Sega Saturn Arcade Sticks

I own 6 arcade sticks for the Sega Saturn. I go over what I think of each one, and the games I think they work best with.
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for random thoughts and reviews!
/ segalordx
Check out my pals over at the Sega Saturn Shiro Podcast.
segasaturnshir...
If you want to rep the Sega Lord X logo, check out the merch page!
segasaturnshir...
As always, thank you guys for all your support!

[@JoeBuk724]

I have 3 of those Virtua Sticks. I remember being at Sears with my Dad (i was 13 at the time) and it was just as the the stores were marking down the Saturn stuff. My dad saw they were super reduced in price, only $15! I'll never forget him looking at me and saying "well we have to get all 3 of them..... but that third one is mine." haha

[@SegaLordX]

Memories like that make the hobby worth holding onto.

[@brandonconrad3735]

This video is honestly the greatest thing I have ever seen when it comes to arcade sticks... I have been craving getting an arcade stick for my Saturn... And after watching this video... I have fell in love with the upgraded Sega Virtua Stick at the very end... I agree wholeheartedly that the SS 136 Virtua Stick is the one I'm gonna get for myself. And the best part, my mother ordered it for me for Christmas this year... Which makes it THAT much more exciting to me!

[@dannixon1041]

I have an old boxed Eclipse stick I haven't ever taken out of the box in 10+ years. I got it for $2 on amazon free shipping back in the wild west days. This is a fantastic video, thank you for sharing the details as I am thinking of getting into some saturn imports like the neo-geo converted games and would like an arcade stick with at least microswitches. Ball top/bat top doesn't matter to me so much, but the button performance is also great to see!

[@SMS-iz9ud]

WOW! You got them all! It is good to hear your opinion about each control. This makes it easier to choose which one to buy.

[@SegaLordX]

There's actually a few more I'm on the hunt for. I'll get em all eventually.

[@deckofcards87]

Been scratching my head about which fightstick to purchase for my new Saturn. Then I'm like, of course, SL-X will have exactly the guide I need! And wa'la, not only did you have one, you gave me a look at everyone of them in-depth. Thanks dude!

[@captaincommando2602]

In my opinion the last arcade stick of the video is the BEST.

[@RedRanger2001]

Yeah, at the time. These days, you can get a fightstick and a Brook Wingman SD converter.

[@NIGH11]

Great video man ! There were so many controllers for this console despite it being so far behind the ps1 in the west in sales. I think it goes to show how hardcore its audience really was. Those that owned the Saturn were not just gaming casually but were often willing to pay more for the best experience possible.

[@drunkensailor112]

kevin bhall the system was simply super popular in japan. Outselling playstation for over 2 years and n64 in it's entire run.

[@SegaLordX]

If only that success had followed it to the West.

[@nasserrachedi5238]

Arcade perfect

[@悪魔城下町]

Thank you for this video! This is the most authoritative overview of the various Saturn arcade sticks that I've been able to find on the Internet.

[@keagantrey8743]

Instablaster

[@vasileios6301]

Virtua Stick is the first ''top'' quality arcade stick released,really awesome

[@gunhed67]

That 3 button stick is one of my all time favs. Its really well built and the stock parts are good. I even have the 4 button variant. Although, I do not use them for Saturn. I turn them in to Genesis sticks

[@SegaLordX]

I just bought the 4 button version awhile ago. Same great quality.

[@johndewberryiii9925]

Waltharius Leon seems like it would be ideal for shooters since most are 2 or 3 buttons Attack Bomb and special

[@mauz4930]

Wow! Was great to get to know to all those arcade sticks!

[@SegaLordX]

I'm working on a part 2 to this, as I have picked up a few more.

[@silentfanatic]

Daaamn. That double-stick is insane!

[@outexyt]

Awesome, just what I needed. Rarely play my Saturn these days as I moved on to sticks with shooters. Just found a Hori VF for a good price on eBay, will be revisiting my beloved Cotton 2, Kingdom Grand Prix, Battle Garegga and all the others next week. Thanks a lot!

