Need controls considering x arcade

[kiddk1]

Because I do not have that much free time I am considering using the x-arcade for the controls on my cabinet.  Are there any issues with the x-arcade?  thank you. 

[darthbane2k]

A lot of peeps on this forum hate it because it goes against the principal of designng your own control panel.

My opinion (using one for my little bros cab) is that its not that bad, provided it is satisifactory to your requirements.

If you were a true arcade junkie back in the day, you WILL notice the difference.

My advise it to find one and try it out, see how it feels playing pacman, see how it feels playing streetfighter. If nothing sticks out in a negative way, then go for it.

[kiddk1]

I agree I would rather design my  own controls but I just dont have time.  I will probably order one after doing some googling on reviews since I dont know anyone who has one, yes I am an arcade junkie from the late 70's and on.  thanks for the advice.

[JoyMonkey]

I bought some X-Arcade joysticks and buttons on eBay years ago and I came to the conclusion that X-Arcade components suck. The joysticks are cheapo 8-way sticks (so they really suck for playing 4-way games like PacMan and DonkeyKong). The buttons wouldn't be too bad, only the springs are too weak so they just feel wrong.

Thats just my opinion though.

[pointdablame]

- The joysticks are mediocre Super clones, and are practically useless in 4way mode as mentioned.  They aren't horrible though.. but there are much better choices
- The buttons themsleves are pretty good, I don't really mind the springs like JoyMonkey does.
- The microswitches are insanely loud in my opinon, and are not worth it at all.

If you have to get an Xarcade, at least get some Cherry microswitches to replace the Xgaming ones.  If you do, it'll be a halfway decent stick.  You say you played all the classics, so it may bug the hell out of you, but if you haven't actually used arcade controls in years, you may be ok with them.

The encoder is actualy pretty nice if you are going to use the stick with console games as well.  There is apparently a problem with the USB adapter however... read MameMaster's thread in the Main Forum for more info.  If you plug in a keyboard, it is not a problem though.

My opinion is this: If you can scrape together a free hour, you can build a control panel box.  You can install the controls in 5 minutes flat, and wiring it up will take 30 minutes if you've never touched a wire in your life before.  When you're done, you'll have an arcade stick much better than an Xarcade IMHO.  You can also build one for about the same price, if not cheaper.

If, however, you really can't find a free couple of hours, they aren't that bad.  Just don't use "better" arcade controls after getting one or you will likely notice a difference and be upset.

[MikeDeuce]

Have you taken a look at either the...

Hanaho Hotrod:
http://www.hanaho.com/products/HotRodJoystick/

or SlikStik CPs:
http://www.slikstik.com/

I was so displeased with my X-arcade that I returned it within days and built my own... no regrets here. Some people think they're ok, but I really couldn't stand it once the novelty wore off.

Take a look at Retroblast.com as well, there's an arcade controller roundup that would be of interest to you:

http://www.retroblast.com/hardware.html

[JoyMonkey]

The HotRod is only $100 and from what I hear, it's a far superior product (it uses Happ joysticks and buttons).

[truthfacer]

I just bought a x-arcade a month ago. i knew about others but I  found it the most easiest way to buy an arcade control here in germany. Now I think OK. not bad, but reading here and there aand looking on arcade supply stuff, I bet there is  much better stuff out there! But I see it positive. Since I  don't have tools to build one now I got. a case which I can upgrade from time to time. Nerd Style!!!

[divemaster127]

I had one for a month, never again the controls are cheap cheap, get a slikstik, or a hotrod
divemaster

[Necro]

For the price of the X-arcade, your not going to get a better pre-made control.  I got an X-arcade for Christmas and I love the thing.

If, at a future date, you want to 'update' buttons or joysticks, you can.

I will say that in 4 way games, the joys are pretty crappy.  Overall though, it's solidly built, and a good deal for 120-130$.  Making your own, as I priced it, would come out similar in price to the X-Arcade, and you save time.  Altough you may get better joys or buttons.

All replaceable over time...really depends on your willingness to shell out certain amount of cash immediately for a controller (i.e. hundreds and hundreds for a SlikStik).

