How To Mod A 8Bitdo Arcade Stick Easy with Sanwa Joystick and Buttons

Today we are working on a fun project and showing how to upgrade an 8Bitdo Arcade Stick with a Sanwa Joystick and Sanwa Buttons. We also installed the Phreakmods: The Link, a quick release mechanism for Sanwa Joysticks.
All products used in this video linked below:
Sanwa JLF Joystick: amzn.to/3qUDYQv
Sanwa OBSF pop-in buttons: amzn.to/3dOvk2t
Package with both the stick and the buttons: amzn.to/3knnpKK
Phreakmods The Link: bit.ly/2MmpaLB
5 pin Joystick connector: amzn.to/2Mmqa2j
Silky Touch Balltop - bit.ly/2NUJqo3
Flush Cutter: amzn.to/3ssJM4f
Torx T10 Driver: amzn.to/3pYQ5uN
Needle Nose Pliers: amzn.to/3kgEZjq
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[@Moosedemeanor]

Thanks for the great video and the solid content. It inspired me to mod my 8bitdo Arcade Stick with the same parts you linked. One item I'd like to note is that the Amazon links you shared are for Chinese knock-offs of the Sanwa joysticks, buttons, and ball. When my Amazon package arrived it clearly showed "Made in China" stickers on the packaging and bubble wrap. Sanwa is made in Japan; it looks like another reviewer for the product found the same thing I did. I ended up returning the items to Amazon and purchasing authentic Sanwa from Arcade Shock. It ran me about $8 more but is authentic. I would update your links if you have the time. Thanks again for the great content!

[@Aberusugi]

Yup 100% Sanwa parts are all made in Japan, glad you warned anyone watching this video about.

[@paralaksa5035]

This tutorial encouraged me to actually do this upgrade. It went super smoothly and it was totally worth it. Sanwa stick feels a lot more stiff and precise than the original 8bitdo stick. Thank you for this one!

[@Si7ruzGames]

Thanks so much for this Briar Rabbit. I just ordered this unit for my arcade games and was a little worried about modding it for some better parts. Heard mixed things from people saying some joysticks don't fit etc, but looking at what you've done those were the Sanwa parts I'd of gone for. Looking forward to giving this a go. Thanks. 👍

[@freezeframeplease]

just purchased this as i'm just getting into traditional fighting games! You're a savior ! thanks a lot!

[@daxuss]

That tutorial is just great. I just bought 8bitdo Arcade Stick and I am looking for upgrade options. Thanks a lot !

[@DigitalAsshat]

I just upgraded to Sanwa JLF with an octagonal gate. Night and day difference. Buttons seem ok to me so I kept those original ones. Thanks a lot for this tutorial, very helpful.

[@Alex_Power]

Helped me upgrade my stick - thanks very much! Have also got a 4 pound spring to make the stick tighter.

[@nobodie9996]

Oooo that blue lookin clean and crisp too

[@capnblackleg]

hey dude, just wanted to say thanks for the vid, was a huge help and I modded mine with no issues following along. I also didn't know about the detachable stick which is super rad.

[@jstonich1]

Saving this for later, when my parts arrive.

[@torridice]

This is the content we want to see right here. Perfect timing for my lunch!

[@BriarRabbit]

Thank you

[@braxtonmakai5366]

instablaster

[@monotech20.14]

@@BriarRabbit I have the 8bitdo arcade stick. I was thinking of upgrading the buttons 1st , instead of the stick.

[@mrnobody6609]

Thanks a ton for the link to the joystick connector. I can solder, but that stuff only re-melts like twice so I try to avoid doing it on stuff like this. Mine turned out great, by the way. The connector saved me a ton of time.

[@Neos1heOne]

Love those colors Briar! And i like the white buttons

[@duaplex1]

Thank you, I have been inspired to mod. Ordered the exact parts, except I have mine in the Black rubber balltop and red buttons. I have also ordered from foam dampeners for the buttons :)

[@snfullif]

I used sandpaper to modify the 5 pin cable. Smooth fit!

[@SBCurley]

Woo! I was worried about the buttons because disconnecting / reconnecting the wires was such a pain. But everything worked great in the end!

[@jasp2003]

Blue looks awesome! I’ll be doing the same to mine!

[@chillwillmuzik7114]

thank u for the video, i was told i had to solder the jlf wires. wasnt really wanting to do that so again thank u

[@MikiRamanak]

Thanks for video, I'm about to change the buttons of my 8bitdo arcade stick as well!

[@BriarRabbit]

Have fun!