[@dontfeedthemilkshake]

Was surprised at the distaste for the first edition Virtua Stick. I own a Japanese version, and I guess they changed more than the ball size on the western release. Not sure which came first, but my grey import one clicks! The stick feels fantastic, and for me its the perfect middle ground for someone who isn't huge on fighting games but seeks arcade tactility for shooters and etc.

[@VGVindaloo]

I have both, the Japanese version has micro switches on the stick, so it's a lot better. But, the EU/US version isn't bad as well for a non micro switch stick.

[@yanceyboyz]

I just posted this exact comment, my grey Japanese one’s are great

[@chadmolitor6691]

The buttons are too weird for me. They're a pain in the ass when you're used to normal arcade setups.

[@dannys1392]

Hey Sega Lord X, so I just purchased one of those hss-0136 arcade sticks and I remembered you did a video on arcade sticks recently. So stoked to get it now! Glad I picked up a good one :-)

[@SegaLordX]

It's a good stick for the era. Sometimes you get a used one where the stick is worn out, but it isn't hard to replace.

[@greendroid77]

Got my Virtua Stick HSS-0136 for $85 total with shipping from Japan on Ebay last month and i love it. I kicked ass on that auction that's the cheapest I've seen one go for currently.

[@johndewberryiii9925]

You know it was actually my experience with segas Astro city candy cabs that made me look into the virtua stick. I swear that was the best feeling I ever had with arcade hardware. The buttons the lever felt perfect. I wanted that feeling again I gonna probably buy another and gut it so I can use it on PS4. Maybe flip the circuitry and keep the base

[@cpnnpr]

Nice episode, and great overview of a lot of Saturn sticks. I wonder why there was no rapid-fire option for the HSS-0130 Dual Arcade Stick Pro. Glad the channel is back in high gear!

[@SegaLordX]

Not sure. May have been a cost issue and was dumped. I can't imagine the demand was high at its release.

[@brianoconnell6459]

I just got my twin stick in, it's in good shape, but loving the clicky leaf switches on the sticks, it's been decades since I had a controller with those.

[@johndewberryiii9925]

Thankyou for this video I finally got my japan Saturn I’m waiting for my virtua stick 2 to come I’ll probably get the Hori for shmups. I wasn’t always into arcade sticks but since SFIV released I’ve been a stick player. I have like 4 sticks over 2 consoles I really appreciate your channel. My number one place to go for Saturn info

[@TGApuleius]

Excellent overview! I also like using the NeoGeo-to-Saturn adapter for the SNK fighters.

[@SegaLordX]

Yup. The Total Control 3 also allows these sticks to be used for DC fighters.

[@dannys1392]

Hey Sega Lord X :-) first off, welcome back man and it's great seeing you back on KZbin. We missed ya! I hope your health is doing better and keep your head up!

[@SegaLordX]

I'm hanging in there. Fighting the good fight.

[@jorgesantos754]

I really liked your video, talking only about items that you own and experienced giving the beat feedback possible to the viewers.i have two virtua stick first model and i can tell that the rapid fire helped me alot for beating the psychic assassin toramaru the other day 😆.

[@SegaLordX]

That's the best part of some of these sticks. Rapid fire can make a world of difference in some games.

[@M3rtyville]

I got the first virtua stick for just 5 Euros shipping included. The original package is very used, but it is nice to see how it looks. I use it for Panzer Dragoon because I have no arcade games or fighters.

[@SegaLordX]

For a game like Panzer I think it works great.

[@gigatywing3483]

great vid.. i have the first one you showed and also the less common 4 button one. my pride and joy is my Micomsoft XE1-st2 for megadrive.. and my PCE hori stick modded witth sanwa stick and buttons. Sticks take up alot of space but you gotta have em!

[@SegaLordX]

Sure do. Especially if you are a arcade gamer.

