Super Pro-Stick Questions

[Mink]

I've been researching arcade sticks to get for the Wii, and I cam across this:
http://www.massystems.com/ProStick.html

It's widely reguarded as the best arcade stick money can buy. I'm certain this is the one I want. But I was wondering if it is compatible with the Wii. It says on their site that it will be compatible with the Gamecube soon, but will it be compatible with the Wii? Also, it was designed forthe PS2, so the button layout has the X, triangle, circle,square. Is there a faceplate that doesn't have this?

Also, I want to be able to play MvC2, SF3, MK, Guilty Gear, KoF, Tekken, etc. Is the 10 button layout the best way to go? I want to be able to play as many games as possible with it.

Which brings me to my next question: Are there any godd fighting games for the Wii? I want to be able to play all the games that I mentioned above on the Wii. But how do I figure out if the Wii has them?

Oh, and if you have the Super-Pro stick, please tell me if it's a good buy. Thanks for your help :)

[Monte]

let me answer your question with a question. have you ever heard of the tech talk forum? (http://forums.shoryuken.com/forumdisplay.php?f=177)

[ffoxxttrott]

Pretty sure the only good fighting game on the Wii so far is GG:AC. None of those other games you mentioned are on the Wii. I think that if you got the PS2 type controller on the mas stick, you could find a gamecube controller converter which would work with the Wii.

MvC2, SF3, MK, Guilty Gear, KoF, Tekken, etc. are all on PS2, none of them are on the Wii except for Guilty Gear. I think the best way for you to go would be to get a PS2 type mas stick, and then get a gamecube adapter.

Also, MAS sticks are not definitely the best that money can buy. It can be the best that money can buy if that is what you prefer. Check out the Essential Joystick Thread, stickied on top of the Tech Talk. I also thought before that MAS was the best way to go, but I don't like how bulky and thick the boxes are. BTW: Make sure you get the convex buttons, because people say the concave buttons hurt to play on.

To extremely vaguely sum up the essential joystick thread:

MAS systems use all HAPP parts, which are from the USA. The buttons are less responsive and make a 'clicky' noise when they're pushed. The joystick is harder to move around than the Sanwa or Seimitsu japanese joysticks because it has a harder spring. People seem to like to use HAPP parts for MvC2, though there are players who use japanese parts for MvC2.

The japanese sticks have a softer spring, and the buttons don't make a 'clicky' noise when they're pressed, they are also more responsive.

PS: If you're thinking about getting the Perfect 360 on the MAS stick, you might want to search around and read some opinions about it. Basically, though it feels nice at first, it tends to get squeaky and have other problems later on.

Also, I've herad mas systems . com takes a LONG time to get their sticks out to you. Another recommended site to get that on is alphaelectronics.com

[tl613]

The best money can buy is a custom, because what's better for you than something you practically designed yourself? But for $100 for an American style stick there isn't anything out there better, ie. X-Arcade, SFAC stick.

I agree with ffoxxttrott. Get a PS PCB in there and use adapters. 8 or 10 button layout doesn't really matter, because what fighting game uses more than 6 buttons? Some prefer to get the 10 and cover the L1 and L2 because it gives you more space between the stick and buttons. The only template without the button mapping are the 8 button SuperNova ones. ArcadeShock.com also has a faux-Capcom template and ordering from them is usually faster then from MAS direct.

Overall the MAS is a good buy, but depending on your price range there could be better options.

[Mink]

ffoxxttrott, I read that japeneese controlers are more responsive, but also more delicate. I'm not a hard core tourny player, and I want to be able to put my stick through a little abuse, without being afraid of breaking it. I want to get really good at fighting games, but I don't to have to be super delicate with the stick. Btw, is the Essential Stick a lolipop stick? I think that the basebat type would be a little more comfortable.

About the buttons, I kinda like the clicky noise. I don't want them to be completely silent when I press them. I want to be sure that I actually pressed it hard enough. As far as Convex vs. Concave. I prefer the concave because it seems that your fingers fit in the buttons naturally. Convex are kinda weird too. You never really see them in arcades (except my in Japan).

And for the MAS stick, can you buy replacement parts for it easily. You said it takes forever to ship, but are they cheap? Oh, and can I buy a concave board, then get convex button to try out on it if I buy them seperatley?

And what parts are replaceable? Buttons, sticks, etc?

Also, how do I know what games support the arcade stick? I can't just play every game on the stick right? I want to play other games on it as well like Metal Slug and other old school games that are meant for arcade sticks.

Thanks for your help!

