Console Games that play well on Arcade Stick
I always loved arcade games, but growing up in countryside Germany, you'd only occasionally have found cabinets accessible to kids. Most machines had been hidden away at bars, discos or gambling halls. Our best shot at the experience had been home consoles with sticks like my trusty Quickjoy Top Fighter for the SNES or the holy grail Neo Geo AES with its squeaky old school boards I managed to rent frequently until I could finally afford to buy it.
With consoles focussing on pads, shoulder buttons and finally the introduction of analogue thumbsticks, the use of traditional arcade fight sticks with their digital inputs became increasingly awkward. I didn't notice as much, having converted to pad mostly with the PS1 controller, but even on the Switch Pro Controller I didn't manage inputs comfortably enough on games that were created for stick, especially on fighters.
I'm loving my old games anyway, but with me picking up those fighters again after a more than two decades hiatus led to me diving deep into the world of arcades. I'm not only travelling across Europe frequently to play arcades in the wild, I also heavily got into stick building and modding about a year ago and so want to play as many games on stick as possible.
Hence this list now, where I'd like to keep track of the console games that translate well to an arcade stick layout. I could start off by adding obvious arcade ports in bulk, but I prefer to narrow it down to games I played recently enough on consoles with a stick to be able to tell it's not only working, but I actually had fun doing so.
So if you're as well interested in this rather niche of the videogame hobby today, you're welcome to follow my progress on this quest for expanding the arcade experience at home.
Though the Nintendo Switch is capable of an arcade accurate emulation of arcade games, I'd like to emphasize that is not going to be amongst the criteria for this list. I will cover any 8bit or 16bit era game just as much as any Switch game as long as I enjoyed it playing on a corresponding arcade stick on a console at home. I do not own current gen Playstation or X-Box systems at the moment, but I might include a PC version occasionally, should it be a match. We'll see.
I'm totally open for suggestions, especially for games that aren't obviously arcade related, so don't hesitate to drop me a line. My backlog is a behemoth and I haven't even begun to add the older console games to my backloggd account. It's always good to have an idea where to pick up.
On the other hand, I'll just be happy as much, if I can help you out as a curator with this growing selection. Enjoy!
With consoles focussing on pads, shoulder buttons and finally the introduction of analogue thumbsticks, the use of traditional arcade fight sticks with their digital inputs became increasingly awkward. I didn't notice as much, having converted to pad mostly with the PS1 controller, but even on the Switch Pro Controller I didn't manage inputs comfortably enough on games that were created for stick, especially on fighters.
I'm loving my old games anyway, but with me picking up those fighters again after a more than two decades hiatus led to me diving deep into the world of arcades. I'm not only travelling across Europe frequently to play arcades in the wild, I also heavily got into stick building and modding about a year ago and so want to play as many games on stick as possible.
Hence this list now, where I'd like to keep track of the console games that translate well to an arcade stick layout. I could start off by adding obvious arcade ports in bulk, but I prefer to narrow it down to games I played recently enough on consoles with a stick to be able to tell it's not only working, but I actually had fun doing so.
So if you're as well interested in this rather niche of the videogame hobby today, you're welcome to follow my progress on this quest for expanding the arcade experience at home.
Though the Nintendo Switch is capable of an arcade accurate emulation of arcade games, I'd like to emphasize that is not going to be amongst the criteria for this list. I will cover any 8bit or 16bit era game just as much as any Switch game as long as I enjoyed it playing on a corresponding arcade stick on a console at home. I do not own current gen Playstation or X-Box systems at the moment, but I might include a PC version occasionally, should it be a match. We'll see.
I'm totally open for suggestions, especially for games that aren't obviously arcade related, so don't hesitate to drop me a line. My backlog is a behemoth and I haven't even begun to add the older console games to my backloggd account. It's always good to have an idea where to pick up.
On the other hand, I'll just be happy as much, if I can help you out as a curator with this growing selection. Enjoy!
22 Games
An obvious start, one of my first recent fight game throwbacks, letting me pick up where I left off, just when Super Street Fighter II Turbo was a thing. I know it's omitting versions and online support isn't the best, but it's a good enough overview and led to me catching up to get hooked on 3rd Strike exclusively anyway. Played on Switch, but should work well anywhere else.