[@dezm101]

what an awesome video! I am envious of all your Saturn arcade sticks lol I only have the cheap virtua stick, but I do have a Dreamcast arcade stick with the green ball top and buttons like the Saturn one you got

[@SegaLordX]

That's a good stick too. I never went after the DC sticks because I just use an adapter to use the Saturn ones on the DC.

[@Rockhead84]

Wow! I had the Eclipse Stick back in the day!

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

18:00 A store in France sold me 7 of these Japanese virtua sticks for 5€ a piece back in 2002…all were brand new with the Saturn to psx adapter included. I eventually sold them in 2011 for 50€ each on eBay and heavily regret not having kept 2… it’s life !

[@marcc5768]

I have the Hori HSS-07, I can agree with the button quality, I had to set mine to the side, since the A button stopped working for me..found that it was my most used button in Shootem ups and such and used it a lot in the Saturn release of Dead or Alive. I wish I could get it fixed..since I need a joystick for Saturn fighter titles that I own, along with shoot em ups..I was an arcade kid..not used to control pads for gaming.

[@johnboydojo]

The Japanese version of the official Sega Virtua Stick is microswitched for the Stick itself.

[@vg4917]

i have it what lord x says is pretty on the money though, it feels kinda garbage for fighters i feel it had potential the sticks good buttons garbage and the box moves around too much

[@w00dyblack]

this is really useful, thanks. just ordered a Hori SS stick off ebay 😄

[@Ashura96]

Got my Japanese virtua stick last year for $60. Beautiful controller. Friend who sold it to me also got a Virtua Stick Pro for a good deal but he is keeping that one.

[@SegaLordX]

Big fan of it as well. A shame a variant didn't make it to the West.

[@jd-py5nm]

nice video love arcade sticks really want the final one that looks like a candy cab or the hori I have owned hori products always good stuff

[@SegaLordX]

Yup, those last two are real winners. Especially the Hori at the right price.

[@RedRanger2001]

These days, it's one of the fightsticks currently available and the Brook Wingman SD adapter.

[@Cory_]

I would love to see a video looking at Genesis arcade sticks. I've got at least three of them but I still haven't found one that I love.

[@ShadowBlade79]

Good show, man! I think what you don't like about the buttons on that SS is the same thing that bothers me about the PS version: those are plunger-style buttons instead of microswitched. There's a contact point right below each button on the PCB, and you have to hit it dead center to get it to activate. It annoyed the hell out of me when I got mine, which is what prompted me to mod it.

[@yanceyboyz]

I have the Japanese grey version of the Sega virtua stick and it clicks, the buttons also feel great. Wonder if it was changed a lot for the us/U.K. market

[@thesmf1210]

very good clicking aka MicroSwitches, the main thing to have on an arcade stick, unless you like mushy dpad style sticks

[@andrewmaasch1724]

Awesome video, SLX! Glad to hear that Japanese Virtua Stick is your favourite as mine arrived a couple weeks ago and I absolutely love it :) Bought a total control 3 adapter too so I can use it with my DC. I also grabbed a copy of 'X-men vs SF' but unfortunately it runs like shit on my Pal Saturn. First import game that doesnt run correctly using the AR cart. Looking into modding my console now.... Hope to see more accessory vids in the future 😎

[@andrewmaasch1724]

drunkensailor112 tossing up between that idea or modding my system. Probably cheaper to get a japanese Saturn but dont want to have to plug in different console each time. Too un-practicle

[@drunkensailor112]

Andrew Maasch you have limited space to connect multiple systems?

[@andrewmaasch1724]

drunkensailor112 yes. My game room is the living room so I can't quite pimp it out the way I would like to 😉. I am in the process of turning my garage into a mancave so could always have another system for out there and keep them on a rotation. I would still do most of my gaming in the lounge.

[@SegaLordX]

That's how I roll. TC3 and all my Saturn sticks work on my DC.

[@CRedd9830]

I only have the VF Arcade Dash stick which was made when Fighters Megamix came out

[@SegaLordX]

I'm looking for one of those right now. It had similar design but with 4 buttons.

