Looking for a solid fight stick to step up your PlayStation game? The HORI Fighting Stick Alpha could be just what you need. This fight stick is designed for both casual and serious gamers, offering reliable performance and easy customization.
Many users appreciate its high-quality buttons and joystick, noting how responsive they are during gameplay. Some have even swapped out parts, but found the included components surprisingly good. Plus, it’s compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC, offering flexibility.
Bottom Line
The HORI Fighting Stick Alpha is a great investment for gamers who want a reliable and customizable fight stick.
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Overview of the HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha
The HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha is designed for gamers who love fighting games. It features high-quality arcade parts and a sturdy design that feels great during intense matches. Customization is easy since the stick opens up, allowing you to change the artwork and parts.
Good Points:
- High-Performance Parts: The Hayabusa joystick and buttons are responsive and durable.
- Customization: You can easily swap out parts and artwork to personalize your stick.
- Compatibility: Works with PS5, PS4, and PC, giving you plenty of options.
Areas to Consider:
- Price: It’s on the higher end, which might be a concern for budget-conscious gamers.
- Weight: At 3.31 pounds, it might feel heavy for some users.
Customer reviews are mostly positive, praising the stick’s performance and customization options. Some users mentioned the high price but felt it was justified by the quality.
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Customization and Maintenance
The Fighting Stick Alpha is great for gamers who like to tweak their gear. You can easily open it to swap out buttons and joysticks. The top-panel artwork is replaceable, letting you personalize the look. This is easy and straightforward, making it accessible for most users.
Maintaining this fight stick is also hassle-free. The quick access to internal parts means you can clean and check it without much trouble. Reviews mention the process is user-friendly, which helps in keeping your fight stick in top shape for a long time.
Some users note that while changing parts is simple, sourcing compatible components can sometimes be tricky. Nonetheless, for those who enjoy customizing their gaming tools, the Alpha offers a good balance between ease of use and flexibility.
Replaceable Artwork
One feature that stands out is the ability to swap the top-panel artwork. It lets you personalize your fightstick without much hassle. Users appreciate how this makes their fightstick feel unique and reflective of their style.
Changing the artwork is straightforward. Just open the panel, which is also handy for other customizations. A few customers mentioned that this is one of the best features of the product. Some felt the stock artwork wasn’t to their liking and were pleased to easily update it.
This feature is great if you want a fresh look. It allows for creativity and keeps the fightstick from feeling outdated. The replaceable artwork enhances the overall appeal, giving you freedom to change the design whenever you wish. Tight fitment ensures the artwork stays in place, even during intense gaming sessions.
HAYABUSA Joystick and Buttons
The HAYABUSA joystick and buttons offer impressive responsiveness and accuracy, making them suitable for both casual and competitive gaming. You’ll appreciate the smooth motion of the joystick, which is engineered for precision. Many users have found that these components provide a solid feel, enhancing gameplay.
Additionally, the buttons are matte and high-speed, responding quickly to each press. Despite some initial skepticism, some longtime Sanwa users found the stock HAYABUSA parts just as good, if not better. They noted the HAYABUSA buttons have a distinct tactile feel that could pleasantly surprise you.
While the components generally receive high praise, a few users mentioned needing time to adjust from other brands. That said, the ease of customization allows you to tailor these parts to your preference, ensuring a personalized gaming experience.
On-Board Audio and Mic Controls
Operating the on-board audio and mic controls on the Fighting Stick Alpha is straightforward. The controls are easily reachable, allowing seamless adjustments without pausing your game.
Pros:
- Simple and intuitive layout
- Handy for quick volume changes and muting
Cons:
- Some users reported occasional unresponsive buttons
- Limited advanced customization options
These controls make it convenient for you to tweak audio settings during intense gaming sessions. Just be aware that there could be some inconsistencies with the buttons.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Responsive Performance: The buttons and joystick are highly responsive, making it great for quick moves and combos.
- Customization Options: You can easily open it up to customize and maintain different parts, including replacing the top-panel artwork.
