Even though there are a large number of modern high-performance gaming consoles out there that can be used for pretty much any game of your choice, some of you might want to play games with something more nostalgic. One such great option can be to build your own arcade machine using something like the best arcade joysticks and buttons present in this list that have been chosen based on these points:
- Number of Joysticks: To have the best gaming experience while playing arcade games, it is highly important that you have enough joysticks for the same. Fortunately, almost all sets of arcade joysticks and buttons come with 2 joysticks. In fact, some of them may even feature 4 joysticks in the box which is even better.
- Number of Buttons: More importantly than the joysticks, you need to have enough buttons for your arcade games so that you can use all the functions in a game. Because of this, you will find most arcade joysticks and buttons to include 18 buttons, 20 buttons, and even 40 buttons, where having more buttons is always better.
- Number of Players: The primary reason for including multiple joysticks and buttons in a set is that arcade machines are primarily used to play co-op games. And if you are also planning to do the same, then you should also check the number of players supported by a given set of arcade joysticks and buttons. While most of them are made for 2 players in mind, other options may even support up to 4 players for playing arcade games in a group.
While these points might be some of the more important ones, there is still more to be checked before going with arcade joysticks and buttons. Due to this, each and every one of the best arcade joysticks and buttons given in this list also have their major specifications and features given along with them. You will also find an extensive “Buying Guide” and a few important FAQs for the best arcade joysticks and buttons down below so that you can easily go with the perfect one by the end of this guide.
Best Arcade Joysticks and Buttons List
| Best Arcade Joysticks and Buttons | Number of Joysticks | Number of Buttons | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hikig Arcade Joysticks and Buttons | 2 joysticks | 20 buttons | 30 day long | Check On Amazon |
| Qenker Arcade Joysticks and Buttons | 2 joysticks | 20 buttons | 30 day long | Check On Amazon |
| EG STARTS Arcade Joysticks and Buttons | 2 joysticks | 20 buttons | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Fosiya Arcade Joysticks and Buttons | 2 joysticks | 20 buttons | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Easyget Arcade Joysticks and Buttons | 2 joysticks | 18 buttons | 30 day long | Check On Amazon |
| MYMIQEY Arcade Joysticks and Buttons | 2 joysticks | 18 buttons | 30 day long | Check On Amazon |
| EG Starts 4 Player Arcade Joysticks and Buttons | 4 joysticks | 40 buttons | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| SJ@JX Arcade Joysticks and Buttons | 2 joysticks | 20 buttons | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
Best Arcade Joysticks and Buttons Reviews
1. Hikig Arcade Joysticks and Buttons
Hikig and all of its arcade machine-related products are some of the most popular ones out there since they are quite practical and include pretty much everything that you might need for playing arcade games.
The Hikig arcade joystick and button set is present in the 1st position of this list since this is the perfect all-rounder option for most without charging a premium for the same. Starting with the box contents of this arcade joystick and button set, you get 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders, and a few more accessories. As for the colors of the buttons and joysticks, it includes blue and red ones primarily.
Thanks to the included number of joysticks and buttons, this arcade joystick and button set is ideal for up to 2 players at a time. If you want to play games using these arcade joysticks and buttons, then you can do so on a DIY MAME arcade machine, gaming PC, or a Raspberry Pi. Since Hikig is a popular brand of arcade gaming products, you also get a 30-day long warranty with it, which is better than nothing.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders
- Supports up to 2 players at a time for co-op arcade games
- Uses blue and red colored joysticks and buttons
- Works with platforms like DIY MAME arcade, PC, Raspberry Pi
- Comes included with a 30 day long warranty period for longevity
Pros:
- Highly versatile and a great all-rounder arcade joystick and button set for most
- Works on most major platforms thanks to its excellent USB encoders
- Fairly solid build quality along with a decent warranty period for your peace of mind
Cons:
- Only offers two colored buttons and joysticks in the box
2. Qenker Arcade Joysticks and Buttons
Even though Qenker might not be as popular as other brands of arcade gaming products like Hikig or other options, it can still be a great option for most users out there thanks to its entry-level offerings that are still quite functional.
