4 / 8 way joystick whats the diffrence?

[Hyperfan]

I see some people may create a control panel with 2 player 8 way joysticks then put a single 4 way joystick on there?

Why is this do some games not support 8 way?

I guess 8 ways joysticks just give you more precision?

[javeryh]

Welcome to the boards!  You should do A TON of reading and learn as much as possible.  Saint's book, these forums and other project examples are the best way to do so. 

Some games are designed for 4-way controls and some are designed for 8-way controls.  An 8-way joystick isn't a solution for 4-way games (generally) because 4-way games (like Donkey Kong) don't know what to do when BOTH up and left (for example) are pressed so it causes poor Mario to just stand there and do nothing.  8-way joysticks still only have 4 switches that can be pressed -  it's just that the joystick can move to the diagonals and press 2 of them at the same time.

[TheShanMan]

It was only a few weeks ago that I didn't understand the big deal with regard to 4 ways either. But once I heard the explanation, it made sense. And last night when my kids and I were playing pac man using an 8 way, I experienced it first hand. It kept frustrating us because it wouldn't do what it "should" do as you go from right to up, which naturally takes you through the up/right diagonal point. You'd expect it to go up, yet it wouldn't. So now I understand from personal experience.

Check out the ultimarc mag stik plus. I'm going to get one the moment I land my next job. It is a "switchable" 4 way/8 way. With this particular one switching between 4 way and 8 way is trivial - pull up on the joystick and rotate one way or the other.

I almost don't even want to play the 4 way games (which are some of my favorites) until I get the joystick. You'd be better off using a keyboard to play those games!

[CheffoJeffo]

Mandatory link to the wiki:

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Joysticks