

Thanks for all the info ... Pac Man was just my example, as I have read many people having the same issue with sticks and game play with that. Leaning towards the dedicated 4-way .. Appreciate it!

[Arroyo]

I've got both the Pac Pro and an Original Wico 4 way.  I think I prefer the Pac Pro oddly, it has a quicker throw with the spring vs. grommet, but then again you have the spring sound.....

The one at Mike's arcade looks like a very good replica of the original, minus not having leaf switches.  If you go with that one keep in mind that it is designed to fit in a metal panel.  You could make it work on wood, but it would involve a lot of router work to inlay it.

[wp34]

I've got both the Pac Pro and an Original Wico 4 way.  I think I prefer the Pac Pro oddly, it has a quicker throw with the spring vs. grommet, but then again you have the spring sound.....

The one at Mike's arcade looks like a very good replica of the original, minus not having leaf switches.  If you go with that one keep in mind that it is designed to fit in a metal panel.  You could make it work on wood, but it would involve a lot of router work to inlay it.

I've been playing around with a few different 4-way joysticks and I had the same reaction to my Wico.  I have a NOS that I thought for damn sure would be the ticket and have been a little underwhelmed with the feel of it.  So far I also prefer the Pac Pro which very much surprised me.  GGG's Leaf Pro also has a great feel but they have been out of stock for a while.

[opt2not]

GGG's Leaf Pro also has a great feel but they have been out of stock for a while.

I did notice that mikearcade has what looks like a GGG leaf pro knockoff:  https://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=JOYLSNEW

[Arroyo]

I have a NOS that I thought for damn sure would be the ticket and have been a little underwhelmed with the feel of it.

That was exactly my reaction.  I think I've found that I like the Wico's (or any grommet joystick) for games that don't require quick twitch movements.  Examples would be side scrolling games, or games that require targeting/positioning.  In general games that have a more analog movement to them.  The resistance you get from the grommet is great feedback, but also slow moving.

Other games like fighting games, Pac-Man, or other quick moving games are more suited for spring based joysticks.  Grommet joysticks on fighting games is ridiculously bad.

[wp34]

GGG's Leaf Pro also has a great feel but they have been out of stock for a while.

I did notice that mikearcade has what looks like a GGG leaf pro knockoff:  https://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=JOYLSNEW

Thanks.  I had not seen that and may need a second one. 

That has a very odd profile to it.  What do you suppose is going on in the area I circled? 

[wp34]

I have a NOS that I thought for damn sure would be the ticket and have been a little underwhelmed with the feel of it.

That was exactly my reaction.  I think I've found that I like the Wico's (or any grommet joystick) for games that don't require quick twitch movements.  Examples would be side scrolling games, or games that require targeting/positioning.  In general games that have a more analog movement to them.  The resistance you get from the grommet is great feedback, but also slow moving.

Other games like fighting games, Pac-Man, or other quick moving games are more suited for spring based joysticks.  Grommet joysticks on fighting games is ridiculously bad.

I bet that is part of it.  I think the longer shaft (at least on mine) is part of it as well.  Pac Man (and those twitchy games as you say) seem to play better with a shorter shaft.  The original Pac Man joystick has a grommet and is just about perfect for 4-way maze games.

[Arroyo]

I bet that is part of it.  I think the longer shaft (at least on mine) is part of it as well.  Pac Man (and those twitchy games as you say) seem to play better with a shorter shaft.  The original Pac Man joystick has a grommet and is just about perfect for 4-way maze games.

That's a really good point, throw distance has a big impact on the performance of quick movements.  That's probably why the Wico 4 way feels slow.

[opt2not]

GGG's Leaf Pro also has a great feel but they have been out of stock for a while.

I did notice that mikearcade has what looks like a GGG leaf pro knockoff:  https://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=JOYLSNEW

Thanks.  I had not seen that and may need a second one. 

That has a very odd profile to it.  What do you suppose is going on in the area I circled?

Perhaps for installation on wood panels? I'm really not sure.

[thorr]

See my post here for my recommendation for a good 4-way joystick: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,161412.0.html
I previously used a Pac Pro and another similar joystick, but they aren't the same as a good Wico 4-way Leaf Switch joystick with a rubber grommet.

[IceBear81]

Thanks!

[Titchgamer]

TLDR; I need a 4-way recommendation, as my magistik-plus as 4-way still sucks with Pac-Man on a RetroPi with a Magstik-plus

Hi -- new here. Been lurking via many google searches for quite some time.
Recently just finished a mod of and Arcade1Up cabinet (RetroPi), before that I had been using X-Arcade dual and tank sticks with wires sprawled everywhere -- Im sure some people can relate to that.

During my X-Arcade times, I always noticed poor performance with Pac-Man. I attributed it to the 8-way, and was too lazy to pop the back and do the 4-way adjuster. When building the Arcade1Up I had a magstik-plus that I had been sitting on procrastinating other projects.

I was super excited to use, lift it and switch it to 4-way.

Although it does work better than the X-Arcade, I still notice I catch dead zones, and Pac-Man stalls, till I get the controller back into one of the positions.
Im thinking this is a controller issue -- are there good dedicated 4-ways? Or is this a MAME configuration that can help alleviate this?

really appreciate it -- Ice

Stupid Q but have you checked your stick is installed and set up properly?

I have never noticed any problems at all with my mag stick in 4 way mode.

In fact I would say its a excellent in 4 way all be it a little stiff for games like pac man.

[behrmr]

How clicky is that one?

I have a Pac Man cabaret that has a garbage stick right now. I need an upgrade eventually.

If it's original have you tried cleaning it and just replacing the grommet? Makes a huge difference.

[behrmr]

For Pac-Man and maze type 4-way games I would recommend that Ms. Pac reunion micro switch stick or the GGG Pac-Pro (not the Leaf Pro).   However, the Pac-Pro has a very stiff centering spring that you'll either love or hate.  If you hate it you can modify the spring to your liking.

[Mike A]

Its not an original. Some jerk thought it would be rad to use a zippy.

[MartyKong]

Good Info. 
I also am using the Ms. Pac reunion stick behrmr recommended. I thought the spring was too tight and modified it so it's not so tight. Good thread