[@philharmonic2251]

Just got a sega virtua stick (last one in the video) for $80 delivered! Very happy :)

[@brianbarnhart284]

Love the sega lord x shirt.

[@SegaLordX]

Thanks man. I have a link in the description if you have any interest in buying one. ;)

[@lightdark28]

Years ago I had 2 Saturn arcade sticks. The original Sega Virtua Stick and the Hori Fighting Stick SS. the Virtua stick was a bit cheap feeling, but the Hori stick was great, many hours of Marvel vs Street Fighter and Dead or Alive were played on it. Eventually it became quite worn out and the bottom of it also became very rusty (Im not even sure how). Its also worth noting there is an equivalent Hori stick for the PS1 (and it seems the Namco stick is just a rebranding of it) , which I also owned and was even more important on that system as the Saturn at least as a good pad for fighters. Wouldn't mind owning a 2nd gen Virtua Stick , I can tell they probably suffer from yellowing and such , but thats nothing a little peroxide won't fix.

[@SegaLordX]

The HSS-0136 does indeed suffer the dreaded yellowing. I've seen them nearly brown.

[@lightdark28]

Nowadays its probably the stick I would go for , with a bit of care and maybe retrobrite it could be a really nice arcade stick

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

I like most of the Saturn's arcade sticks because you can modify them by installing high-quality arcade stick parts into your arcade stick. High-quality stick parts such as sanwa, kuro, seimitsu, hayabusa, what have you.

[@supercap3000]

Dustin Nunn is this possible with the saturn sega 1st party virtua stick? I enjoy the look of the American model 1 version but have heard it is cheap quality and light... how easy is it to mod it to higher quality?

[@VirtuaBros]

Man playing vf on that virtua stick would be like a dream!

[@SegaLordX]

It is. Almost like the arcade!

[@RodanChi]

Nice video, please review Virtual On twin sticks when you get a chance.

[@SegaLordX]

Oh yes, it's coming.

[@outerjohn]

With a bit of button mapping in the options menu, the Twin Sticks are the ideal way to experience Panzer Dragoon Zwei as well.

[@drunkensailor112]

What about the astro city arcade stick? Can be played on Saturn and dreamcast with a simple converter

[@krmdagger1126]

When I was young I barely understood why people liked arcade sticks, now im in my junior year and am obsessed with getting them for games such as fatal fury (like the fatal fury syndrome as i think they call it where it ends up turning your buttons into melted rubber)

[@deco983]

Amazing collection!!!

[@SEGASaturnLad]

The funny thing is though, I still prefer using the Saturn control pad 🤔

[@SegaLordX]

The Saturn pad was awesome. No shame in using that at all.

[@averageradiantreplays7702]

It is the very best gamepad ever made, no real shames. The same reason why the USB and PS2 variants are very sought after are because the very same reasons...

[@markmental6665]

the 6 button controller is pure bliss in fighting games, i wish it was the modern standard but playstation won out unfortunately

[@HoroJoga]

Even the Eclipse Stick which you said it is bad overall, felt very good for me, and I'm a big king of fighters fan, so I know how this game should feel in an arcade stick. The only problem I have with it is that the joystick can't be moved enough, so sometimes you think you left it in the 'dead zone' and it suddenly starts moving to the sides, because it is so sensitive.

[@bencheshire]

That sounds like stick drift, but maybe I dont understand what you mean.

[@vallaurianv6024]

Great video Sega lord x. Looking for a virtua stick now. They look cool and I need something with autofire.

[@SegaLordX]

That's your stick then. Watch the auctions if you can find them. They tend to go for less.

[@vallaurianv6024]

Sega Lord X thanks. Found one boxed at a good price. Looking forward to playing with it.

[@marlonadams5860]

I plan to go to Japan next year l will pick some arcade sticks (maybe just the one,a good one) up for the Saturn when l go there and one of the white Saturn standard pads.l will look around a few Hard offs outside Tokyo as stuff is way cheaper outside of Tokyo To. Great video btw and very helpful.