[Starcade RIP]

ffoxxttrott, I read that japeneese controlers are more responsive, but also more delicate. I'm not a hard core tourny player, and I want to be able to put my stick through a little abuse, without being afraid of breaking it. I want to get really good at fighting games, but I don't to have to be super delicate with the stick. Btw, is the Essential Stick a lolipop stick? I think that the basebat type would be a little more comfortable.
They definitely aren't so delicate that you really need to be careful with them. As long as you don't mash furiously, you'll be fine.

About the buttons, I kinda like the clicky noise. I don't want them to be completely silent when I press them. I want to be sure that I actually pressed it hard enough.
Japanese buttons are so sensitive you barely have to touch them. There is no clicky noise needed to be sure.
As far as Convex vs. Concave. I prefer the concave because it seems that your fingers fit in the buttons naturally. Convex are kinda weird too. You never really see them in arcades (except my in Japan).
If you do get American parts, trust me, get the Convex. Concave is rougher on your hands over longer periods of play. They are also used in arcades; my local cvs2 machine uses them. It will depend on the arcade operator though, of course.
And for the MAS stick, can you buy replacement parts for it easily. You said it takes forever to ship, but are they cheap? Oh, and can I buy a concave board, then get convex button to try out on it if I buy them seperatley?

And what parts are replaceable? Buttons, sticks, etc?
All the parts in MAS stuff is Happ, so replacement sticks and buttons will all fit. Just order Happ parts from a reseller like Lizard Lick. (www.lizardlick.com)
Also, how do I know what games support the arcade stick? I can't just play every game on the stick right? I want to play other games on it as well like Metal Slug and other old school games that are meant for arcade sticks.
They work fine on most every game, save for a few rare ones that need analogue.

[ffoxxttrott]

The happ parts can supposedly take the rough american type beating... But you can still press and slap the japanese buttons without them breaking. I just think that you can't really like... pound on them too too hard.

And yeah... we'd strongly recommend the convex buttons... Especially for games that require a lot of mashing. If you mash with concave buttons, it'll hurt. Also, you can do 'sliding' techniques with convex, whereas you cant effectively do them with concave. For example, in MvC2, one of the methods of doing one of Magneto's infinites involves sliding: "...put the stick in a df position and put your index and middle fingers on the two punches, then slide your fingers down and let your index finger hit lk..."
Though you COULD buy some concave and convex buttons separately, I don't think it'd be worth the trouble of opening the stick up and messing with the wires, unless you're familiar on how to do that. Just know that convex buttons are in general vastly better than concave. You will be a happier camper with convex.


The 'essential joystick thread' just basically sums up the basics of joystick components.

Sanwa and Seimitsu sticks (japanese sticks) are mostly 'lollipop tops' which I also don't like. However, you are able to swap them out for bat tops.



Basically, it would be safe for you buy a MAS stick with the Competition Stick and Convex buttons. Just keep in mind that www.massystems.com is only one place where you can buy MAS sticks from, and they supposedly take a long time to get the stick to you.

[Starcade RIP]

Actually, there are a number of resellers that sell MAS sticks too. Estarland and Arcadeshock come to mind.

[Mink]

Thanks Starcade. I can't imagine concave being uncomfortable to play with after a while though. But, you guys convinced me to get the convex. Actually, I'ma go down to nickel city(arcade) to see which I like better. It does sound like convex is the better deal though.

And I read on a review that having all of the button lined up in perfect rows can be hard on your finger joints after a while cause they ben awkwardly to press the buttons. It said that it's better to have to buttons curved out a little to fit your hand better. Is this true? Most arcades have them in straight rows right?

Also... I don't want to get one if it won't work with my Wii. You guys posted about it earlier about using adapters and such. I'm not an electronics person, so be honest, I have no idea how to do that stuff. Is there a guarentee that it will work with the Wii? And all those extra cords and stuff, will they be hard to get or cost a lot?

Finally. Do you think that it's a good idea to buy one for the Wii. I mean as ffoxxttrott posted, it doesn't have that many fighting games for it. Do you think that they will get games like MvC2, tekken, MK ,SF3, etc. eventually? It is still pretty new. Fighting games is my main reason to get it, but at least there's a lot of other old-school games for the Wii.