To me just as much a blast as the original, that itself was a grower to the initiated. Might have to do with the old game being a challenge on a TV show back in the nineties that I think it's so obvious, but Windjammers always drew from competitive gaming against human opponents. Played on Switch, but I see no reason other versions shouldn't work as well. If it wasn't patched later (don't expect so), the lack of cross play and that it got burned in Game Pass might be part of the reason online lobbies are a wasteland. But it's always good for an hour or two on game night with your besties and it's only more satisfying with the microswitches clicking.
Being the remake of an arcade classic, Toki plays on stick like it was intended. It's a fun platformer requiring you to memorize its pattern to be successful. I play it on Switch, but I'm sure you'll be able to find it elsewhere on sale for not more than 0,99€, cheap enough to find out if it's too unforgivingly old school for you or not.
Batman Returns licenses had been split between different developers for the platforms available at the time and it just seems like Konami didn't get the rights for an arcade version but would have wanted to do one anyway. This brawler would have fitted in perfectly with Konami's license games at the time and though not offering the full capabilities of an arcade PCB, the SNES cartridge is as close as we'll ever get and doing a great job being a bastard of a nut to crack, especially with bosses like Catwoman. Now, the reason we are limited to connecting our sticks to the SNES might be license issues. The 1989 Batman arcade game was produced by Atari back then, who had their ups and downs all the time, even before the 1983 crash everybody talks about. I was also playing the shite out of the 89 Batman pinball machine around the time Batman returns hit cinemas, because it took Data East until 1991 to finally release it. Data East being late in a struggling business and Atari maybe not the most reliable starting point for an arcade hit in general then, their success might have been solely driven by the demand during Batmania. As much I can recall, arcades had been at a decrease until Street Fighter II put new life in the business pretty much on its own, just like back in the seventies anybody drew from the success of Pong and the companies riding the bandwagon faded away due to the lack of new impulses until Space Invaders took over. So, as much Batman Returns was facing critique for being too dark to be marketed towards children, the reason for the colorful Schumacher movies, who would have preferred a darker knight to the intention of a widescreen toy commercial as well, it might have just been a financial forecast based on the current situation and the 89 Batman machine's revenue that lead to the thought neither an arcade cabinet nor pinball machine would be profitable to produce anymore. I'm not saying the Konami treatment was very creative, as they even lost crew members to form Treasure over repeatedly relying on sequels and licenses, but those Konami games usually had been good enough to be entertaining and this version of Batman Returns gives a hint they would have been able to pull it off at the arcades again.
Playing a bubble shooter might not be the most obvious to require an arcade stick, but once you've experienced the difference, you know how much more precision each microswitch click offers. At least I could never aim accurately enough on pad on any of the many ports I played besides the original.
I can only speak for Klondike Solitaire I bought this collection for on Switch when on Sale for 0,99€ and you might decide for yourself if this makes any sense to you, but within those limitations the game actually plays very well on stick. It might have more like the appeal of a multi-game gambling machine, but to squeeze in a relaxing card puzzle between action games, this Solitaire in my opinion is a valid choice.
Good old Neo Geo entertainment and actually a game I didn't play anymore when it was originally released. Played on Switch and I can't speak for other emulations yet, but Neo Geo games can be a hit and miss from what I hear. Might have to do with how bosses tend to require a lot of a learning curve, even in easy mode. Few options to set up screen and version and button mapping to your liking should do otherwise and don't forget these games are a lot more fun with friends to yell at. I might still prefer Art of Fighting 1, that I beat on all difficulty levels back in the day, or maybe Art of Fighting 2. Will have to find out.
Mostly a Darkstalkers collection with a few additions to make it appealing enough to me to buy it on release, just to realize I'll spend most time with Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, that I'd preferred in the HD Remix Version. As I left off fighting games just shortly before Darkstalkers became a thing, I would have to dive too deep for the time I'm willing to spare now to do it justice. Nonetheless a great arcade collection for stick. Played on Switch.
Though it sadly omits the D&D hack'n'slash games that to me are the pinnacle of Capcom's sword and sorcery related beat em ups, it is still a good collection with Final Fight and Knights of the Round probably being the highlights. Frequently on sale, at least for Switch, this might be an option for some great hours of arcade fun. I'd compare though if you're not better off with the coverage in Capcom Arcade Stadium. I could get a full set of the first for 20€ on sale at least single titles for 2nd Stadium were 1€ recently, the Beat em Up collection was 7€ when I bought it. I didn't really make use of the online functions anyway.
