Now we just need some fighting games
by JC Fletcher 
{ Aug 8th 2007 at 10:30AM }
It's no Real Arcade Pro, but Hori's Fighting Stick Wii is still better than any US-marketed joystick, if previous Fighting Sticks are any indication. Wii owners, of course, will prefer this to the RAP for the simple fact that it works on the Wii. Also, as far as we can tell, it's either wireless or near-wireless. It's got the Home button on it, so it's unlikely to be a rebranded Gamecube controller. Therefore we expect that it either plugs into the Wiimote in the manner of the Classic Controller, or plugs into nothing in the manner of something awesomely convenient. (There's also the USB option, but let's not even talk about that.)
Gamestop is taking preorders for this stick in anticipation of a November 6th release, at a price of $49.99. Trust us, that's extraordinarily reasonable for an arcade stick of any quality. Surprisingly, Europe seems to be getting this peripheral before the US: Amazon.co.uk lists the item as shipping on the 17th of this month! That's in line with the estimated Japanese release date provided by Play-Asia; however, neither Amazon.co.jp nor Hori's own website make any mention of this stick.
We suppose there's Metal Slug, but it seems like a shame to have such a nice arcade stick for a system with no major fighting games (unless Guilty Gear XX Accent Core actually comes out). Not that the SNES Street Fighter II ports aren't great! It would just feel a bit weird buying a $50 joystick for $8 games.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
danny. @ Aug 8th 2007 10:39AM
but not so weird buying it for several VC games with the whole neo geo deal eh?
Author X @ Aug 8th 2007 10:53AM
looking closely, it seems like it'll work like a classic controller (same button labels), meaning you could probably use it for VC games or Super Smash Bros as well.
Smoke @ Aug 9th 2007 8:19AM
The button labelling(I've seen higher resolution pictures) indicates that it's just a Classic Controller in a fancy package, with no analog works. Not really all that surprising considering some of their other products, and it also means instant compatibility with everything that supports the CC.
I would also not be surprised if it has a Wiimote-slot in the bottom for the connection.
jadenguy @ Aug 8th 2007 3:14PM
do want
jadenguy @ Aug 8th 2007 3:15PM
i do want it, badly. it is basically a CC, so it will work with any of those games, including brawl and stuff.
megapenguinx @ Aug 8th 2007 3:17PM
Smash Bros!
Mr Khan @ Aug 8th 2007 4:07PM
The lack of the right joystick might make it hard to play Smash Bros, at least for people like me who are used to using an equal mix of real smash attacks (A + Right Stick) and quick smash attacks (jam C-stick)
otherwise it looks cool