A Breakdown of Gamepads, Sticks, and Stickless Controllers—Pros, Cons, and Everything in Between
A Breakdown of Gamepads, Sticks, and Stickless Controllers—Pros, Cons, and Everything in Between
In today’s gaming space, one thing is certain—we find ourselves in the golden age of fighting games. Whether you are a die hard Mortal Kombat fanatic or you find yourself whispering, “Hadoukin!” in any plausible scenario that might call for it, with this genre of game, the skill gap is so incredibly wide. This means that those players who are well seasoned in the sphere of fighting games know that being equipped with the right controller is absolutely critical in stacking up those KO’s; and the players who are just starting out… Get over here! Listen up, this article will tell you everything you need to know about the best controllers for fighting games so you can avoid Fatality.
We will examine three different styles of controllers used for fighting games including pad, stick, and stickless. We will delve into costs, then define the pros and cons of each of the options and we will even go over the health risks of each as well.
Round one, fight!
Game pads are the most common of the three styles of controllers. The reason for which is likely due to their familiarity and accessibility, as many gamers own one prior to their introduction to fighting games. You can oftentimes see these being used in tournaments by the best of the best.
Six button style pad designed for fighting games with an excellent performance for the price. A great budget option to consider.
Latest generation of HORI fightpad. Complete with a six-button layout, analog stick, touch-pad, and bumpers. A trusted brand that will give consistent and solid performance.
A popular option for many gamers largely due to its handfeel, ergonomics, and general familiarity. This is a great option for amateur players to consider.
Another truly classic and extremely popular option in the space of fighting games at this point in time. Tried and true, this controller will not steer you wrong.
Gamepads tend to offer solid ergonomics as most of them conform to the shape of the hand. Additionally, they allow for the full use of hands which means the one muscle isn’t taking more strain than the others. However, just like anything, overuse can cause pain in the hands, and in some more serious cases can lead to a moderate risk of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
An excellent starter option for gamers who would like to try their hand at using a stick controller. Very solid performance for a low cost.
A trusted brand in the space of stick controllers. The MAYFLASH F700 offers a great bang for your buck. They are well constructed controllers and fairly ergonomic as well.
Yet another dependable brand. Defining features are their customability. One can swap button layouts very easily, which makes these controllers a very strong option to consider when choosing a stick set up.
QANBA is an iconic name in the sphere of stick controllers and this one is a strong contender for one of the best. They are built with tournament-grade components, and are equipped with a Sanwa Denshi joystick for smooth gameplay.
A popular option despite the higher price point. A fully metallic frame makes for a seriously durable controller and with swappable parts, making this option an Ultra Combo!
Stick controllers are likely the least ergonomic of the options as layouts tend to be spread out and your whole arm is needed to direct the joystick as opposed to just a thumb. Overuse of the stick controller coincides with higher risk of conditions such as tendonitis or Carpal Tunnel. Along with that is a moderate to high risk of RSI as well.
Very low price to entry for otherwise typically expensive controllers. These controllers are relatively customizable making them a great beginner-friendly option for those looking to try out stickless. An added bonus is these are quite thin and portable.
A larger and bulkier option perfect for the gamer who prefers a sturdier feel—a hard option to beat for the price point.
Being one of the industry original manufacturers in the space of flat-stickless controllers means that this brand has honed their craft. This option punches above its weight class, being on the smaller end of the stickless controllers on the market but still providing great performance. Not to mention it’s a pretty nice looking little rig and surprisingly durable too!
Boasting some seriously fast input speeds, stunning RGB display, and customizable wraps, this option is great for the more seasoned veterans looking to splurge a little. A truly well-crafted device.
Those who adopt the stickless controller and all that comes with it may be more prone to “typing injuries” such as Carpal Tunnel, Tendonitis, etc. With that being said, there is a moderate to high risk of RSI.
At the end of the day, there is no single “best” controller for fighting games—it all comes down to preference, playstyle, and comfort. Pads offer familiarity and accessibility, sticks deliver tradition and durability, and stickless controllers promise precision and speed. Each comes with its own learning curve, pros and cons, and even health considerations. What matters most is finding the option that lets you feel confident when the announcer yells, “Here comes a new challenger!” Whether you’re chasing your first win or grinding your way through tournaments, the right controller is more than just hardware—it’s your weapon of choice.
Time’s up!