- Build Quality: Solid, heavy design ensures it stays in place during intense gameplay.
- Officially Licensed: Being officially licensed by Sony adds credibility to its compatibility and quality.
- User Satisfaction: Many users appreciate the ease of use and quality, emphasizing its worth for both casual and professional use.
Cons
- Joystick Preferences: Some users who prefer other brands like Sanwa may feel the need to swap out the Hayabusa joystick and buttons.
- Price Point: Although praised for quality, the price might be steep for those new to fight sticks.
- Size and Weight: While the weight adds to stability, it can also make it less portable for gamers on the go.
- Learning Curve: If you’re not familiar with fight sticks, there might be a short adjustment period to get used to it.
Customer Reviews
Many users are pleased with the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha. They mention the joystick and buttons are very responsive. Some even prefer the stock parts over more common alternatives.
People enjoy how easy it is to customize, with several noting its weight helps keep it steady during intense gaming sessions. A few reviews highlight that the stick is both solid and durable, making it a lasting addition to their gaming setup.
However, some users had initial concerns about the joystick, but after some adjustment, they appreciated its quality. There’s a broad consensus that the fightstick offers great performance for its price, making it a recommended choice for enthusiasts and casual players alike.
Product Specifications
The Fighting Stick Alpha is surprisingly lightweight at just 3.31 pounds. Its dimensions of 18.9 x 6.5 x 14.37 inches make it a sturdy yet portable accessory.
Released on April 1, 2022, it has received strong customer ratings, with an average of 4.7 out of 5 from 603 reviews. This product stands out in its category, ranking #40 for PlayStation 5 controllers. It is officially licensed by Sony, adding to its credibility.
Its compatibility extends across PS5, PS4, and PC, making it versatile. Users appreciate its durable build and responsive controls. This fight stick suits both casual and competitive gamers looking for reliable performance.
Conclusion
The HORI Fighting Stick Alpha delivers a sturdy build and responsive controls. It’s a top contender with its adjustable features, making it suitable for both casual players and those inclined to tweak and customize. Some users cherished the easy modification potential and non-slip base. While a few had initial concerns about the joystick, many found its performance robust after some use. Given its high ratings and praise for durability, you’re likely to find this fightstick a worthwhile investment for your gaming needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features does the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha for PS5 offer?
The HORI Fighting Stick Alpha provides high-end features for serious gamers. These include replaceable artwork, arcade-quality parts, and a 10-foot cable for stress-free gaming. There are also options for easy customization and maintenance, which many users find beneficial. One touch that stands out is the on-board audio and mic controls, which keep you focused during intense gaming sessions.
How does the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha for PS5 compare to other arcade sticks on the market?
You might find the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha a solid choice among its competitors. Its Hayabusa joystick and buttons receive praise for their responsiveness. The ability to customize the stick easily is another advantage that not all arcade sticks offer. Some users mention they started with other brands but were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the stock parts on this model.
Can the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha be used for games like Tekken 8?
Yes, this fight stick can be used for games like Tekken 8. Many users report great results with fighting games, noting the responsiveness and durability of the buttons and joystick. The ability to create and switch between custom profiles can give you an edge in different game scenarios.
What are the dimensions of the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha?
The dimensions of the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha are:
- Length: Approximately 18 inches
- Width: Around 10 inches
- Height: Roughly 5 inches
These measurements make it a reasonably sized stick that can comfortably sit on your lap or a table.
Is the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha compatible with PS4 systems?
Yes, this fight stick is compatible with PS4 systems. In addition to PS5 and PC, it’s officially licensed by Sony, ensuring it works seamlessly across different PlayStation platforms. Users appreciate the flexibility of using one stick for multiple consoles, making it a versatile addition to your gaming setup.
Does the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha feature silent buttons and stick?
The HORI Fighting Stick Alpha features high-speed Hayabusa buttons known for their quick response, though they are not specifically marketed as silent buttons. Some users might find them quieter than other brands, but if silent operation is your top priority, you might need to look at other options or consider modding.
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