Qenker’s arcade joystick and button set is present in the 2nd position of this listicle as it is the cheapest option discussed here, which still manages to offer an amazing gaming performance. To ensure that you can play most arcade games with ease, this arcade joystick and button set comes included with 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders, and some cables. Even though this is an entry-level arcade joystick and button set, it still features red and blue colors for them.
It offers different colors for half the pieces since these arcade joysticks and buttons are meant for up to 2 players for co-op games. Because this is a USB-based arcade joystick and button set, you can use it with things like DIY MAME arcade machines, gaming PCs, and even Raspberry Pi. That being said, despite offering a 30-day warranty period, the build quality of this set could have been better for sure.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders
- Supports up to 2 players at a time for co-op arcade games
- Uses blue and red colored joysticks and buttons
- Works with platforms like DIY MAME arcade, PC, Raspberry Pi
- Comes included with a 30 day long warranty period for longevity
Pros:
- Perfect arcade joystick and button set for buyers with a budget restrictions
- Quite functional and practical joysticks and buttons considering the given price tag
- Easily works with all kinds of gaming devices and platforms via a USB interface
Cons:
- Build quality of the joysticks and buttons could have been slightly better
3. EG STARTS Arcade Joysticks and Buttons
EG Starts is one of the more reputable brands out there when you are talking about arcade machine related products since it is known for some high end offerings that can easily last for a long period of time.
This EG Starts arcade joystick and button set is present in the 3rd position of this article because this can be a great option if you are looking for a well-built set that is also highly functional. Taking a look at the functionality side of things first, this set of arcade joysticks and buttons consists of 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders, and the cables needed to use all of this. Although, despite offering red and blue colors for its buttons and joysticks, a few buttons don’t have any colors.
Fortunately, you can still use these arcade joysticks and buttons for up to 2 players at the same time, which is great for playing co-op games. And when it comes to playing games, you can either play games on a DIY MAME arcade machine or your gaming PC. But the best thing about this EG Starts arcade joystick and button set is that you get a 1-year warranty with it as well.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders
- Supports up to 2 players at a time for co-op arcade games
- Uses blue and red colored joysticks and buttons
- Works with platforms like DIY MAME arcade, PC
- Comes included with a 1 year long warranty period for longevity
Pros:
- Great arcade joysticks and buttons for long term usage thanks to their warranty
- Pretty decent functionality in terms of number of buttons and platform compatibility
- Includes all the cables needed for using this arcade joystick and button set
Cons:
- Does not offer a set with all colored pieces for easy differentiation
4. Fosiya Arcade Joysticks and Buttons
Fosiya and its products related to arcade gaming can be another great option for those who want something built for long-term usage while being practical and versatile but don’t want to pay a premium for the same.
The Fosiya arcade joystick and button set is given in this list since it is one of the cheapest options out there, which is still great for long-term usage and offers a peace of mind. Apart from being ideal for longevity, this arcade joystick and button set also offers multiple pieces in the box, including 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders, and a few more accessories. And unlike most other arcade joysticks and buttons, these ones include red, blue, yellow, green, and even clear-colored pieces.
Because you get so many joysticks and buttons of different colors included in the box, this arcade joystick and button set is perfect for co-op games. If you want, you can run these co-op games using either a DIY MAME arcade machine, a gaming PC, or even a Raspberry Pie. As for the key feature of this arcade joystick and button set, you get a 1 year long warranty period for amazing longevity even at the given price tag.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders
- Supports up to 2 players at a time for co-op arcade games
- Uses blue, red, yellow, green, and clear colored joysticks and buttons
- Works with platforms like DIY MAME arcade, PC, Raspberry Pi
- Comes included with a 1 year long warranty period for longevity
Pros:
- Excellent value for money arcade joystick and button set considering the given price
- Amazing arcade joysticks and buttons for long term usage and peace of mind
- Multiple colors with multiple pieces for a great co-op gaming experience
Cons:
- Larger number of colored pieces might be a little confusing for some users
5. Easyget Arcade Joysticks and Buttons
When compared with most other sets of arcade joysticks and buttons, the options offered by Easyget are slightly different in terms of their set size and the included pieces which makes it ideal for some if not all.