[darthbane2k]

I had one for a month, never again the controls are cheap cheap, get a slikstik, or a hotrod
divemaster

bit of an exaggeration I think..

[darthbane2k]

For the price of the X-arcade, your not going to get a better pre-made control.  I got an X-arcade for Christmas and I love the thing.

If, at a future date, you want to 'update' buttons or joysticks, you can.

I will say that in 4 way games, the joys are pretty crappy.  Overall though, it's solidly built, and a good deal for 120-130$.  Making your own, as I priced it, would come out similar in price to the X-Arcade, and you save time.  Altough you may get better joys or buttons.

All replaceable over time...really depends on your willingness to shell out certain amount of cash immediately for a controller (i.e. hundreds and hundreds for a SlikStik).

They (2 player) are going for

[Dizzle]

Kiddk1,

I know what you mean about not having time to design your own control panel.  I had the same idea, so I decided to build my cab around a stand alone panel.  I kicked around the idea of either a X-Arcade, SlikStik Solitaire, or HotRod SE.  I went with the HotRod since it was two players (the Solitaire was only single player) and I liked the feel of it over the X-Arcade (personal preference of course).  One thing... the color of the HotRod might cramp the style of your arcade cab... the purple can throw things off quite a bit.

I will say this, next time around, I will go through the process of building my own controls to make sure I can add exactly what I want (spinner, trackball, etc.)

Diz

[Necro]

They (2 player) are going for

[leapinlew]

I just returned my x-arcade. The reason being was the 4 way OR 8 way. I instead bought the ultimarc magstik plus and I'm very pleased. Changing from 4 to 8 way takes about 2 seconds and involves no taking apart of anything. I went with x-arcade because it was a "complete" setup. They provided everything (except carriage bolts for the joystick).

Now, I realize your thinking about getting the already assembled unit. All I can say is try it out - they honor their 30 day return policy. Everything cost me around $96 and I paid to ship it back and they refunded me like $87. In all, it cost me about $20 to try their product. Not too bad I think.

[lovespicyfood]

I just returned my x-arcade. The reason being was the 4 way OR 8 way. I instead bought the ultimarc magstik plus and I'm very pleased. Changing from 4 to 8 way takes about 2 seconds and involves no taking apart of anything. I went with x-arcade because it was a "complete" setup. They provided everything (except carriage bolts for the joystick).

Would it be somewhat easy to replace the sticks in the X Arcade w/ something like the Magstik Plus?  I've had an X-Arcade controller for quite some time.  I'm in the process of building my first cabinet in which I will build my own control panel.  However, in the meantime, I'd like a much better feel for 4-Way games then with the controllers that come stock w/ the X-Arcade.  As some have already mentioned, it is HORRIBLE for 4-way games, even when you change the stock joystick to make it "4-way".

Thanks!

[darthbane2k]

They (2 player) are going for

[MameMaster!]

I have to say honestly I've been actually really happy with my XArcade stuff. They are great to work with and quick to help solve problems.

I do admit though....that overtime as I got more comfortable with wiring, wood work etc. I have made some extensive mods to them in that really only the case and PCB is original on mine.

The advantage is they're great for beginners to open up and easily mod if you want to.

if you don't I still believe they're great joysticks for the price and quality. The micros are loud but it doesn't mean a thing when you're in the heat of battle!

The main advantage and the primary reason I bought my first XArcade was the cross platform plug/play of the product. You can't beat it.

To play my dreamcast using the stick is fantastic. Unless you do a controller hack you can't do that with ANY other plug/play stick.

Also, it's super easy to program for any emulator or PC game that needs remapping (when it's not supported by the game itself).

You won't go wrong giving it a try. At min, the case is super solid and would make a great case to mod.

The USB adapter is a problem that they're trying to fix. I'm going to temporarily use my keyboard again until they have a fix which is in the works.

I hope that help!--

and oh yeah, go visit--- Retroblast for the Arcade Joystick round up--

http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/controller1.html

It may help you make your final decision.

[leapinlew]

I just returned my x-arcade. The reason being was the 4 way OR 8 way. I instead bought the ultimarc magstik plus and I'm very pleased. Changing from 4 to 8 way takes about 2 seconds and involves no taking apart of anything. I went with x-arcade because it was a "complete" setup. They provided everything (except carriage bolts for the joystick).