So do you think it's a good buy? Thanks so much for your help (sorry for my bad spelling too :) )

[Starcade RIP]

Thanks Starcade. I can't imagine concave being uncomfortable to play with after a while though. But, you guys convinced me to get the convex. Actually, I'ma go down to nickel city(arcade) to see which I like better. It does sound like convex is the better deal though.
It isn't comfort so much as hand strain. You have to push the concave buttons farther in before they engage. It can contribute to more fatigue over a longer session.
And I read on a review that having all of the button lined up in perfect rows can be hard on your finger joints after a while cause they ben awkwardly to press the buttons. It said that it's better to have to buttons curved out a little to fit your hand better. Is this true? Most arcades have them in straight rows right?
The overwhelming majority of US arcades have the straight rows, yes. The curved style is found on Japanese cabinets. I've personally come to prefer the curved layout for certain kara cancels/roll cancels, your mileage may vary. If you get MAS you don't really have an option to get it curved, that's just how they come.
Also... I don't want to get one if it won't work with my Wii. You guys posted about it earlier about using adapters and such. I'm not an electronics person, so be honest, I have no idea how to do that stuff. Is there a guarentee that it will work with the Wii? And all those extra cords and stuff, will they be hard to get or cost a lot?

Finally. Do you think that it's a good idea to buy one for the Wii. I mean as ffoxxttrott posted, it doesn't have that many fighting games for it. Do you think that they will get games like MvC2, tekken, MK ,SF3, etc. eventually? It is still pretty new. Fighting games is my main reason to get it, but at least there's a lot of
I don't think getting for the Wii is a good idea at all. You're better off as some suggested as getting it for PS2 and using a converter.

I seriously doubt you'll see many of those games released for Wii. MVC2 definitely not, as Capcom doesn't have the Marvel license anymore. You'll probably be limited to Wii console re releases of SNES/N64 fighters.

On the other hand, PS2 is the console standard for most fighting games, other than Marvel, which is played on Dreamcast. SF2:HDR is only announced for X360/PS3 currently. Who knows about SF4.

What games are most important to you?

[tl613]

I find the curved button layout much more comfortable. I have permanent hand and wrist damage from a drunken brawl with a tree, so having my stick on my lap and having to contort my wrist for the straight layout becomes very painful after a short while. The curved layout feels much more natural and doesn't hurt nearly as much after play.

[ffoxxttrott]

As for converters, they are not hard use at all. You just plug the controller into the converter, and then plug the converter into the console. Converters look like this, and are very simple to use:

http://www.sysgration.com/ProdImage/P_395.jpg

As you can see, you just plug your PS2 controller into the PS2 receiving end, and then plug the gamecube end into the wii or gamecube. Certain converters work better than others, which you can read more about in the Converter stikcy.

[Mink]

What games are most important to you?
Well, I'm a Nintendo fanboy so I want to get a Wii so I can play all the Mario games and such and next gen. games. But I also want it because it has tons of old school games that would be awesome to play with an arcade stick (mostly fighting games).

The most important games for me are SF3 Third Strike and MvC2. Though, I wouldn't do it for those 2 alone. I'd want least some Tekken, SF2, maybe some MK, and other misc.

PS2 definetley has the best library of games. But I don't think I want to buy a PS2 just to have those fighting games and rig up the Super Pro Stick to it. I may have to though.

But the problem is, as much as I love fighting games, I still want to get the Wii because of all the other non-fighting games out there. Plus, then I'll be able to get new gen. fighting games like MK8, SF4, Tekken 6, SC4.

Sooo... I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!

[ffoxxttrott]

I find the curved button layout much more comfortable. I have permanent hand and wrist damage from a drunken brawl with a tree, so having my stick on my lap and having to contort my wrist for the straight layout becomes very painful after a short while. The curved layout feels much more natural and doesn't hurt nearly as much after play.

Yeah, I'd imagine playing on your lap with a straight button layout would suck... But people usually have a table or stool or something in front of them which reduces the strain. Theres less strain the farther the buttons are away from you.

[Starcade RIP]

Well, as far as fighting games, unless something seriously crazy happens, you'll never see MvC2 for Wii. As I said, most people who are really serious about it have a Dreamcast for it. (The PS2/Xbox versions aren't as good.) It would be really surprising to see SF3 on Wii too. Capcom doesn't seem to be too interested in spending more cash on that franchise. The only SF2 you'll be able to play on it are the old SNES versions, which really don't cut it these days.

As far as next generation, I don't even see a firm commitment to release the new Tekken for Wii, only PS3 right now.

The Wii just isn't a good console for fighting games. I would not count on getting one in order to get the next generation fighters. Hell, I don't even think you can get the stick for the Wii. I don't see anything about that on the Mas site.

Really, if you are serious enough about fighting games to get an arcade stick, I'd get a system that is equally serious about fighting games. Nintendo hasn't had a good system for fighters since the SNES.

[ffoxxttrott]

Well, I'm a Nintendo fanboy so I want to get a Wii so I can play all the Mario games and such and next gen. games. But I also want it because it has tons of old school games that would be awesome to play with an arcade stick (mostly fighting games).

The most important games for me are SF3 Third Strike and MvC2. Though, I wouldn't do it for those 2 alone. I'd want least some Tekken, SF2, maybe some MK, and other misc.