[@shaughndavis6484]

Love this type of content. Keep up the good work.

[@BriarRabbit]

Thank you!

[@curry9361]

that ball is a beauty😍😍

[@limmel3588]

That looks awesome.

[@Oakl3y25]

I have a pretty simple question, what would be the difference if you’d be replacing the spring with a heavier spring for the joystick? Keep up the good work bro ✌🏻 Thanks a lot

[@vndysifuentes9798]

Looks sick!

[@jos576]

Hey there thanks for posting this. I can to this late and it helped me to decide on how and what to do with mine.

[@GlennGerard]

Thank you for this video and your enthusiasm! ❤

[@clogmonkey]

Great video, informative and you seem really charismatic too.

[@shahryarrizvi1]

Thanks for this. I think I've caught a few more things I may want to order now. I'm planning on doing my 8bitdo arcade stick mod next week once the rest of my parts arrive. So far I've gotten the Sanwa joystick, buttons, octagonal gate, and connecter. Waiting on the bat top & new weighted spring. I didn't realize a flush cutter would be needed so about to order that. I'm interested in the quick disconnect too for the joystick so I can travel with it.

[@BriarRabbit]

Glad I could help!

[@shahryarrizvi1]

@@BriarRabbit I just ordered the flush cutter. I'll get the Phreakmods a little bit later once I know I'm going to be transporting this arcade stick with me somewhere

[@joestern9033]

Always love the content. Great instructional vid Briar!

[@MRrZero]

This video was very helpful. Thank you so much

[@pedrosilvamusician]

You just saved me a lot of money dude. I got a cheap arcade stick that I wanted to upgrade, but I saw that it was so different than the mayflash and stuff like that we see out there. The buttons are those white 2 pin things on both sides oddly enough, but that's fine, I can just replace the cables when I order new buttons. But for me the biggest problem was the joystick since I didn't have any 5 pin place to put the Sanwa, only 8 pin (like the 8bit do), so I figured I had to buy a Mayflash or something and upgrade. If it works for you it'll work on mine. I just need to figure out a way to put the screws of the joystick on it, since it has nowhere to put it. For reference it's a Nox Krom Kumite, Nox is a very popular budget brand here in Europe

[@Puckanm]

dude this was a very cool video. I dont have a stick yet and the 8bit looked neat to start off. Seeing you can upgrade it to sanwa quality might make me do the buy. Im looking to use it on Steam for Tekken6/Soulcalibur etc

[@NewGabeOrder]

Recently I used GPIO wires to wire up my Sanwa JLF without the need of contact point soldering.

[@davieslm]

Great video and I followed your tutorial to upgrade mine. Many thanks. I stuck with the stock colour scheme and replaced stick and all 10 buttons with Sanwa items and installed an octagonal gate. The blue theme looks great but I would probably fit some black Sanwa OBSF24 buttons to match the black. I am now tempted to get the removable shaft. Is Phreak mods still the best detachable shaft?

[@tub3st3ak]

Great tutorial! I had to flip the 5 pin connector cable over at the end that connects to the joystick (so that the little slots in the plastic are visible), otherwise I didn't have proper input. Probably just a schoolboy error, but might be useful info for fellow modding noobs

[@waltheodoros]

Thank you for sharing your project with us! ♥️ Is the black plate under the buttons made of acrylic, or glass?

[@bzdtemp]

What is up with all the hate for Torx screw!? It is like every video there is about this stick there is a mandatory comment about the Torx screws. Torx screws are better than the Phillips ones, they offer a better cleaner grip and it is a common standard that has been in use for years.

[@logandunlap9156]

not everyone has torx screwdrivers on hand and most screwdriver kits come with only philips and flathead. you have to go out of your way for torx

[@bzdtemp]

@@logandunlap9156 Maybe it is an old world vs. new world or something. When ever buying a set of bits or screw drivers I always find it includes torx screws - and it is a much clearer defined standard than the Phillips one where it can be a hassle to find a perfect match of screws and tool.

[@BadEyeBill]

It also works with 8bitdos' bluetooth adapters for NES, SNES and Genesis.

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

Only thing I can't get it to use the mapping from the software on my Genesis. I want to remap the start button which is block on mk1. Have you tried to change mapping?

[@nobodie9996]

Ayyyyy! A RetroSlot and a upload here already? Today is looking up!

[@BriarRabbit]

You are too kind

[@nobodie9996]

@@BriarRabbit it's great stuff, man. I have some fine motor control issues but still love gaming. Your reviews go into objective and subjective points that help with that question I always have. Some controllers just make it absolutely horrible lol.

[@fireflydice]

Awesome video! Quick question, which spring does it come with? I found that the one it comes with is a little too light for me and I saw there are 2, 4 and 6 lb springs. So would like to know in order to get a better one.

[@jinkazama7587]

I highly recommend this stick, I'm planning on buying another one for modding but the stock works surprisingly well with Tekken 7 (with a brook)

[@bluetarantulaproductions6179]

Been thinking of purchasing this stick, though I would add an upgrade for PS4 and PS5 (if possible) as well as an upgrade to the stick itself.

[@roguelites5225]

Nice vid man

[@Mingodough]

Do you know if you can add artwork to it? Obviously you can do anything to anything, but I’m saying is if there like a template online or something

[@maximoignacio6959]

Hello do you have a tutorial on changing levers on 8bitdo (xbox) levers? Can I use connectors instead of soldering?

[@Wizualnie]

Great video! Just one question - is there a way to change LED (or whatever lights it have) color as well? You know, those "X/Y/A/B" stuff that jump from Xbox to Nintendo setting? I'm, thinking on moding it blue or pink for my better half (whatever she choose), and keeping it red for myself... but to be honest, it's my first Arcade Stick and I'm a kind a noob still :D

[@dtatge1]

Shoulda watched this video before starting---I also wish the Sanwa joystick I ordered came with that cable

[@mondealenvers8657]

does the Sanwa stick have extra travel after you hear the click? because it is my main complaint about the OG lever of the 8BitDo

[@DO44INO]

Hello. Is it possible to assign the "select", "start" buttons to P1 and P2? Or any other?

[@UncommonS3nse]

how does it feel using the removable stick? It looks a fair bit thicker than a regular one, do you notice it while playing?

[@PuzzoMolto]

I'm wanting an octagonal gate for mine too, what did you go with?

[@Griimmerr]

if i only want to change the top to a bat top, can i use any bat top i find or is there some that are not compatible or something?

[@don.c.1056]

Hey Briar, I want to replace the joystick in my Pandora's box for an Ikari Warrior style rotating joystick. Do you have a link to someone that has an easy mod so I can play those types of "move and twist" games. Also can you make a simple video on how to install the 12 way rotary joystick? Thanks man.

[@JamSessionsEX]

This stick is hot garbo with the built in gate. Swap it out the moment you get it lol

[@williamdelaar6216]

Nice Work... How do you plan on playing 4-way arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong?

[@vilhelmstein2091]

Is there a way to extend the wires? I want to buy one and dismantle it to put into a cabinet

[@elopa278]

Hello , unfortunately i can‘t find this top ball anywhere online. I like the matt finish. They are all shiny

[@LodanZark]

I have tons of sanwa and seimitsu buttons, after trying the crown 202 it's hard to go back.

[@BigDemolition]

I need to replace the joystick only on my 8BitDo. Do I need just the joystick of my choice? Or do I also need that 5 pin connector? EDIT: Answered my own question thanks to your video!

[@payampajoohi166]

I just modded the same stick with sanwa buttons and a joystick(jlf), but the stick overall still has a lot of lag playing street fighter on the switch...maybe the nature of bluetooth? I play the same game on pc or console with a wired connection(different fight stick) and it is considerably more responsive.

[@rmcf3972]

Do you recommend 8bitdo as a beginner fight stick?

[@frankobash9130]

Is there a video of you using it?

[@SimmeZoltar]

Does 8bitdo Arcade Stick work with PS5 Using the Brook Wingman FGC converter?

[@tubinonyou]

Could I put a Seimitsu lever in the 8bitdo arcade stick?

[@stevenluongo367]

Hey, looks like the link to the T10 screwdriver takes you to a T15 page :)

[@Washi81]

Can you put Crown stick in there?

[@jasonwebb7978]

Further info, when I was multimetering my 8bit do stick. It seemed like they were key scanning (the voltage value was floating around even without touching the button). so socd's are gonna have trouble if you try to change to mixbox buttons.

[@jasonwebb7978]

Also I noticed most socd cleaners state that they are incompatible with 8bitdo and I assume this is why!

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

​@@jasonwebb7978what is an socd? Can you elaborate why this is bad or good?

[@yska6301]

Just got my 8bitdo arcade stick, why is the Sanwa JLF better than the standard stick?

[@gioser82]

Cambiando il pin la selezione del analogico dx e sx funziona cmq dal tasto??

[@conman3113]

What fighting games are you using that in?

[@finalcuthugo]

Would you think the xbox version would have the same harness fit for the joystick with the ground wires? That would be great if so.

[@maximoignacio6959]

Any updates on this?

[@finalcuthugo]

@@maximoignacio6959 I didn't change out my lever but it appears to be the same as this one for the most part. The buttons went in just fine, as they do in this guy's video.

[@user-qo4db7ib5q]

seimitsu is like 100g force press Sanwa most likely 50-55g force press i think ? not sure

[@jacobprayer8656]

I did this and I added an automatic gate switcher (4-8 way)

[@tubinonyou]

I installed snap-in Sanwa buttons as you did in this video. I noticed that the connections are nowhere near as tight as they were when connected to the stock buttons. Is this okay?

[@briancook5828]

The blades on the new buttons are probably not as wide as the old ones. Since the connector is sprung in the middle, its usually fine if it is pivoting but not coming off.

[@Deuwl]

I'm doing a Seimitsu LS 56-01 with Kowal short throw mod with this stick. Does the Seimitsu fit in like the Sanwa? I have the newest version of the 8bitdo Arcade stick which I believe accommodates different sticks. I know I have the latest version because mine has Philips screws. Can someone confirm if this will be ok? Also, anyone link me a video on how to install the Kowal short throw mod?

[@smokegames1179]

Is it worth it for $65 with sanwa part already installed got a deal used

[@2risbridger]

Will you’re second arcade stick be a 8bitdo or you trying a different brand?

[@BriarRabbit]

Different board :)

[@cokehyena]

So I have a Xox/PC *Bitdo arcade stick as of a few weeks ago. Don't like how loose the stick is and bought a Sanwa stick. But I ordered the ribbon linked below the video and they don't seem to line up with the pins on this board. Is there a ribbon that has the right pin distance on one side for the board and one that connect to the stick?

[@BriarRabbit]

Yeah, it's different on the xbox version. You need to solder to board (very easy) or find an adapter to JST PH 2.0 8pin

[@cokehyena]

Could you point me to the adapter I'd need? @@BriarRabbit

[@dualps]

What model stick did you use?

[@migueltorres5087]

where can i find the other 2 buttons above

[@Ketchup911]

Does this works with a retroid pocket 2 ?

[@icee113]

Wait, it's totally secure and safe to plug a 5-pin connector into the 8-pin? You can just do that?

[@AlKydaKilla]

Yes. It sure is.

[@medhat3469]

Guess u should check gamesir c2 almost same price comes with sanwa stick and buttons bigger size more console to operates much better quality

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

You rule

[@lean9741]

Could you stream some games using this stick

[@pacificostriker]

I did this but the stick ramdomly give orders to the buttons i dont know why. I do fireballs or jumping and then a punch of kick is marked without press an button. Do you know wht is happening?

[@GTA_500]

Man you could even modify that cable with a small file.

[@rrvrs4115]

My 5pin cable doesn’t slide on to the joystick like in the video. It’s currently half way on, but fully functional. Has anyone else had difficulty with getting their 5pin cable on the stick?

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

After I get me a Nintendo Switch, I will get me an 8BitDo arcade stick controller.

[@richardj163]

8 bit do? Or 8bitdo (doh like Nintendo)?

[@DJOZMET]

Why Sanwa, if someone wants to play a fighting game must use the competition joystick

[@renzorosciano7617]

Can you msg me the model numbers for the Sanwa button and joystick that you installed.

[@mab1776]

This won't work for the new Xbox stick; the stick is pinned as a ground between each pin. It still has the solder pads, though.

[@Ripperblue1]

Besides soldering for the Xbox version.. is there nay other way to connect this? Running into this same issue

[@mab1776]

@@Ripperblue1 I don't believe so.

[@retromister81]

Cool but joystickny already showed this

[@ROX99]

Can this stick work with nes/snes Bluetooth receiver (with real consoles) ?

[@Gaming-Legends007]

👍

[@wads80z]

I literally almost snapped the stupid thing across my knee playing Champion Edition thanks to the piece of shit joystick - immediate upgrade required so you have a chance doing SRK motions.

[@MentalPolution]

What's the mister? You said you'd used this arcade stick on it.

[@armyofninjas9055]

The "L" is solder is silent...

[@rustycopperpot]

Nope. Not in English it’s not.

[@mehdimoi-maati3020]

for ps5 ?????????

[@BlankaCentral]

u shoul;d note the amazon sanwa sticks are fake.