What is the best arcade stick for each system?

[dsheinem]

Obviously any answer to this question is somewhat subjective, but I am looking to beef up my arcade stick collection for better shmupping/fighting. I have parted with more than a few sticks over the years that I felt were quite poor (especially from the 16-bit era and before), but know there must be better solutions out there.

Let's ignore price or modding possibilities for now. I am looking for the best stick out of the box, period.

2600 - Anything less stiff than the default joystick?
NES - please tell me there is something better than the NES Advantage. It just feels awkward to me...
SMS - I have the "Sega Arcade Stick" with buttons on the left. Any better options?
PCE/TG16 - no idea what's out there
Genesis - I am interested in the 6 button official arcade stick - is there anything better?
SNES - no idea what's out there
Saturn - Seems like the Hori stick is the way to go? Seems hard to find one...
PS1 - I have the ASCII stick. Too light.
N64 - no idea what is out there
3D0/Jag/CD-i/other 5th Gen systems - anything worth getting?
Dreamcast - Official Agetec Stick
PS2 - seems like there are a lot of sticks, and I don't know where to start.
Xbox - same as above
Gamecube - The Hori is the best, I assume?
360 - MadCatz TE Stick
PS3 - MadCatz TE Stick
Wii - Hori Stick

FYI, my favorite stick is the MadCatz TE Stick (PS3 version) and would love to find something that good for each console (or at least as close to it as possible). Fat chance, I know.

Another possibility to throw out there - is there a good stick that can be fitted with a plug and play adapter to work on multiple systems? I've seen hybrid Gen/SNES sticks on eBay too - are any of these decent?

So, share your thoughts!

[MrPopo]

For the Wii I find the MadCatz SE stick is better than the Hori, especially because you can switch the stick between left analog, d-pad, and right analog. And for the 360/PS3 some alternate possibiltiies are the Hori Real Arcade Pro EX-SA and EX-SE. SA is Sanwa parts, and SE is Seimetsu. The TE stick edges them out just a tad because the aforementioned switch makes it work better on PCs.

I wasn't aware there was a Hori stick for the Dreamcast. The "official" stick is the Agetec.

[noiseredux]

For the Cube, I can strongly suggest the Hori. I also have the NubyTech and I had The Shaft. The Hori is fantastic.

[dsheinem]

For the Wii I find the MadCatz SE stick is better than the Hori, especially because you can switch the stick between left analog, d-pad, and right analog. And for the 360/PS3 some alternate possibiltiies are the Hori Real Arcade Pro EX-SA and EX-SE. SA is Sanwa parts, and SE is Seimetsu. The TE stick edges them out just a tad because the aforementioned switch makes it work better on PCs.

I wasn't aware there was a Hori stick for the Dreamcast. The "official" stick is the Agetec.

oops, meant agetec. will fix.

[Hatta]

2600 - Anything less stiffer than the default joystick?

There are *tons* of 3d party 2600 sticks. I like the TAC-2. It might actually be stiffer than the 2600 stick, but it's more responsive. You don't have to push as far or as hard to get it to register. There's also the Wico bat, which feels a lot like an arcade stick. You might like that one better if stiffness is your problem with the CX-40.

NES - please tell me there is something better than the NES Advantage. It just feels awkward to me...

Man, there's nothing better than the Advantage. It's perfect as it is.

[noiseredux]

I liked the NES Advantage.

I hated the Super Advantage for SNES.

I'd like Hobie to discuss his Capcom SNES stick at great length. Or just give it to me.

[sevin0seven]

For the Cube, I can strongly suggest the Hori. I also have the NubyTech and I had The Shaft. The Hori is fantastic.

yep, for GC and Wii Hori is the best out there.

[dsheinem]

For the Cube, I can strongly suggest the Hori. I also have the NubyTech and I had The Shaft. The Hori is fantastic.

yep, for GC and Wii Hori is the best out there.

Do you really need both? Are there Wii games that support the Wii stick but not a GCN stick?

[avrame]

Hey dsheinem,

By chance are you aware of the chthulu board and imp board for the Madcatz TE stick? Using those boards you can easily wire up your stick to work with multiple console. My TE stick (originally a 360 stick) is wired to handle PS3, PS2, GC, and Xbox1.

http://shoryuken.com/f177/official-cthu ... ad-162026/

Example of how to use the board:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To- ... ulti-Cons/

[t0yrobo]

I wouldn't even bother trying to find stick for anything older than PSX/Saturn. The majority of them just weren't that good. I'd get a ps2 HRAP and start stocking up on adapters, from ps2 you can get adapters for just about anything.