The Metal Slug series is mandatory if you're into Run and Gun arcade action and it probably won't play better than on stick. I hadn't played the original Metal Slug 2 recently enough to really compare it to the PC version I got free with Prime Gaming, but it might be authentic enough to include the slowdowns I think were actually part of it back then as well. I must admit I was never the biggest fan of the artstyle, so I'm not very emotionally driven. Nonetheless, not going broke on credits at home it can be fun, even if you die a lot.
This rhythm game is most enjoyable if you're into heavy rock and arcade games. It's a nice little stupid idea that probably isn't worth a fortune, but as a Prime Gaming freebie it was easy to spend some time with it. I tried it on keyboard first, but it just didn't feel right. Arcade buttons make it a lot more enjoyable. I might have even liked it more with the characteristics of Sanwa OBSF buttons opposed to the Samducksa 202 I used on it. This rarely happens, but might be a good excuse to keep a stick with those in the arsenal.
If the other Capcom collections weren't self-explanatory, this should be. It's even trying to present itself like an arcade, so best plug your arcade stick and mash some buttons! Got a deal on the full set for 20€ on Switch.
Got this with the freebie and a free extra with the Fighting Collection but didn't rush into collecting the other DLCs yet. Should work just as well as the first one, though I don't understand why they didn't just expand that. Switch again.
I remember very well when I rented these kind of games from Saturday to Monday, because you'd save one day's fee for the Sunday. SNES platformers often were ideal for that and Plok was a perfect example for weird ideas like shooting away your arms and legs falling into place of an actually very enjoyable gameplay. Scored with a catchy soundtrack and colourful design Plok might be easily overlooked as a children's game, but it can be challenging enough to keep you occupied a few days. Playing it on stick is far from mandatory, but it can totally add to the fun of it.
Legendary, should be enough of a description. Really, Samurai Spirits/Shodown revolutionized the fight game genre back in the day with implementing gory sword action and more. The first strangely made me miss a square gate from muscle memory. Beautiful sprites and backgrounds including interaction with it. The second is still my favourite with its tactical depth, but I still need to catch up on 3 and 4. Beat the computer on 5, but though playing flawlessly, it didn't feel as challenging anymore. Was given away free on Epic (I think) early, so a lot of you might have it on PC and though there might be nothing wrong with it, I bought the Switch card.
I bought this on sale at the very beginning of my fighter retro and played most of it on the Pro Controller, just developing the urge to have a fightstick for the Switch. When I bought it, I only yet played a few test matches, making this the most vague entry in this list, but being an Arcade game that seems to work on stick, I think I can already add it here, as I got to know it as a quite enjoyable 2D fighter with a more modern approach compared to where I left off. For that, considering I didn't like the increasing focus on combos back in the day, Guilty Gear was a nice way to catch up.
Didn't think a Game Boy game would play that well, but I wanted to try this card, which was the first on the platform I purchased with my own money. Just put it in your Super Game Boy and have the most precise inputs ever!
I guess it's pretty safe to say the ACA Neo Geo series is good for stick in general. As much as I liked fighters on SNK's AES home console back in the day, I never got into the King of Fighters series due to a limited budget and those games always costing a few hundred each cartridge. These emulated games, worth the wait for an occasional 50% discount on Switch, are more than a bargain in comparison and King of Fighters shows more individual substance than just being the mash up I thought it was. I can't say yet if it's this or any other installment to pick over another, still having some catching up to do.
Mortal Kombat II was probably my peak as a teenager playing fighting games. You might argue the SNES version isn't the best way to play it today, but I have a history with it. We took a walk to the video game store every other day for month after the first announcement, being fans of the censored first installment already. This time it was supposed to include the gore and it was crystal clear the cartridge wouldn't be available for long in Germany. It wasn't long ago that the last attempt to free the movie Evil Dead from being banned failed and after the video witch hunt games had been the next big thing on the radar. Today it's far from being that worse, but then, even police raids for games like Mortal Kombat II could have been expected once banned and magazines would fear even typing the name, as it could be understood as advertising which would have been a crime. So we had all the reason to spend the 150DM on release day to not miss out on the biggest thing to happen in years! Mortal Kombat II held up to the expectations and for a short time we could even play official tournaments at the video game store until we were forced to hide behind closed doors. Of course playing the original arcade when I was in England offered the better quality, but it can't compete with the taste of that forbidden fruit we spent so many hours with. Having an arcade stick even brought us that wee bit closer to the full experience.