[@SegaLordX]

If you are in Japan, settle for nothing less than the HSS-0136.

[@marlonadams5860]

Sega Lord X Will do thanks.

[@marlonadams5860]

That's a thing of beauty!

[@retroaggression7416]

Theres actually a street fighter zero 2 branded ascii stick, pretty cool. Too bad they didnt do that with the 2nd gen virtua, would be all over that. Great video!

[@SegaLordX]

I'm looking for the Zero 2 Ascii stick as a matter of fact. The box to it is awesome.

[@retroaggression7416]

I know, right?! Can`t beat that classic alpha artwork. Thanks to Curse of the Moon I just saw on Sat. your channel was back up and it`s got me pumped! Hope you are well and thanks a ton for returning!! :)

[@pferreira1983]

Some of these sticks seem awesome although I'd be quite happy with the official first party 'entry level' stick.

[@miikasuominen3845]

I stumbled upon an HSS-0104 at about the time I bought my Saturn. It was mint, unopened with flawless box also. Exactly like that Virtua Stick, except with different coloring (beige base, deep blue L,R and Start and grayish stick and other buttons). But it also has an micro-switches on stick, but sadly not on buttons, which are kinda mushy feeling. I think I got it dirt cheap (all-in-all at around 30€), considering the state of it (I would say it was unopened)...

[@SegaLordX]

I recently picked one up, too. I'm shooting for a part 2 to this.

[@miikasuominen3845]

Yeah, I surprised about the quality of that one. With proper switches and maybe differently shaped buttons. That would have been about perfect. Though, as I said, for that price, I'm happy :)

[@ShinGoukiSan]

My only complaint with the good Sega Stick is the Ball Top and the Square Gate as I was playing it for Capcom Fighters Mostly. But after some Modding I got it the way I liked back in the day.

[@GTRyan35]

The HSS-0136 is glorious. But the buttons are no good really. If you put a little elbow grease in and fix those buttons then boom you have the perfect 90’s-2000’s arcade fighter stick. I popped some seimitsu buttons on mine and it feels so good.

[@tymaginnis7746]

Have you ever used the Japanese HSS-0104 stick? I hear that that one is better than the American version.

[@ericportwood950]

After all these years I've finally got a Sega Saturn but need a arcade stick and some fighting games

[@SegaLordX]

Easily remedied. The Saturn is loaded with great fighting games. If you aren't averse to Japanese imports, the fighters tend to be cheaper there.

[@ericportwood950]

Excellent

[@janfreidun]

I am interested in trying if a virtua stick was good on Space Harrier, but I do not have the Saturn version, and I Learning to play it for real bit by bit on 32x. I only have vague memories of using sticks once or twice of NES games turtles (the swimming sections) and on Track and Field number 2, but it seems as if stick will not work for me so good since I have a problem with fine motorics espically on my left side and left hand, This first aracade stick meant for Virtua fighter would have been great to use with my VF Kids, but then if I use the combo maker, which button would I use to activate the Combos with, as there are not any of those L and R buttons there… I really like this episode even considering that sticks are difficult for me, for it has the Classic let's get started tagline and words coming from you and your know how and not only a voice in the midst of moving picture of game play, which feels like if you are holding a personal lecture or Convention presentation.

[@DanielAyy]

I've always wanted to own an arcade stick but since I don't have a lot of space for one and I can play games perfectly fine with a regular controller, I've passed on them for a while.

[@IParkerLewis]

For me, all input buttons should be micro switches only like real machines would have. Some sticks are really just control pads in a shell. Not the best, but usually lower priced

[@Brendon_Shepherd]

I have both the virtua stick and hori ss both are great but for me the ss has the better layout and feel. It might not be as pretty as the virtua stick but i feel like it plays like a dream and would recommend one before any other consumer saturn stick.

