We are right here to speak about a few of the best possible controllers for combating video games in 2022.
We wouldn’t name ourselves consultants in combating video games, and also you received’t see us competing in any tournaments anytime quickly.
But we get pleasure from good fight, similar to the following man. Plus, I personally battle in actual life, so… *cool man alert*
We’ve lined a few of the classics right here on RetroDodo: Best Street Fighter Games, Best Mortal Kombat Games, Best Anime Fighting Games.
Whatever your favourite taste of combating sport and no matter your stage of ability, what are gonna be a few of the best possible controllers?
Let’s discover out!
What Controllers For Fighting Games Do Most Players Prefer?
Before we leap into our decisions of controllers, we have to set some floor guidelines.
What precisely makes for a superb controller for a combating sport?
Well, a few of the apparent stuff is gonna be precision and velocity.
You don’t wanna get your butt kicked as a result of your controller isn’t permitting you to appropriately enter combos or as a result of there was a cut up second lag in response after you hit the buttons.
So good buttons with exact enter and connectivity with no lag is a should.
And, in fact, it could be good in the event you can maintain the controller for lengthy durations of time with out your palms cramping up. So ergonomics are additionally gonna’ be necessary.
In many instances, gamers choose a button format that has six entrance dealing with buttons on the correct facet (three on prime, three on backside).
This is as a result of many combating video games, like Street Fighter, could have a light-weight, medium, and powerful assault for punches and kicks.
And lastly… a wired controller will all the time be preferable over a bluetooth connection as a result of attainable tiny delay on enter, which is able to make all of the distinction in an intense battle.
So now that we all know the principles, let’s see which controllers hit the toughest.
After having examine what most battle sport followers are searching for, the primary options of the Hori Fighting Commander sequence will begin to make plenty of sense.
The six motion buttons are good for combating video games, and the Sega Saturn model dpad is nice for precision motion.
In truth, the Sega controllers are a few of the finest first social gathering choices for combating video games, so it is sensible why 8BitDo has their very own Sega model controller (which was additionally a candidate for this listing).
These Hori controllers are a simple transition for any players who’re used to a few of their favourite first social gathering controllers, such because the Playstation DualShock.
HORI has been making controllers for combating sport fanatics for a few years now. So they know what they’re doing. And they know what followers need and don’t need.
They have had years to enhance on the system and get it fairly darn good.
So so far as conventional controllers for combating video games are involved, the Hori Fighting Commander controllers are a few of the finest.
There are variations for PS1-PS5, most Xbox consoles, PC, and even Nintendo Switch and the value of those controllers vary from about $30-60 relying on which console model you decide up.
If you get pleasure from conventional controllers in your combating video games, PowerA has an attention-grabbing possibility for you of their PowerA Fusion Wired Fightpad.
Like the Hori controllers, the Fusion Fightpads have a Sega impressed dpad and 6 motion buttons.
And for optimum connectivity, these are wired USB controllers.. one thing that each single controller on this listing ought to have.
PowerA makes a Fusion Fightpad for Switch, Xbox and Playstation… every for $60.
Between the PowerA and Hori controllers, you received’t go mistaken. You’re actually selecting between aesthetics right here. But combating sport fanatics are likely to go for one or the opposite.
Unless in fact, you might be extra a fan of arcade model controllers…
Yes, we’ve acquired one other controller from Hori.
But now we’re beginning to get into the arcade model stick controller bins. These are the massive boys; big controller bins that really feel such as you’ve acquired the arcade cupboard in your lap.
And in the event you’re searching for the most effective controllers for combating video games in an arcade model, then Hori Fighting Edge is a staple.
With Hori’s low profile arcade buttons and proprietary fast response arcade stick… this factor will react to your enter about as fast as something can.
And that’s not all. It’s acquired a ton of customizable choices, 3.5mm headset jack, and an aluminum prime panel.
One of the very best professional mannequin arcade controller bins for round $199.99.
Hori additionally makes a Fighting Stick Mini for $50… however that’s one thing for informal players and kids. If you need the actual deal professional stage controller field, then the Fighting Edge is the way in which to go.
If you’re a fan of arcade stick controller bins, however have a bit of cash you’re trying to spend… look no additional than the Victrix Fight Stick Pro.