Easyget’s arcade joystick and button set is given in this listicle since you can go with this one if you are looking for something comparatively smaller in terms of the included pieces. To be more exact, this arcade joystick and button set features 2 joysticks, 18 buttons, 2 USB encoders, and a wide range of connectivity cables. While it may offer slightly less buttons in the box, you do get the standard red and blue colors with these arcade joysticks and buttons.
As you would expect from any other set of arcade joysticks and buttons of a similar size, this one is also made for playing games for up to 2 people at a time. However, unlike other arcade joysticks and buttons out there, this one only supports DIY MAME arcade machines as its supported platform. Fortunately, you still get a 30-day warranty period with it which is better than nothing at the given price.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 2 joysticks, 18 buttons, 2 USB encoders
- Supports up to 2 players at a time for co-op arcade games
- Uses blue and red colored joysticks and buttons
- Works with platforms like DIY MAME arcade machines
- Comes included with a 30 day long warranty period for longevity
Pros:
- Comparatively smaller set of arcade joysticks and buttons for smaller machines
- Standard color options for easy connectivity with the large number of included cables
- Pretty good build quality and a decent warranty period for the given price
Cons:
- Does not offer all of the major arcade gaming platform and devices
6. MYMIQEY Arcade Joysticks and Buttons
Mymiqey is another brand of arcade joystick and button sets and other similar products that you can consider if you are looking for something comparatively cheaper without missing too much in terms of functionality and practicality.
This Mymiqey arcade joystick and button set is given in this article because this can be another great entry-level option for those who are on a budget. In order to keep the price tag of this arcade joystick and button set as low as possible, Mymiqey includes 2 joysticks, 18 buttons, 2 USB encoders, and a couple of cables that are slightly different from others. Another unique thing about this arcade joystick and button set is that you get multiple colors with it, including red, blue, yellow, green, white, and even black, which can be handy for some.
However, despite offering this many colors, because you only get so many pieces included in the box, this arcade joystick and button set is still only made for up to 2 players when it comes to co-op gaming. Speaking of gaming, you can use these arcade joysticks and buttons with a DIY MAME arcade machine, gaming PC, Raspberry Pi, and even the PS3 gaming console. Although similar to most other entry-level arcade joysticks and buttons, this one comes with only a 30-day warranty which is not something everyone likes.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 2 joysticks, 18 buttons, 2 USB encoders
- Supports up to 2 players at a time for co-op arcade games
- Uses blue, red, yellow, green, white, and black colored joysticks and buttons
- Works with platforms like DIY MAME arcade, PC, Raspberry Pi. PS3
- Comes included with a 30-day warranty period for longevity
Pros:
- Excellent compatibility with a large number of gaming platforms and devices
- Various color options for easily sorting joysticks and buttons as needed
- Decently high-quality arcade joysticks and buttons for a great gaming experience
Cons:
- Could have included a longer period of time for your peace of mind
7. EG Starts 4 Player Arcade Joysticks and Buttons
EG Starts also offers comparatively premium offerings for all those who do not have any budget restrictions and want to go with something which is more ideal for hardcore gamers as well as gaming in a larger group with ease.
The EG Starts arcade joystick and button set is mentioned in this list since it is definitely the best option for those who wish to have the best co-op gaming experience. In order to make the same possible, this set of arcade joysticks and buttons comes included with 4 joysticks, 40 buttons, 4 USB encoders, and quite a lot more. Because you get so many arcade joysticks and buttons in the box, it naturally uses multiple colors, including red, blue, yellow, and green for your ease of use.
Coming to the key feature of this arcade joystick and button set, since you get this many pieces in the box, this set is perfect for playing co-op games for up to 4 players at a time. And you can enjoy such co-op games on any platform of your choice, including DIY MAME arcade machine, gaming PC, and the Raspberry Pi. Since this is a highly premium arcade joystick and button set, it also comes with a 1-year warranty similar to the previous one.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 4 joysticks, 40 buttons, 4 USB encoders
- Supports up to 4 players at a time for co-op arcade games
- Uses blue, red, yellow, green colored joysticks and buttons
- Works with platforms like DIY MAME arcade, PC, Raspberry Pi
- Comes included with a 1 year long warranty period for longevity
Pros:
- Excellent arcade joystick and button set for large co-op games
- Includes the highest number of joysticks, buttons, and other components in the box
- Amazing build quality along with a long warranty period for long term usage
Cons:
- Quite an expensive arcade joystick and button set when compared with others
8. SJ@JX Arcade Joysticks and Buttons
Last but not least, we have SJ@JX and its arcade machine related products that you should definitely consider if you are looking for something that can be used for a long period of time while being fairly versatile and practical.