[@SegaLordX]

I don't have any real problem recommending either one. For commercial sticks from the mid 90's, they both are great.

[@mopefiend]

Loved this video! Eyeing a Saturn stick for the longest time. Do you suggest a Hori SS for $50 or Ascii for $30? I already have a Agetec DC stick which look very similar to the Hori stick.

[@SegaLordX]

Hori SS. It's a much better stick.

[@PTminatoPT]

why on earth would sega put the L button right under lk??? it doesnt sound very confortable and ergonomic tbh! besides that,another great video Sega Lord!

[@SegaLordX]

How you hold your hands is a big part of an arcade sticks appeal. That button layout can hamper your comfort. That's why I wanted a close up of every stick.

[@bombfog1]

Excellent video, SLX! Which song is the outro on this video?

[@some-online-dude]

What game is your outro music from?

[@energyzer_bunny1913]

I got a Sega Saturn HSS-0130 coming in the mail!

[@SegaLordX]

That's a real winner. Hope it didn't break the bank! ;)

[@energyzer_bunny1913]

Sega Lord X Ehh it put a dent in my wallet it but it's recovered right now.

[@MisterSouji]

I got the 2nd Virtua Stick off eBay for $50 in great condition. Also, got a two player stick for the dreamcast for $100 because it had some issues that I could fix.

[@SegaLordX]

Awesome finds. :)

[@marakarthegreat]

I want one, but I don't have anywhere to put it

[@toastrave7820]

Just put it on top of your Saturn then take it off the Saturn when you want to play it

[@push_start_button_6008]

Fighting Stick SS is the same like fighting stick PS for Ps1?

[@pendleskillz2121]

Solid video brother. I have the hss 0136 i love the thing, but have you ever tried modding it? I haven't seen any mod videos on this model. I was looking to put in some sanwa buttons and possibly swap the stick. I would love to see a mod video. I want to preserve the thing same colour buttons. Anyway keep up good work.

[@SegaLordX]

Modding the stick is fairly easy, but the buttons require some work. If I get another one I'll like it mod it up and do a video on it.

[@hotcoffeebreath]

I have the option to purchase the virtua stick and the hori fighting stick SS, for $50-$100 each, unboxed, but both have signs of rust in the corner (of hori) and on at least one of the screws (virtua). Do you think I should avoid these and just spend the money making myself a DIY fight stick for my Saturn with premium components... or are those rusty parts minor issues that won't affect my joy? 🙂. Interested in y'all's opinions.. don't worry I won't hold it against you! Just interested in your thoughts

[@IParkerLewis]

The rust can be removed. Restoring fightsticks to original condition is very easy. Aside from the PCB they are pretty much universal. I have modded many sticks for use with other consoles and the PCB is vital. Official PCBs are best. Cheap ones lag.

[@DeadEyeJ]

Oh God.... I really, really want that SEGA HSS-0136 Virtua Stick. *drool* If only I could get one with USB, and works universally with current consoles and PC.

[@jeremycline9542]

It's a tough choice for me. I'm interested in a controller primarily for shmups.

[@SegaLordX]

I'd look at the Hori Fighting Stick SS. Rapid fire, good stick, well built. Affordable.

[@SpaceManRD]

I wonder how well some of these would work with games like Burning Rangers, NiGHTS, or Panzer Dragoon? Not literal _arcade_ arcade games, but they still very much play that way.

[@beebot]

Good vid. HSS-0136 (Made in Japan) is a quality option - the later Taiwanese made models aren't so nice (look at the sticker on the bottom for the country of manufacture). It's getting hard to find Japanese made ones for good prices now. You can buy the Taiwan model and just swap out the crappy Hori stick with an LS-56 - but you have to remove the artwork on the top and replace it with a reprint... (as far as I'm aware anyway).

[@GTRyan35]

I think all of them were assembled in Taiwan. I have bought three of them here in Japan and all three were made in Taiwan with an LS-56.