PS2 definetley has the best library of games. But I don't think I want to buy a PS2 just to have those fighting games and rig up the Super Pro Stick to it. I may have to though.

But the problem is, as much as I love fighting games, I still want to get the Wii because of all the other non-fighting games out there. Plus, then I'll be able to get new gen. fighting games like MK8, SF4, Tekken 6, SC4.

Sooo... I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!


If you get a Wii, you'll be constrained to GG: AC, which isn't a bad game. I'm actually just starting to get into it myself.

I'd suggest you grab a Wii and a DreamCast. DreamCast has MvC2's perfect arcade version, CvS2, 3rd Strike, etc.

But definitely get the PS2 controller type pcb for the mas stick, reason being it's got a ton of converters to any consoles and to PC.


Oh yeah... you won't be constrained to GG:AC if you just get the Wii... theres also the GGPO option for SFA2 and MvC1, if you get a PS2 to PC converter.

[shoo]

I'd suggest you grab a Wii and a DreamCast. DreamCast has MvC2's perfect arcade version, CvS2, 3rd Strike, etc.


no its not, ps2 is the closest

[Mink]

Well what next gen. system is the best for fighting games?

[shoo]

ps3

why?


best compability with sticks and usb converters (360 has no ps->360 converter)
tekken 6
VF5 Ver D (yes Version D source (http://virtuafighter.com/) )
ps2 Backwards compability


why not 360?

only good fighter is VF5 and SF2HF



why both?
VF5
and ST in HD


suck it up and dont be cheap i always say

[Starcade RIP]

Honestly, I'm waiting to for SF2:HDR to come out before getting a next gen system. Yes, PS3 is better for controller backwards compatibility, but I'd rather be able to play SF2:HDR where it has more comp (online, I mean). X360 has the better online service, so it will probably end up there.

Plus the PS3 backwards compatiblity isn't very good.

[Mink]

I think the only way to satisfy me would to buy a PS2 cheap, then get all the good fighting games for it, then buy the Super Pro stick and it hook it up to the PS2, and get the Wii :)

That way I'd have all the fighting games with the Pro Stick, and I'd have the Wii :)
But buying a PS2 just for the fighting games is like buying a mall just for the pretzel stand.

[ffoxxttrott]

I think the only way to satisfy me would to buy a PS2 cheap, then get all the good fighting games for it, then buy the Super Pro stick and it hook it up to the PS2, and get the Wii :)

That way I'd have all the fighting games with the Pro Stick, and I'd have the Wii :)
But buying a PS2 just for the fighting games is like buying a mall just for the pretzel stand.

At least you'd also be able have the great PS2 titles at your disposal too. :wgrin:

[deadfrog]

Honestly, I'm waiting to for SF2:HDR to come out before getting a next gen system.

Hahah, this made me feel much better... I thought I was the only one this lame! :rofl:

I'm waiting to see which version turns out better. I'll bet one will end up with more bugs/glitches/impurities than the other, and I absolutely guarantee one will have better lag-management than the other.

ps3
VF5 Ver D (yes Version D source (http://virtuafighter.com/) )
Wait someone help me out I feel blind or stupid where does it say how do we know PS3 gets VF5D???!?!!

[EvilSamurai]

VF5 version D has no gameplay changes shoo lol. I might buy a PS3 if it gets some good, exclusive 2D Fighters.

[tl613]

But buying a PS2 just for the fighting games is like buying a mall just for the pretzel stand.

Well PS2 does have by far the best line-up of fighting games known to man. So it's more like buying a mall that has the greatest food court ever.

[TingBoy]

Well PS2 does have by far the best line-up of fighting games known to man. So it's more like buying a mall that has the greatest food court ever.

It also has pretty good shmups (mushihime, espgaluda, dodonpachi daioujou, etc.) and RPGs =)

[Mink]

Ummm... So how long will it take to ship out to me if I order it from their site? I've narrowed my list down to 2 sticks. The aniversery Street Fighter stick, and the super pro stick.

I read that the SF stick has hte start and select button crammed right next to the stick, and that you can easily hit them on accident. Is this true? The super pro stick looks like the best deal, but I don't want it to take a billion years t reach me. I also don't like how it's setup like a mini table, with the bottom being hollow. I like how the Street fighter one is heavy and has the artwork and everything. So, for my first stick, which would be better? Thanks.

[ffoxxttrott]

The SFAC stick boasts some pretty lame stock parts... and you'd want to mod it or else be using a crap stick.

http://arcadestickmonk.com/SFACmod.html



I'd still say go with the MAS... or maybe a custom. Pretty sure all the good custom stick makers are full right now though. :confused: