
While it doesn't offer the same feedback that a joystick does, some users find they have better control over their actions when using digital buttons instead of an analog input. Instead of using a joystick, you instead have four direction buttons that you press in different combinations to move your character. It may not look like your traditional fighting game controller, but the Hit Box has proven to be popular with pro players. On the other hand you want something more luxurious, try Razer's Panthera or Atrox sticks (depending on if you're team PlayStation or Xbox), Qanba's Dragon or Obsidian models, or the Victrix Pro FS. If you want the cheapest way into best fight stick gaming, look to the Hori Fighting Stick Mini for a compact and well-priced offering.

Some of them work with the PS5 and Xbox Series X too, so you won't have to change sticks when you upgrade to a next-gen console. Our selection of the best fight sticks below offers something to all kinds of players, no matter your console or budget.

While playing titles like Street Fighter, Guilty Gear or Tekken with a gamepad is still effective all the way up to the professional level, using a traditional arcade layout puts the controls exactly where you want them to be.
