Arcade Stick T-Shirt

The joystick was the controller of choice for many, all the way from the early days of the Atari 2600 to the dying days of the Commodore Amiga. Increasing popularity of Nintendo and Sega machines lead to the adoption of the joypad as default controller on home systems. Things were different on the arcade scene where the joypad was unsuitable for use in a cabinet so the joystick prevailed as the standard device.

The decline of the video arcade has seen manufacturers migrate to non-standard controls in attempt to attract wider audiences. But despite these changes the joystick remains the preferred controller on the 2D-shooter and fighting game scenes where precision, reliability and execution are of supreme importance.

The requirements of top players has spawned a subculture surrounding 'arcade sticks' for home consoles where only the best parts (usually from japanese suppliers Sanwa or Seimitsu) will do. Most arcade sticks will have at least 6 buttons, testament to Street Fighter's influence, and can be customised to improve individual performance and taste.

The joypad is comfortable to hold with universal appeal. The arcade stick however, is the choice of champions.