Would it be somewhat easy to replace the sticks in the X Arcade w/ something like the Magstik Plus?  I've had an X-Arcade controller for quite some time.  I'm in the process of building my first cabinet in which I will build my own control panel.  However, in the meantime, I'd like a much better feel for 4-Way games then with the controllers that come stock w/ the X-Arcade.  As some have already mentioned, it is HORRIBLE for 4-way games, even when you change the stock joystick to make it "4-way".

Thanks!

The magstik plus lines up exactly with the x-arcade. I built my cp and replaced the x-arcades with the magstiks. I am building a new cp, but I am able to use the old cp that I drilled holes for the x-arcade.

I found the x-arcade 4 way to be fine. Overall, I didn't like the long throw and the clickyness was a little too loud for me.

[lovespicyfood]

The magstik plus lines up exactly with the x-arcade. I built my cp and replaced the x-arcades with the magstiks. I am building a new cp, but I am able to use the old cp that I drilled holes for the x-arcade.

I found the x-arcade 4 way to be fine. Overall, I didn't like the long throw and the clickyness was a little too loud for me.

Just the info I was looking for, Thanks so much!!!!

[leapinlew]

no problem - glad I could help. 

[Yoder]

I'd recommend it.  I picked up a 1 player X-arcade for $75 shipped, used on ebay and then X-arcade started selling their 2-player models for $95 shipped, refurbished...so I got one of those too.

I replaced the stick in the one-player with a Happ competition (the stock one was terrible for SFII) and I replaced my main fire button with a Happ button, although it's just the switches that are a little stiff in the X-arcade buttons.

Personally, I bought them because I new it would be a while until I had the time and know-how to build a GOOD panel, so this held me off.  Plus, using it on my X-box is a plus....esp until I got MAME and a spare computer set up in there.

I'm thinking of setting my 2 player unit up as with a Happ Competition and then going with a Pac Reunion (stick is a bit short, though) or a NOS Wico leaf 4 way...  I don't see myself playing 2 player Head to Head on the 2 player unit anyway...just too small.

By opening up and playing with my X-arcade and a couple of different joysticks (I've tried Happ competition, ultimate, and reunion so far) I'm learning a lot...

NOTE:  I DON'T have a cab and DON'T intend to use X-arcade controls (except for maybe the PCB) in a cab if I build one.  This is just for a quick fix.

[HOTR6]

I built my CP with X arcade parts (before I really got into reading the forums) I will agree with everyone who said the sticks are crap for playing 4 way games! I ordered an Ultimarc stick the other day! The buttons are VERY loud but like MameMaster said "doesn't really matter in the heat of the battle" You stop hearing them after a while. I have not played on any other sticks so I can't compare them. I am not sorry I went this route. The price of the set was great $30 for the 2 sticks and 20 buttons. The components got me up and running and I learned how to do all the wiring and set up. Now when I upgrade it will be easy to do.

[RichyRich]

QUOTE...The magstik plus lines up exactly with the x-arcade. I built my cp and replaced the x-arcades with the magstiks. I am building a new cp, but I am able to use the old cp that I drilled holes for the x-arcade.

I found the x-arcade 4 way to be fine. Overall, I didn't like the long throw and the clickyness was a little too loud for me.
[/quote]

Has the foot print changed then because when I installed a T-stik plus I had to drill new holes and file the base to fit in the routered part of the x-arcade also the mirco switches are arranged differently so a bit of rewiring had to be done to reach.One more thing the connections are larger on the mircoswitchs so larger connectors were needed.All in All a lot of hassle but I quite enjoyed doing it.

Edit:just had a look on Ultimarc .The footprint has not changed so it isn't just a case of removing and replacing,some modding has to be done.so beware spicyfood.

[Necro]

The magstik plus lines up exactly with the x-arcade. I built my cp and replaced the x-arcades with the magstiks. I am building a new cp, but I am able to use the old cp that I drilled holes for the x-arcade.

Great!  Thats exactly info that I was curious about as well.  I was considering (eventually) getting one of those to replace one of the joysticks in my X-arcade for easyt 4way-8 way switching.