SJ@JX’s arcade joystick and button set is mentioned in this listicle as this is one of the most durable and reliable options at the given price tag. Apart from being great for long-term usage, it also offers decent practicality since you get 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders, and various cables included in the box. Just like most other arcade joystick and button sets out there, this one also comes with red and blue ones for easy differentiation.
Thanks to these two different colors and the number of included components, this arcade joystick and button set is perfect for up to 2 players at the same time for co-op games. Another similarity between this and other offerings out there is that these arcade joysticks and buttons work with DIY MAME arcade machines, gaming PCs, and even Raspberry Pi. But unlike other offerings, this one comes with a 1 year long warranty period which goes great along with its included warranty period for your peace of mind.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 2 joysticks, 20 buttons, 2 USB encoders
- Supports up to 2 players at a time for co-op arcade games
- Uses blue and red colored joysticks and buttons
- Works with platforms like DIY MAME arcade, PC, Raspberry Pi
- Comes included with a 1 year long warranty period for longevity
Pros:
- One of the most durable and reliable arcade joysticks and buttons for the given price
- Highly versatile arcade joystick and button set in terms of included components
- Standard compatibility with most of the major arcade gaming platforms and devices
Cons:
- Included cables for connections might be a bit short for some users
Buying Guide For The Best Arcade Joysticks And Buttons
Whether you want to build a full-size arcade machine at home or just want to play older retro arcade games on a computer, you will get a much better experience if you use more traditional controls instead of modern gaming controllers. If you are also looking for something traditional for arcade gaming, then you should get something like the best arcade joysticks and buttons discussed above.
And to help you go with the best one possible, all of these best arcade joysticks and buttons have been stated alongside their key aspects and factors. But if you still wish to learn more regarding the same, then you should check out this complete buying guide for the best arcade joysticks and buttons:
1. Number of Joysticks
When you are buying something like a set of arcade joysticks and buttons, the first thing that you need to consider is the number of joysticks offered by a given set. This is quite important to check as a higher number of joysticks will result in a more versatile set. Because of the same reason, most arcade joysticks and buttons will include 2 joysticks in the box which is perfect for co-op arcade games as you will see down below in this buying guide. In fact, some sets of arcade joysticks and buttons may even include 4 joysticks for even more versatility and allowing you to play games in a group with ease.
2. Number of Buttons
Even though checking the number of joysticks offered by a given set is definitely important, what is even more important is the number of buttons offered by the same. This is due to the reason that even if you are playing arcade games by yourself, you will need to perform a large number of functions and actions in a game.
And for all these in-game actions, you will need to have enough buttons for the same. As a result, you can find different arcade joysticks and buttons to include 18 buttons, 20 buttons, and even 40 buttons in some cases. Such arcade joysticks and buttons with a large number of buttons are not only perfect for games that have multiple in-game functions, but it is also perfect for playing co-op games.
3. Number of Players
Speaking of co-op games, arcade games were originally meant to be played along with a friend or your family. While some arcade games can support up to 2 players, other games might even support up to 4 players at the same time. But in either case, you can only play co-op games on your arcade machine if your set of arcade joysticks and buttons also supports the same.
Therefore, checking the number of players supported by your arcade joysticks and buttons is highly important. While entry-level arcade joystick and button sets may only support up to 2 players, higher-end units can even allow for up to 4 players to play at the same time. As you would expect, such arcade joystick and button sets are definitely quite versatile and fun to have.
4. Additional Components
Apart from having a large number of joysticks and buttons in a given set, you also need other components in order to play games on your arcade machine or gaming PC. Thus, if you wish to get a versatile set of arcade joysticks and buttons, you should also check the same. Usually, these additional components include things like USB encoders for USB connectivity, LED lights, joystick and button connection wires, and a few more. Similar to the joysticks and buttons, having a higher number of additional components in a given set is always going to be more versatile in terms of the connections that you can make.
