We’re rounding up all the best fight sticks on the market right now to help you get the competitive edge in 2023.
The best fight sticks are a guaranteed gateway into getting an arcade-like experience from the comfort of your own home without sacrificing any of your performance. In 2023, there are some incredible products available across all platforms, so you’re bound to find something to suit your budget or any preferences you might have.
Knowing where to start with the best fight sticks can be daunting if you’re buying for the first time. Fortunately, we’ve been around the block a bit when it comes to what makes a truly excellent controller and have tested many of these arcade sticks on PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and, of course, PC.
Be ready for the latest upcoming titles, such as Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, or existing fighters like Guilty Gear Strive with all the fight sticks in our roundup. If you’re also after a new gamepad, then we’ve got you covered; we’ve rounded up all the best PS5 controllers, as well as the best Xbox controllers and the best Nintendo Switch controllers so you can feel confident against the competition in your game and control method of choice. Best fight sticks in 2023
The best fight stick you can buy right now is the Nacon Daija. Don’t let its size or price put you off; there’s no better stick whether you’re looking to break into fighting games for the first time or you’re after a new mainstay for the year’s upcoming releases.
While pricey, at €279.90 (roughly converting to $292 / £240), you’re paying for the Daija’s stellar build quality. Plus, developed in partnership with pro player Kayane, the Nacon Daija sports top-end Sanwa buttons and both ball and bat top options are included in the box for its square gate stick. A selection of side buttons allows for ease of navigation on your console, too.
The Daija is a little on the heftier side, so it might not be the right fit for you if you have restricted space for your gaming setup. But if you can spare the room for it, you’ll find the Daija to be a future-proof fight stick. The pad also supports multiple custom button profiles – handy for when you’re switching between fighting games – and has a handy lock feature to prevent you from accidentally pausing or opening the Home menu in more serious tournament settings.
Read more: Nacon Daija arcade stick review
If you’re starting out and don’t want to bet the farm on a fight stick yet, you should consider Hori’s excellent Fighting Stick Mini.
