How good are the 49 ways for fighting games?

[KungFuJoe]

Seems like those 49 way sticks can do it all, but I'm assuming they have some type of resistance (like Road Runner).  Being a huge Street Fighter 2 fan, I'm curious to see if anyone has tried those capcom side to side fighters with the 49 way.

Also, how much of a hassle is it to switch modes?  Is it just a matter of flipping open your cp (assuming you have it on a hinge) and flipping a switch.  Realistically, if switching takes more than 20 seconds (including the time it takes to open and close your cp) it WILL become a nuisance.

[Minwah]

Seems like those 49 way sticks can do it all, but I'm assuming they have some type of resistance (like Road Runner).  Being a huge Street Fighter 2 fan, I'm curious to see if anyone has tried those capcom side to side fighters with the 49 way.

They will work but you say you are a big SF2 fan so I doubt very much you would want to use them for fighters.

Also, how much of a hassle is it to switch modes?  Is it just a matter of flipping open your cp (assuming you have it on a hinge) and flipping a switch.  Realistically, if switching takes more than 20 seconds (including the time it takes to open and close your cp) it WILL become a nuisance.

You can put a switch on your CP or use software switching.  Either way you wouldn't need to open your CP.  Personally I would use software switching to avoid having an extra switch.

[KungFuJoe]

Thanks for your reply.   Looks like I'll be going with a couple P360s for my fighting games...I would have considered 49 ways for player 3 and 4, but I already have a couple firesticks laying around that I'm going to gut for that.

[Minwah]

Thanks for your reply.   Looks like I'll be going with a couple P360s for my fighting games...I would have considered 49 ways for player 3 and 4, but I already have a couple firesticks laying around that I'm going to gut for that.

Don't get me wrong they are great sticks...just P360's/Supers/etc. are generally preferred for fighters imo.

[ahofle]

Can anyone with the Happ 49 ways comment on the problem with not returning to center quick enough?  The retroblast reviewer mentioned that was one of his biggest beefs with it (letting go of the joystick would take a split second too long to return to center, making games like bomberman difficult).  He mentioned that they were supposed to 'break in' and work better over time.  Has anyone found that to be true? 

[KenToad]

Ahofle,

Yeah, they have definitely broken in over time.  They are near perfect for me now.  I love them, actually, although definitely not the best feel for fighting games IMO (I have a modular panel with supers).  Also, I think also that RandyT's suggestion to grease every 49 way with white lithium grease is also definitely the way to go.  That way, they are a little better centering and don't creak. 

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
KenToad (aka Retroblast 49 way reviewer)

[ahofle]

Thx for the info KenToad!

[Timoe]

but wait, what if I used BLACK lithium grease instead of white?  Will I be in any kind of trouble?

[Kremmit]

but wait, what if I used BLACK lithium grease instead of white?  Will I be in any kind of trouble?

No trouble at all... in fact, the Rev. Jesse Jackson will give you a big pat on the back.

[Timoe]

but seriously tho, it wont damage my joystick or anything right?

[Kremmit]

I *think* that lithium grease is pretty much lithium grease.  I have no experience with the black stuff (didn't even know it existed), so I can't say for sure.  If the package says it's ok to use with plastic, then you ought to be fine.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I *think* white lith is lighter than ordinary lithium grease.
No pun intended.

I have a can of "lithium general purpose" grease that is lighter than bearing grease, but heavier than white lith.

I also *think* that using the heavier grease will make the joystick sluggish on return-to-center, rather than helping it.

I've had really good luck using silicone spray on my joysticks.