I must admit few passages felt a little fiddly on stick, but I'm not sure that wouldn't have been the same on the Game Boy's dpad, considering the last time I played Super Mario Land was in my mid-teens almost 30 years ago. Back then, I randomly picked the handheld console up, that my mother used to play frequently at the time and I could still remember the game enough to finish it in well under 15 minutes. Even though now it still felt quite natural and at first I collected extra life like a boss, I just kept making mistakes that would never have happened when I memorized any detail so that I could play Super Mario Land in my sleep. I take this as a challenge and another good opportunity for the Super Game Boy to enable me playing tiny screen games enlarged and with an absurdly gigantic arcade stick compared to the console the game was made for. A nice revisit, especially for the score that kept popping up in my head every now and then over all those years.
It just so happened I played the NES version emulated on Switch, cause it was new to the online membership package. As Xevious is one of the arcade shooter blue prints it's quite obviously playable on arcade stick but with its simplistic design also addictive even today.
Another vertical Shmup, this time ported from the Neo Geo system. Nothing too special in 2023, but a decent space shooter with upgrade system like so many out there.
2 Comments
@Vee oh yeah, that's totally my starting point at the beginning of last year. 🤓
Got me the Hori RAP V as it appeared to be the best shot for my Switch, but I was immediately planning to mod it just a little and it looks like this atm: https://i.ibb.co/njGzFND/20230211-013806.jpg
So I wanted a handle to carry it around the house more comfortably. I've read people liking the Sanwa JLF over the Hayabusa lever, but even though I changed it, I wouldn't say I couldn't have modded the Hayabusa almost the same.
It's hardly a JLF though as well. I'm using Omron V-16-3C6 switches on a Shuriken PCB, an enlarged Blunderbuss Delrin actuator, a Qanba octagonal gate, a 2kg spring, an aluminium shaft and if I wouldn't have like to try a battop, I'd also use a hollow aluminium balltop, just to save more weight to have the shaft return a wee bit faster.
I actually sunk in the mounting plate by 6,8mm to have better grip on the battop. Used M5 nuts as spacers for that.
30mm buttons are Samducksa 202 with Cherry MX silver keyboard switches that I lubed and swapped in the heavier springs from the MX green. The 24mm is just a combination of two colours of Sanwa OBSF.
I'd say I'm almost done, but there are other modding kits for the JLF, I've actually just ordered 3D prints of different actuator dimensions I'd like to try and then I'm really keen on trying Korean levers as well. Never thought this would be caused by just buying that one stick, but it happened. 🤣
Good thing is, I now know there's GP2040-CE for the Raspberry Pi Pico, allowing to have the fastest stick PCB for just under 5€ and it works on PC, PS 3 (PS 4 legacy) and Switch without an adapter. So I started using my spare parts to mockup new devices in cardboard boxes and am now improving on my enclosure building. Totally complements my gaming hobby with doing something constructive. 😊
Got me the Hori RAP V as it appeared to be the best shot for my Switch, but I was immediately planning to mod it just a little and it looks like this atm: https://i.ibb.co/njGzFND/20230211-013806.jpg
So I wanted a handle to carry it around the house more comfortably. I've read people liking the Sanwa JLF over the Hayabusa lever, but even though I changed it, I wouldn't say I couldn't have modded the Hayabusa almost the same.
It's hardly a JLF though as well. I'm using Omron V-16-3C6 switches on a Shuriken PCB, an enlarged Blunderbuss Delrin actuator, a Qanba octagonal gate, a 2kg spring, an aluminium shaft and if I wouldn't have like to try a battop, I'd also use a hollow aluminium balltop, just to save more weight to have the shaft return a wee bit faster.
I actually sunk in the mounting plate by 6,8mm to have better grip on the battop. Used M5 nuts as spacers for that.
30mm buttons are Samducksa 202 with Cherry MX silver keyboard switches that I lubed and swapped in the heavier springs from the MX green. The 24mm is just a combination of two colours of Sanwa OBSF.
I'd say I'm almost done, but there are other modding kits for the JLF, I've actually just ordered 3D prints of different actuator dimensions I'd like to try and then I'm really keen on trying Korean levers as well. Never thought this would be caused by just buying that one stick, but it happened. 🤣
Good thing is, I now know there's GP2040-CE for the Raspberry Pi Pico, allowing to have the fastest stick PCB for just under 5€ and it works on PC, PS 3 (PS 4 legacy) and Switch without an adapter. So I started using my spare parts to mockup new devices in cardboard boxes and am now improving on my enclosure building. Totally complements my gaming hobby with doing something constructive. 😊
Vee
1 year ago