Edit: OK, finish reading the thread before you post...new rule.  And (regarding the above post) damn. :/

[lovespicyfood]

Edit:just had a look on Ultimarc .The footprint has not changed so it isn't just a case of removing and replacing,some modding has to be done.so beware spicyfood.

RichyRich: Thanks for the info, I appreciate it very much!  I'm just about to buy wood and start constructing my first cab.  I was thinking of using the Mag-Stiks in my cab so I think I just might try them in the X-Arcade first because it'll be awhile before the cab is done.

BTW, I love this forum!  I'm new to it, but have learned so much in a short period of time.

[RichyRich]

No probs glad I could be of some help.If you are going to do it(it's good practice)the footprint is to large to fit in the routered out section.What I done was angle grinded it down to fit in,saves messing about with the X arcade to much if you want to sell it at a later date also consider using short woodscrews underneath to secure it, saves drilling new holes and holds pretty well so I'm told although i just filled them with filler and painted them black.The person I sold it to didn't even notice or didn't care,left me great feedback anyway.

Word of warning,its highly addictive!!!!!  I ended up with no original parts in my x arcade after going for the 360's so had to get a ipac.Then realised I had a wooden box that cost me

[Ninten-doh]

RichyRich -

How hard was doing all the rewiring?  I just ordered the Mag-Stik Plus sticks for my X-Arcade, and didn't thnk that the wiring would be too short.       I was aware of the extra routing though.

Any words of advice? 

[leapinlew]

...The magstik plus lines up exactly with the x-arcade. I built my cp and replaced the x-arcades with the magstiks. I am building a new cp, but I am able to use the old cp that I drilled holes for the x-arcade.

I found the x-arcade 4 way to be fine. Overall, I didn't like the long throw and the clickyness was a little too loud for me.

Has the foot print changed then because when I installed a T-stik plus I had to drill new holes and file the base to fit in the routered part of the x-arcade also the mirco switches are arranged differently so a bit of rewiring had to be done to reach.One more thing the connections are larger on the mircoswitchs so larger connectors were needed.All in All a lot of hassle but I quite enjoyed doing it.

Edit:just had a look on Ultimarc .The footprint has not changed so it isn't just a case of removing and replacing,some modding has to be done.so beware spicyfood.

I never said I used the x-arcade panel. I built my own panel and used x-arcade parts. I didn't like the x-arcade parts so I bought some magstik plus's from ultimarc and all the holes lined up. They are sitting in my cab right now and I'm using them with no problems. Now, possibly using the magstik plus in the x-arcade panel could cause some problems I cannot be aware of.

[leapinlew]

You can see my old control panel used x-arcade sticks and buttons. When I got my magstiks they simply popped in and everything lined up.

This was before the t-molding.

[RichyRich]

Hi Ninten-doh,Firstly,you should consider hacksawing,filing or grinding the footprint of the magstick,its only a few mill each end, unless your ok with routing that is.

  With the wiring it isn't hard,have you any experince with soldering and wires at all?

  If not it will be good practice.Before you take out the xarcade joy make sure you know which wires go to up,down etc.and write it down.Remember its the opposite from the top but I'm sure you knew that.

  When you get the magstick you will notice that the microswitch's are differently placed and your left microswitch is now your down etc. and the wires dont reach the proper microswitch(I'm working from memory here but it's something like that)you can do either of 2 things here, extend the wires by soldering extra wire to the original wire to make it reach, using insullation tape where you joined the wires or you can trace the wires back to PCB and swap them around there.

  When you get the magstick and have a look at it you will see what I mean just remember to write down what wires are up,down,left and right.The grounds arn't important because the can fit on any switch.You will also need larger crimps for the new miroswitch,well,you used to.

Hope this helps.Any probs PM me and I will do all I can to help.


Goodluck   Richy

P.S.OK leapinlew No worries .I was going to post you are not misleading them on purpose.

  Yes what it is,is on the happs there's two holes you can use and the inner holes are the same as magsticks but they use the outers on the xarcade.

EDIT:ninten-doh...I just thought of another thing you can do that requires no rewiring at all.You can just use the wires that reach and just remapp..GRRR why didn't I think of that at the time....You will have to re crimp still though.