A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads—should I buy or build an arcade stick?
Like many gamers, I dreamed of having the perfect arcade stick setup for that authentic arcade feel at home.
But, with a family to support and more pressing financial priorities, splurging on an arcade stick for personal entertainment didn’t seem right.
I had responsibilities, and dropping hundreds of dollars on a premium arcade stick just wasn’t in the cards.
The turning point came during the pandemic.
My daughter, stuck at home like many kids, was looking for new ways to stay entertained.
That’s when I had an idea: Why not build an arcade stick together?
It wouldn’t just save money, but it could also be a bonding experience—something we could work on during those long months of lockdown.
Plus, I’d be giving her the joy of playing with something handmade, personal, and special.
Little did I know that building that first arcade stick would spark a passion, leading to JUANminiDIY.
But back then, the question was simple: Is it cheaper to build your own arcade stick or buy a pre-built one?
That’s the same question I’ll help you answer today, as we explore the cost and benefits of building your own arcade stick versus buying one off the shelf.
The Cost Breakdown: Build Your Own Arcade Stick
Building your own arcade stick is a great way to personalize your gaming experience, but how does the price stack up against pre-made models?
Here’s a rough breakdown of the components you’ll need:
Buttons
Quality arcade buttons, such as Sanwa or Seimitsu, range from $3 to $8 per button. You’ll need around 8-12 buttons depending on your setup, so you’re looking at around $20 to $50 for a full set.
At JUANminiDIY, we also offer the JMD OKi button—a premium, professional-grade arcade button featuring a smooth, snap-in design with CHERRY MX Micro Switch Technology. It’s silent, durable, and long-lasting, offering a top-tier alternative to standard buttons.
Joystick
A high-quality joystick can cost between $20 to $50.
Sanwa and Qanba are popular choices among arcade stick enthusiasts.
PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
This is the brain of your arcade stick, connecting your buttons and joystick to your console or PC.
A good PCB, like the Brook Universal Fighting Board, can cost around $40 to $100 depending on its features and compatibility.
Enclosure (Case)
This is where things get flexible. A simple plastic or metal enclosure can be found for around $30 to $100, but if you want something custom-made, like a beautifully crafted wooden case, costs can rise significantly.
At JUANminiDIY, for instance, custom wooden enclosures start at $100 and up, depending on wood type and customization.
Click here to design your perfect custom arcade stick with JUANminiDIY and get an instant price estimate.
Wiring and Accessories
Don’t forget wires, connectors, and other small pieces like screws and cable management materials, which will add around $10 to $20 to your total.
Altogether, building your own arcade stick can cost anywhere from $120 to $300 or more, depending on the components you choose.
The more high-end and customized you go, the higher the cost.
Pre-Built Arcade Sticks: Cost and Convenience
If the DIY route feels intimidating or time-consuming, there are plenty of excellent pre-built arcade sticks available.
The most popular models are designed with solid components and work right out of the box.
Here’s what you can expect to spend:
Entry-Level Arcade Sticks
These sticks, like the Mayflash F300, are priced around $60 to $90.
They’re great for casual gamers or those who want a plug-and-play option without the frills.
Mid-Range Sticks
Arcade sticks like the Mayflash F700, Haute M16 Plus, or the Qanba Obsidian fall into the mid-tier category, costing between $150 and $250.
These sticks come with premium components, such as Sanwa buttons and joysticks, and offer solid performance for most gamers.
High-End Sticks
For serious competitors or those who want the best of the best, models like the Qanba Dragon or Razer Kitsune will set you back anywhere from $250 to $350 or more.
These sticks feature top-tier parts, heavy-duty construction, and often some flashy design elements.
Factors that Affect the Overall Cost
1. Customization
One of the biggest reasons people choose to build their own arcade stick is customization.
When you build your own, you control every aspect of the design—everything from the artwork and button layout to the type of wood or case material.
Pre-built sticks offer limited customization options, though you can swap out buttons or joysticks later, at an additional cost.
2. Quality of Components
In both DIY and pre-built options, the quality of the components significantly affects the price.
While some pre-built sticks use generic parts to keep costs down, higher-end models feature professional-grade buttons and joysticks.
When building your own, you can handpick each part to suit your needs.
3. Skill Level
Building an arcade stick requires a bit of technical skill. You’ll need to know how to solder, wire components correctly, and troubleshoot if something doesn’t work right.
For someone unfamiliar with electronics, this can be a learning curve, though it’s a rewarding one!
On the other hand, pre-built sticks are ready to use right out of the box, so you’re paying for that convenience.
4. Time and Effort
It’s not just about money—building an arcade stick takes time. Sourcing parts, assembling the components, and customizing everything can be a lengthy process.
Pre-built sticks save you that effort, but you might miss out on the fun and satisfaction that comes from building your own gear.
Build or Buy: Which One is Right for You?
So, should you build your own arcade stick or buy one?
Build
If you’re a DIY enthusiast or someone who loves tinkering and customizing, building your own arcade stick can be a deeply satisfying experience.
You have full control over the materials, design, and components.
Plus, for those looking for something truly unique, a custom-built arcade stick (like the ones we craft at JUANminiDIY) can be a great investment.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher cost and the time commitment needed to assemble everything yourself.
Buy
If you’re more interested in getting started right away, or if you prefer a hassle-free setup, buying a pre-built stick is the way to go.
There are many high-quality options available that cater to different budgets and needs.
While you might sacrifice some customization, you’ll save time and potentially some money, especially if you’re aiming for mid-tier or entry-level models.
READ: How Long Do Fight Sticks Last?
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, whether it’s cheaper to build or buy an arcade stick depends on your priorities.
Building your own allows for unparalleled personalization but can cost more if you’re going for high-end components.
If you want to know how much it would cost to have a customized wooden fightstick with JUANminiDIY, design your arcade stick here.
Buying a pre-made stick is faster and can be more cost-effective, especially if you’re looking at mid-range options.
If you’re someone who loves a project and wants an arcade stick that’s truly yours, building one might be worth the investment.
But if you’re after convenience and a solid, ready-to-use product, there are plenty of fantastic pre-built sticks out there waiting for you.
Check out this video for an inside look at my process of crafting custom wooden arcade sticks.
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