[@beebot]

@@GTRyan35 I worked for Sega distribution in the late '90s and I know where they were made. These were manufactured in Japan for a short period (by the same sources producing arcade panels - Sega was a major force in arcade production back then). These models had original Semitisu LS-56 sticks. Later iterations were produced elsewhere and used a clone stick. It's easy to check, just lift the dust cover and check the colour of the plastic actuator - if it's blue, it's an LS-56. If it's white, it's a clone stick. If you have Taiwanese made sticks with blue actuators you're basically just lucky as that would have been made with the limited LS56 stock prior to the swap.

[@GTRyan35]

@@beebot This is the best info on this whole situation I have received. Thanks I seem to have all Taiwanese ls-56 clone sticks with white actuators then. They feel fine to me as I haven’t used anything better. Is there much of a difference between these ones and the proper Japanese ones?

[@SheldonKreger]

Great comparison.

[@SegaLordX]

Thank you! :)

[@misterkeebler]

Great video! i think when you are referring to the 'feel' of the buttons and how they click, you are referring to how Sanwa buttons feel, which are the brand that nearly all higher-end arcade sticks ($100+) use nowadays starting back in the Street Fighter 4 days when Madcatz began producing the TE and everyone followed. Hori made some before that on PS2 but they were typically special editions and lower in number produced. I don't think any of the sticks in this vid used sanwa. Probably the main takeaway from this vid for a viewer should be to avoid the Eclipse Stick if possible...that stick is likely to turn someone off from using an arcade stick altogether lol. Literally any of the other options would be a vast improvement. Those sticks literally line the bottoms of the Saturn section in my local retro store for a reason...they are crap.

[@SonyaSaturn64]

Gotta disagree with you a little bit when it comes to the Ascii stick. I agree it's not the best one, but for as inexpensive as it is, I feel it gave me all I wanted, which was a microswitch stick. The buttons don't feel bad at all for me, either. They are getting a little sticky on mine though, but nothing a little cleaning can't fix. Overall though I think the Ascii Stick is one of the better ones without breaking the bank, especially for Street Fighter Alpha. Much better than the first Virtua Stick. That thing was garbage! Also, I was able to put the ball top from the Virtua Stick onto the Ascii Stick, so it feels 10x better for me.

[@SegaLordX]

I put the Ascii sticks on my Saturn arcade unit. They did a serviceable job and stood up to many sessions of gameplay. You're right, for a cheap stick, it has its place.

[@jeremyf9124]

The Japanese (grey) version of the first Virtua Stick has a microswitch stick too, and it goes for less $ than the ASCII stick.

[@retrozocker2294]

great review. thanks!!

[@bencheshire]

Mr. Lord X, ive heard other people complain about the buttons needing a precise push to work on the Virtua Stick 2 (the good one). Have you ever experienced that? Is it possible the buttons are better on the Hori?

[@SegaLordX]

All of these options are nearing 30 years old. They all need cleaning, servicing, and often, replacement parts to get up to snuff again. They all work great when taken care of.

[@thanasisglt]

Nice video! I have the sega virual fighter stick but the stick has been loosen up.. Is it possible to replace or fix it somehow? Does it need any specific stick to buy or could I choose any of those?

[@russellmarsden6316]

What's the best stick for playing Pengo?

[@yiorgo187]

Did sega of America skimp out on the black virtua stick? I have the Japanese grey version and the stick is clicky like its microswitched, can this be confirmed?

[@SegaLordX]

Confirmed.

[@dazrael5658]

I used to have a HSS-0136 and thought it was pretty bad to be honest. The stick isn’t that great, you can hear the difference when it clicks in the video. It doesn’t behave like a Sanwa or Seimitsu stick all. Modding it is even more difficult. If you want to replace the stick you’ll need to drill the base to attach the stick to the chassis as it doesn’t sit properly inside. That in itself ruins the art on top but because the new stick sits higher than it is supposed to it feels weird when using it. I seem to remember it’s not easy to replace the buttons either. All in all it was a rubbish experience having one of these, if you’ve got the know how mod a Saturn pad into a better stick. I’ve got a Saturn pad modded into a PS3 Virtua Stick High Grade and it’s light years better. That Fighting Stick SS is probably the best stock stick you can find on the Saturn.

