Mad Catz Street Fighter 4 FightStick & Fightpad for XBOX 360 & PS3

update (2-18-09) :
Well guys it looks like my turbo function is working after all. Just not with Super Turbo HD Remix or Mortal Kombat 2. I read some people were having compatibility issues with SS2THDR so I tried some other games (Tekken 5 & Street Fighter Alpha 3) and presto, turbo frenzy.....woohoo! So I suppose my sticks are just peachy after all. We'll see how durable they are now as I am a fighting game nut and will give them a workout.

Quick vid showcasing the new Street Fighter 4 sticks and pad from Mad Catz. The ball top joysticks themselves feel a bit hollow compared to the Hori EX2 or the Hori Fightstick 3 but they are responsive enough. The sticks have a Japanese style square gate that I love but those used to American style 8-way gate will either have to get used to it or mod it yourself. The units themselves are a lot heavier than the Hori ones. As for the buttons they feel great, really great, I love them so far. So much more snap to them than the mushy Hori buttons but pretty noisy if that kinda thing bugs you. The turbo function on my PS3 stick doesn't work so it's getting replaced but the 360 stick and fightpad turbo function works just fine. Press the turbo button and an action button on the stick or pad and there you have it Hyakuretsu Harite's and Hyakuretsu Kyaku's galore. I don't really use the turbo feature, but I don't want a faulty stick that may give out down the road. The Fightpad feels pretty good with it's huge d-pad and big clicky buttons. The fightpad is a lot bigger than I thought it would be but I think it's perfect for my big meaty hands. I have it on the analog setting which seems to work great but I heard some people experienced problems with the diagonals in the digital setting. It is light years ahead of the awkward d-pad on the original 360 controller no contest. Dragon punches on the pad came out better than any pad I've ever used.
Other than the faulty turbo function on the PS3 stick I am pretty satisfied overall with my new toys. I still have the Hori ones for both systems and while I still love my Hori sticks these feel a little more sturdy and the buttons feel much better. The sticks may take some getting used to as I think the Hori sticks are a bit tighter. The Hori EX2 and Fightstick 3 are a great bargain choice and if you can find them for 30-40 bucks I say pick them up. but the ease of modding the Street Fighter sticks put them over the top for me well worth the extra dough. I'll probably stick with factory parts for now and maybe down the line I'll pop in some Sanwa buttons and stick.

FYI: No I'm not rich, the sticks and game were basically Christmas gifts and a well thought out plan months in advance. All I bought today was the fightpad.

Update: Check out my other vids to see these and other sticks (and games) in action.

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