5. Joystick and Button Colors
Another factor to consider while going with something like the best arcade joysticks and buttons given above is the joystick and button colors. While this does not affect the overall functionality of your joystick and button set, it does affect the overall design and experience. Usually, you will find arcade joysticks and buttons to have red and blue colors for two players that may play at the same time. However, it is also common to find other colors like yellow, green, white, black, and a few others, depending on the set of arcade joysticks and buttons that you are going for. These joysticks and buttons can sometimes even have inbuilt LED lights and not just painted buttons and joysticks. This can further improve the design and overall look of your arcade machine.
6. Button Switches
If you are familiar with computer keyboards, then you must know that keyboards use switches like Cherry MX and others that have a particular life rating. This life rating can also be found in the buttons of arcade joystick and button sets. And if you wish to get a set that can easily last for a long period of time, checking the button switches used by the buttons of your set is quite important. To be more precise, you should check the number of clicks supported by a given button switch. While entry-level models may only support 5 million or 10 million clicks, higher-end button switches can even support 20 million, 30 million, and even 50 million clicks for excellent reliability.
7. Warranty
Talking about reliability, you would obviously want your arcade joystick and button to last for as long as possible. And for the same, it can be a great idea to check the included warranty period. As you would expect, any set of arcade joysticks and buttons which offers a long warranty period can also last for a long period of time with ease. Even though entry-level arcade joystick and button sets only offer a 30-day long warranty period, some other higher end offerings can even come with a 1 year long warranty period. Such arcade joysticks and buttons are perfect for long term usage and will easily last for multiple years without causing any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: While arcade games are definitely not 3D games by any means, you will still need to move in all sorts of directions while playing platform games. And for the same, it is quite important to ensure that you have the right kind of joystick. Fortunately, apart from a few entry level options, almost all arcade joysticks out there are 8 way joysticks which means that they support movement in a total of 8 directions, including up, down, left, right, and diagonal..
Ans: Since all of the arcade joystick and button sets given above come with a USB controller, they offer amazing compatibility with different platforms. Apart from DIY MAME arcade gaming machines, you can even use these arcade joysticks and buttons with your gaming PC or even something like a Raspberry Pi resulting in amazing versatility.
Ans: Unlike a standard gaming controller, all of the arcade joystick and button sets given above come as loose parts and components. As a result, it is recommended to install them in a wooden or 3D-printed plastic box after drilling the right size holes for all the different buttons and joysticks included with your set.
Conclusion
Just as you can tell by the name, a set of arcade joysticks and buttons can be the perfect way to get an amazing experience while playing classic and retro arcade games. And this is true for both playing arcade games on either your gaming PC or a DIY arcade machine at home. Since these offer such an amazing gaming experience, we have already given some of the best arcade joysticks and buttons earlier in this list. With all of these best arcade joysticks and buttons you can also learn about their primary features and options. More importantly, you will also find a detailed buying guide and the top FAQs for the best arcade joysticks and buttons. And on the basis of all these points and information, here are our favorite picks and recommendations for the best arcade joysticks and buttons:
- Starting off with an amazon high-end arcade joystick and button set, the EG Starts 4 Player Arcade Joysticks and Buttons are perfect for playing in a large group. This is due to the reason that with this set you get a total of 4 joysticks along with 40 buttons. As a result, you can use these arcade joysticks and buttons for up to 4 players at the same time. Since this set of arcade joysticks and buttons is also a bit on the premium side, you also get a 1 year long warranty period with it.
- Moving to the complete opposite end of the spectrum, the Qenker Arcade Joysticks and Buttons set is perfect for buyers on a budget. This is due to the reason that despite being the most affordable option given above, you still get amazing functionality from it thanks to its 2 joysticks and 20 buttons included in the box. And at the given price tag, this arcade joystick and button set still supports 2 players at the same time. While it is not the best, the included 30 day long warranty is definitely amazing at the given price.
- If you want to get an arcade joystick and button set which is highly durable and reliable without charging a premium for the same, then you should consider the Fosiya Arcade Joysticks and Buttons. Even at the given price tag, these arcade joysticks and buttons come included with a 1 year long warranty. As for the functionality side of things, these arcade joysticks and buttons include 2 joysticks and 20 buttons. Thanks to these, 2 players can enjoy this set at the same time with ease.