Victrix makes what is definitely one of the superior and high-end arcade stick controllers in the marketplace.
This factor has acquired all of it… precision arcade buttons, touchpad, programmable button settings, detachable stick for transport, 3.5mm audio jack, aluminum shell, braided usb-c wire.
I imply, is that not sufficient already?
Oh, and it’s one of the stunning controllers on this listing.
It’s snug, it’s quick, it’s knowledgeable event stage product.
Yeah, it would run you about $349.99 new, but it surely’s value each little bit of that.
The Hit Box controller by Hit Box Arcade has a huge repute within the battle sport neighborhood as one of many goto setups for superior stage gamers.
And as you may see within the picture, this ain’t your common arcade controller.
The Hit Box is a beast of a unit with massive arcade model buttons. And you would possibly discover it’s lacking one thing.
The Hit Box is among the unique stickless arcade model controller items that options solely buttons… no arcade model joysticks.
There are 4 buttons for directional motion and the up button is bigger and positioned on the underside.
This makes for a very exact and intentional button enter scenario.
There are plenty of movies on-line that specify the advantages of a button setup like this, however this one by YohosieFGC actually covers it fairly effectively:
Stickless arcade controllers have change into fairly widespread within the combating neighborhood, and the Hit Box was the unique.
The Hit Box is suitable with PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC, and it’ll price you $249.99.
If you’re a fan of the button setup of the Hit Box, however are searching for a extra fashionable and minimal really feel… Let us current to you the Snack Box Micro by Junkfood Custom Arcades.
The Snack Box Micro is similar to the format of the Hit Box, however it is rather slim.. very similar to a contemporary mechanical keyboard.
It even feels and seems like a keyboard. And that’s as a result of it form of is.
Inside the Snack Box Micro are Kailh mechanical key switches. Each low profile button has RGB LED lighting behind it, which is programmable.
And the buttons themselves are swappable for various colours, textures, and shapes.
So in the event you’re into customizing your controllers, there are plenty of choices current right here.
The backside is a nonslip materials to maintain the controller from transferring round an excessive amount of in your lap or in your desktop.
If you want one thing that feels a bit beefier, they promote a steel plate for the underside that may add the burden and make it really feel safer.
The Snack Box Micro works with PC, PS3, PS4, PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
And the demand for the SBM is large… so if you’re enthusiastic about getting one for your self, there is likely to be a little bit of a wait. But they may run you anyplace from $200-300 (relying on the mannequin and choices you select) in the event you do resolve it’s the controller for you.
Junk Food Arcades additionally makes heftier controller bins, very similar to the Hit Box, if that’s extra your jam.
As a bonus, we needed to say the Mixbox Controller, as effectively.
The Mixbox is a big controller field, very similar to the Hit Box.
But what makes it particular is that your directional buttons are precise keyboard buttons (Cherry MX Mechanical Key Switches to be precise), very similar to utilizing the standard ASDW keys for motion.
And on the correct facet, you’ve got eight Sanwa Denshi arcade model buttons.
A Mixbox will run you about $250-$300, and may work for customers on Windows, Linux, PS5, PS4, PS4 Pro, or PS3.
They even promote a left-handed mannequin at no additional price… in the event you’re a type of weirdos.
Mechanical Keyboards
It is way much less widespread, however nonetheless not unusual to see players utilizing a keyboard at tournaments. Some folks have even received tournaments with previous crusty keyboards.
And it is sensible… plenty of players play on PC and began with what that they had… a mouse and a keyboard.
Some superior stage fighters nonetheless consider a mechanical keyboard as the very best controllers for combating video games.
Something just like the G.Skill KM570 RGB ($99) or the Ducky One 3 RGB ($119) will just do high quality.
As lengthy because it’s a mechanical keyboard, and you want the way in which it feels and appears… it’s all good.
Anthony has been a online game lover ever since he can bear in mind. He turned a fulltime nomad in 2018, residing all through most of Asia. He centered his ardour in retro gaming and started making a sport for the Game Boy Color whereas residing in Nara, Japan in the course of the 2020 pandemic. He is now in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the place he spends most of his time gaming, happening lengthy walks and assembly as many stray canine as attainable.
