Xarcade/Nintendo stick conversion

[maxh]

Has anyone modified their xarcade stick to a nintendo stick? If so, how did it work out for you? Were you happy with the end result?

I'm interested in a nintendo stick with a four way restrictor plate (an optional 8 way toggle would be nice though not required). I'm not really sure as to where to start on this as I've never dug around inside arcade machines/controllers other than this xarcade I've just received.

Are there new sticks on the market that would play like nintendo sticks? Should I buy original nintendo parts via ebay or craigslist and piece one together?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.

Max

[Kong]

You can easily open an xarcade up and change it from 8-way to 4-way stick. This is easy enough to do but not something you would want to do every time you change a game. It will take you a few minutes. So more of a set it and forget it option.

Even with a 4 way, I prefer a d-pad controller over an arcade stick for console games.

I suggest searching amazon or ebay for
"nes usb controller"
"snes usb controller"
"n64 usb controller"
"genesis usb controller"
"saturn usb controller"

Your choice would depend on the games you want to play but snes and saturn would be my first pick with n64 being third.

Other great choices are a wired Xbox 360 controller or ACT LABS - PowerRamp MITE

Retro Uprising - How to Play With a Game Pad

---------- Post added at 01:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:12 PM ----------

I just reread your post. This sounds like what you want

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: RetroBit Retro Adapter NES Controller to USB Port Adapter

plus

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: NES Advantage Joystick

$30 including shipping and exactly what you want.

There is also a similar SNES option - which would have enough buttons to play most games - better deal IMO.

[maxh]

Great reply Kong. Very detailed. Thank you.

I was not at all clear as to what I was looking for on my original post. My apologies.

I'm currently using the xarcade stick as a four way and am having a tough go at it as I'm so used to arcade cab sticks.

I'm trying to simulate (as best as I can) the feel of an actual arcade cabinet Nintendo four way stick rather than trying to adjust to the xarcade stick (very stiff).

My first thought is to simply replace the xarcade stick with Nintendo hardware. Either that, or find suitable hardware that is as close to Nintendo hardware as possible. I've heard this could be done, though I've never spoken with anyone that has actually done this. I've been told, and perhaps wrongly so, that Nintendo parts are hard to come by, or at the very least, expensive.

I realize modifying the controller in this way limits my abilities for many games unless I'm able to find an adjustable four way/eight way toggle and still retain the Nintendo arcade feel, though again, these limitations are not of a significant concern as I can use another controller for other non arcade, non four way games.

[Kong]

I think I understand.

You want something like this
Blue 4 Way Joystick The Ultimate Joystick We Carry Money Back GUARANTEE | eBay

The install will be easy. Finding something with the correct "feel" probably will not be as easy. Maybe someone else will have some advice on how to do that. I think you will want to buy used authentic parts from the 80s. If you have a local arcade contact them and ask if they have any old parts for sale. They usually do.

I have 2 Mario Bros joysticks I would sell but they are 2-way. With some tinkering you could convert them to 4 way. They seem stiff to me though. Maybe with some WD-40 they would glide more.

[D.B. Cooper]

You are correct that even though the Xarcade is an awesome product, it does not work well with the Nintendo games (or other 4 way games) except maybe Mario Bros and DK3. What some of the top DK players have done to make playing in MAME more like the real thing is to modify an existing DK control panel to be able to work on your PC. This is way beyond my knowledge but I know it can be done.

[Slime Slayer]

Originally Posted by D.B. Cooper

You are correct that even though the Xarcade is an awesome product, it does not work well with the Nintendo games (or other 4 way games) except maybe Mario Bros and DK3. What some of the top DK players have done to make playing in MAME more like the real thing is to modify an existing DK control panel to be able to work on your PC. This is way beyond my knowledge but I know it can be done.

I've done a fair bit of research, and modding arcade controls is easy for anyone remotely competent. Easy to follow instructions are available all over the place. The hardest part is just committing to it and actually ordering the parts.

[maxh]

Brilliant DB.

That is exactly what I want though not at all what was originally asking or even thinking about. I had no idea that people were doing this with controllers. This is a much better direction.

The USB wiring should be easy enough as you mention Steven, though hopefully I can find a controller in decent condition at a reasonable price this weekend locally.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.