Anyone know how to avoid having to get X-arcade?

Post by **Whatupdoc?** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:45 pm

Does anyone have an idea of how to make an arcade setup that wouldn't require buying an x arcade or anything overly expensive? I wanna pimp out my comp and make it into a cabinet but its kinda like If I can't get a set of double arcade sticks for relatively reasonable costs Im not gonna bother and also anyone have anything about guns for compy? I mean I know theres act labs but beside that theres only like a few like that one that got sued out by sony...
Either way If anyone has any ideas reply just for kicks.

Post by **skate323k137** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:16 am

when you look into all the parts and labor, most quality arcade sticks are very reasonably priced. just the joystick and buttons are going to run you 30-40 dollars per player (usually around $20 for a good joystick, and a couple bucks a piece for buttons with microswitches). by the time you figure in at least $30 for supplies for the case, a PCB of some sort, and several hours of labor, buying one starts to sound pretty reasonable. on the other hand if you're going to spend the coin, and have the skills to do so, just make your own sticks. there is a way for mame cabinets to wire all your buttons to a keyboard/key encoder.

Post by **SpaceBooger** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:17 am

I was/still am in the same boat.
I had an extra pc and a baby on the way... I wanted a cabinet before the baby came.
I could afford the cabinet but not the x-arcade... so I used 2 PS2 fight sticks and a usb adapter for now. I will add an xarcade later.

here is the post and image of my final cabinet: http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 8&start=20

Post by **Doctor Fugue** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:44 am

Edit: I just read my post and I don't think I answered your question very well. When all is said and done, there isn't a cheaper way to get true arcade sticks. Hook up a couple of Saturn pads and wait until you can afford something awesome.

Now, on to my original post...

Seriously, nobody should buy the X-arcade. I know it is pretty fashionable among arcade snobs like myself to hate the X-arcade...but wow its build quality sucks. They last for maybe a year or something and then things start breaking...that is not long enough...I don't know their warranty process but even if it gets fixed for free it would be a serious shipping hassle. And their (expensive) adapters for future-proofing have noticeable lag.

As skate323k137 said, sticks appear expensive but are generally well-priced for the end result...and years of durability.

These guys will custom make a really solid two-player set:

http://www.arcadeinabox.com/scripts/pro ... product=44

That is really quite expensive, I suppose, but it works with a 360 as well and the parts they use are great. (No, I don't work for them and I don't know them personally)

Sticks and buttons are the most important part of arcade gaming, even ahead of monitors...go cheap on everything else.

Post by **selfdestroyer** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 6:24 pm

I buy my parts from http://www.happcontrols.com/

You can also find HAPP packages on ebay pretty cheap.

Here is an example of the one I built. I still need to take finish photos...

http://evolvingconsole.com/pro_arcadestick.html

Post by **skate323k137** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:57 am

first off, i agree 100% with Doctor Fugue's post.

second, i too love happ parts, their convex buttons are my favorite all time arcade button.

Post by **ravenmgs** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 4:49 am

I have an x-arcade, I never use it.

The problem with arcade sticks is you need to be able to pull on them and push.. and sitting on the floor or in your lap just doesnt allow for that.
Google is your friend, this came up for me pretty fast.. http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/how-t ... n-5-parts/

but you are going to want to look at http://www.gamesx.com/, its a haven for super mod nerds.