Joystick and more, please help

[toopack2]

I am new at this game thing, so please bear with me and all information will be very appreciated.

I want to build an arcade joystick to play classic games on computer using emulators.  Here are questions that I do not know, I don't want to waste money on things I do not need or no good.
1/  Do I need the JAMMA harness?  Is JAMMA harness the only thing that allow you to get the button controls that can be read by the computer via USB connection?  If JAMMA is not necessary to have then what other ways to do it?

2/  I want to play street fighters and shooting games like Raiden 2.  Can I change the plate to make the joystick go in circle (don't know what it is called) instead of 4-direction or 8-direction.

3/  Please tell me where to get the joystick kit that has all the things I need to get it going right away or already built joystick for cheap.  X-arcade joystick at $200 is too expensive for me

4/  Any information that would help a newbie like me to save time and money.  Thank you.

[Nephasth]

1) No.

2) Yes. Side note - you can't play Raiden 2 in MAME.

3) X-arcade is about it for premade assemblies, and you just missed a sale they had on the 2 player stick (it was about $70 I think). You can buy parts to build your own from Ultimarc, Paradise Arcade Shop, and Groovy Game Gear.

4) Check out how other people do it: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/board,10.0.html

[toopack2]

Oh, I want two separate joysticks.  So how does it work?  Just plug into two different USB port?  I know there are kits for two players but with one USB connection, and not really sure about two separated one.  Thank you guys.

[Nephasth]

You can do two seperate controllers, yes. And it is just a matter of 2 USB connections. Best bet, wait until Vigo gets back from vaykay and order a couple of these: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,114744.0.html

[toopack2]

@ Nepahasth
Thank you for your answer.  How can I play Raiden 2 and street fighter vs capcom and marvel vs. capcom games.  Different emulator? and what do I need to play those games.  Thank you

[Nephasth]

Raiden 2... the way it was meant to be... buy the PCB. Then you would need a JAMMA harness, and a list of other things. Might have to settle for Raiden, Raiden Fighters, and Raiden Fighters Jet.

[emphatic]

I'd say pick up a couple of Mad Catz Brawlsticks for the XBox 360 if you're in the US. They are cheap and the build quality is great. You can play Raiden 2 if you run a PSX emulator and get hold of The Raiden Project.

[Gray_Area]

Dude....look around.....read the Wiki.....buy Saint's book. Look up MAME, and read the stuff on it.  Otherwise, have someone build and set up a device for you.

[toopack2]

Dude....look around.....read the Wiki.....buy Saint's book. Look up MAME, and read the stuff on it.  Otherwise, have someone build and set up a device for you.

I have read a lot on the topic and have some questions before I actually buy the stuff.  Thanks wasting your own time and my time with your reply.  You always give "Gray_Area" replies to questions as your user name implies?