Can someone give me a good solid reason why arcade sticks are better?

[TastyPancakez]

I've been using an arcade stick for about a month or two now opposed to be Xbox 360 controller and I've noticed that my performance got not better, but worse.

I mean after a month of heavy use, it's not getting better at all. Worse. So much worse. It could be the arcade stick I'm using because the actual joystick is kinda funky (Mortal Kombat special edition or something) but I keep messing up combos because I'm trying to do like 236A/B and it ends up just using a regular 5A or grabbing.

I only got a stick because I heard they were better, but then again, the only reason I've actually seen is that "it feels better."

I'm quite content with using the Xbox 360 joystick and If there's a real genuine reason why I shouldn't switch, I won't. But aside from "da feelz" and button mapping (which for the record wasn't an issue for me), I'm really questioning the $100 investment.

Thanks for any responses

[D.R.F.]

This is a misunderstanding that will make you waste money and just get frustrated. There is nothing wrong with using an Xbox pad if you can use it (or even the analog stick, I couldnt do it personally). Most people use arcade sticks because they feel good and responsive and personally it is nice to have more of a control of your movement. But its all preference. Snake Eyes, one of the best (I think the best) zangiefs in the world uses a pad. And you won't get good on a stick overnight. you need to practice for more than two months before you see positive investment (It took me month 4 untill dashing felt natural). So use what you like man dont worry about other people. Not mapping buttons is pretty godlike though

[o Nereus o]

I've been using an arcade stick for about a month or two now opposed to be Xbox 360 controller and I've noticed that my performance got not better, but worse.

I mean after a month of heavy use, it's not getting better at all. Worse. So much worse. It could be the arcade stick I'm using because the actual joystick is kinda funky (Mortal Kombat special edition or something) but I keep messing up combos because I'm trying to do like 236A/B and it ends up just using a regular 5A or grabbing.

I only got a stick because I heard they were better, but then again, the only reason I've actually seen is that "it feels better."

I'm quite content with using the Xbox 360 joystick and If there's a real genuine reason why I shouldn't switch, I won't. But aside from "da feelz" and button mapping (which for the record wasn't an issue for me), I'm really questioning the $100 investment.

Thanks for any responses

For starters, it might have not been a good idea to get a MK stick. They're cheaply made. I'd say try and get a better stick. Second, your play is going to be worse, especially if you're only a month into it. A fight stick takes time and commitment. It's like learning the game all over again. I think i've been playing on stick for around 2 years now, and it's definitely worth the time and money. They last a pretty damn long time and instead of replacing a controller due to the buttons, you can replace the buttons on the stick. And you can customize your stick as well. Overall, it's definitely worth the time and money and just be dedicated to learning stick. It'll work out in the long run.

[LunaKage]

Preference-wise there is no difference between Pad and Stick. You can become a god tier player no matter what you use. Switching isn't gonna make you better or worse, or rather, switching will make you worse until you get fully used to the new hardware, THEN it wont matter.

 

TECHNICALLY though. Stick is better. Why? Because you can't play pad on an arcade machine for one, and even if you NEVER intend on playing the game at an arcade, there's still a matter of controller preference. If you ever wanna play with a friend who is on PS3, or participate in a tourney that uses a system that you don't use, then you better be prepared for a controller you're not used to. Though it's possible to get a converter, still gotta spend that extra money though. So basically, no matter what, you're gonna be spending money on a controller, Stick or pad regardless.

[StylisH]

I've used both (pad for 20 years, stick for about 5) and I prefer pad. The point is WHAT YOU prefer. It's your option.

[Sashi]

I won't say that stick is better than pad, but it's a common input device across multiple systems. I use the same stick on PS3 that I use on 360, PC, Dreamcast, PS2, etc. If I need to play a game, I don't need to worry about their setup 'cause a stick is gonna feel the pretty much the same.

[Dusk Thanatos]

The biggest benefit to stick, imo, just being able to pick up someone else's stick on a setup and play with no issue.

 

Your pad is your pad, and every other pad feels weird, but pretty much every stick feels close enough to the same to use even if it's not yours.

[BloodWolF]

I started on a pad since I'd used it for gaming since I was little. I decided to buy a stick a couple of years ago for the responsiveness and control. When it finally came in, I used it some, but when tournament time came, I took my pad. It slowly got used less and less as time went on. I then went to Japan and was there for the release of CS. When I walked into the arcade, I was absolute trash because 1. I couldn't use the stick and 2. I had never played Lambda. So I bought the game on launch there, bought a ps3, and started practicing in my apartment. I did pretty well, but the stick was trumping me in the end. I arrived back home and threw my pad to the wind (not literally..) It took a few months, but I really enjoy most of the perks already listed. Control, cross-platform funcionality, and I am fine in the arcades whenever I go overseas. It's a decent investment though, so weight the pros and cons heavily.

[TastyPancakez]

I guess I never took into account cross-platform.

Well, I think I should probably keep the stick for now...I guess I could give it a few more months before I make my final decision.

Thanks for the responses @everyone

[BloodWolF]

Now a disclaimer on cross-platform functionality that I didn't mention. This requires mods to use that specific stick on multiple platforms, however you will not have any problems going to a stick on another platform (vs going from a ps3 pad to a xbox pad or using a converter of sorts)

[Sashi]

There are multiplatform sticks out of the box now, too. And yeah, a 360 stick and a PS3 stick should feel the same versus 360 pad and PS3 pad.

[shtkn]

if you use specific characters that need to hold and release buttons at specific times (arakune, zato-1/eddie), stick is probably a better choice since you have more fingers to hold down buttons.

 

if you play games where pianoing buttons is important (sf4 plinking), stick would be better as well. stick would also be good for doubletapping buttons.

[Tronotron]

Because using yor whole wrist/hand will always be more accurate and faster than using your thumb. Also, good buttons on sticks go faster than gamepad buttons.

And you won't get so much repetitive strain injury.

 

Practice some more with the stick and you'll get it.  You may want to try the different ways of holding it.