[@SegaLordX]

Most HSS-0136's are upwards of 25 years old. They are old, dirty, and many are worn to hell. It isn't going to perform anywhere near new parts in these instances. To get a good one, you'll need a bit of luck. They were solid builds in their day, but buying used almost always means getting something heavily worn, especially since they have been through the ringer of the Japanese second hand market. Bringing them up to speed with modern modifications is always going to be better, or hell, just a good cleaning and part replacement of the OEM materials does a world of good. These weren't $200 tournament sticks in their day, either. They were $60 mass market items so you have to keep that in mind, especially with its age and the amount of use they've seen.

[@harrisontashjian752]

Apparently the first virtua stick, the worse one, in Japan has microswitches in the stick

[@janfreidun]

it's me again, it looks like this REAL ARCADE one would be the thing I could handle the best but not in the way one can handle an ordinary pad is I am unsure which fingers use and if i could handle the stick even in the diagonals when my left hand is not so sturdy and I need a more delicate touch, I do not own Street Fighter anymore so I could stay alive without a 6 button set up, it is how my hands would interact I am not sure of, but as I said it is also hard to tell if I could make my own combos and activate them on VF Kids, I am not sure, to be true

[@toastrave7820]

what about the PRO FIGHTER 8 by naki?

[@houseoftheted637]

I'll be looking at upgrading my Saturn arcade stick. On another topic, can you recommend any decent racing wheels for Saturn ?

[@SegaLordX]

The Sega branded arcade wheel is quite decent. Mad Catz also has a Saturn racing wheel that gets the job done and has pedals.

[@movement1957]

I'm getting an mvs console, should I get a sega virtual stick or are the neo geo sticks are better? Mine will work with both

[@SegaLordX]

The HSS-0136 is a better made stick than the Neo Geo branded stuff.

[@movement1957]

Sega Lord X I'm scared it may not work with my neo geo mvs, it's a alliexpress cbox mvs and the guy making mine said it will only work with neo geo or official Saturn controllers. I dont understand why a third party controller would not work but that is what he said

[@teknohed]

The only stick I dont have is the Mission Stick. Is that one worth it?

[@SegaLordX]

If you enjoy the games that support it, it's very nice.

[@ReviewUA-jy7xi]

There's actually a lot of Saturn games that only use 3 buttons.

[@SegaLordX]

Most of the ST-V Titan games are 3 button, as are the Sega fighting games on Saturn.

[@chriskaradimos9394]

Does the ss stick support pc?

[@gerot201]

the Japanese virtura stick is better. The stick clicks and moves like the real arcade. It also has a steel bottom which helps you play the stick on your lap

[@SegaLordX]

I recently picked one up. It is quite a bit better, I agree.

[@REPVILE]

So you are back again?

[@SegaLordX]

Trying it again with a new strategy. Content will stay up this time no matter what.

[@Mitjitsu]

I own the Virua Stick which is horrible. I've been wanting to get the Japanese variants, but the prices are extortionate. Also surprised you didn't cover the Twin Sticks. Ironically the Virua Stick is terrible for playing Virtua Fighter with given how most of the moves involve tapping directions. The only reason to buy one back in the day was so you could practice for competitive play in the arcades. Even then you'd be better off using the Real Arcade Stick variant.

[@SegaLordX]

I'm planning on a part 2 to this and will be covering a new set of arcade sticks. The Japanese VS included.

[@thumbwarriordx]

I defy any kid to bust up an arcade controller with a steel plate and legit arcade parts in it. They were designed for kids to beat on. Part of which is why replacement buttons cost less than a $1.50 in Japan lol

[@UserNameMandatory]

Eclipse is really a Genesis stick.