12 replies to this topic

[LuxCustodis]

I been looking online for a half decent pinball controller for the desktop. I can understand its more authentic to get a VPin, if I had the funds for that I would, believe me. But what I'd like to find is a arcade joystick that has side buttons to be the flippers and an extra button on top of it to act as the nudge. I have a Mayflash Arcade Stick F300, but its quite obvious this controller does not have flipper buttons on its side. It's only good for arcade games such as fighters and even plays Tetris quite well too. I've found a flipper controller on Amazon but its ancient using a PS/2 input. No idea why that is still being sold unless you have an old computer that still supports PS/2. Any recommendations? Because the way I see it, you'd have to mod a controller just to have flippers and I have no idea how to mod controllers or add extra buttons in.

[jbg4208]

What about the X-Arcade controller ? They are a bit pricey for me though. 

 

I believe drybonz has this setup you might PM him.

[ScottyVH]

I'd consider the X-arcade controller, with a Pinscape for nudge.

[LuxCustodis]

I did consider the X-Controller. But my issue with it is the position of the flipper buttons. It looks like it will be awkward for the hands to be underneath that board.

[Drybonz]

I thought it would be awkward at first, but it's actually pretty comfortable for me.  My hands rest on the top and fingers curl down to the buttons.  They were on sale recently but that may be over by now.

 

It's really nice if you are into arcade emulation as well because you have all the other controls on it.  If you just want it for the pinball flipper buttons, it may not be the most practical solution.  I like mine a lot, but I've modded it a good bit.  The stock joysticks aren't very good.

 

Here's a picture of the side buttons... it's not a reach at all.  Hope that helps.

 

Edited by Drybonz, 02 January 2017 - 06:04 AM.

[LuxCustodis]

I'm guessing the joysticks are not microswitches? The Mayflash I have actually has an excellent joystick. Since its comfortable for you, then it would be for me. But the $200 price point is... damn well steep. I'll look into it however.

[Drybonz]

The joysticks are microswitches... they are Happ Super knock-offs.  They just aren't very good.  I replaced them with Zippy's and then upgraded to Ultrastik 360's.  The Zippy's are actually really nice budget sticks if you aren't worried about 4-8 way switching a lot.

[LuxCustodis]

That's the one thing I don't want to do is mod a controller. I can custom build a gaming PC rig, but I do not trust myself with modding a controller... I'm very weird.

[Drybonz]

I wouldn't try to talk someone into it, but I can say that it's easy.  I didn't want to do it either, but there's no soldering... you just mount everything and plug the wires back in.

 

If you don't want to mod, I wouldn't recommend one though... I wasn't super happy with the stock hardware.  The trackball is actually fine and the buttons are good.

[Rhinosopher]

Greetings, I was recently in the same search as you.  I decided to go with two mechanical numpads, mounted to a monitor riser with arcade buttons attached to the keys (for flippers).  I also have the nudge keybinded to other keys in reach on the numpad.  It sounds strange but it was very easy to set up and works with Pinball Arcade, Pinball FX2, and Pro Pinball Ultra Timeshock which is what is the game I play most. Altogether with some double sided gorilla tape, usb 4-port dock, usb extension, the two mechanical numpads, and the monitor mount it cost about $75 on Amazon. There is zero lag since it is just a mechanical numpad but I do not have any plunger system set up yet just have launch on a keybind to the numpad as well.  I can link you the specific products if interested.  Here are some pics for reference: 

 

http://imgur.com/a/dSpdX

Edited by Rhinosopher, 16 June 2017 - 02:13 AM.

[ralphberner]

Maybe my project helps.

https://www.instruct...l-Console-for-/

Regards

[ravenriser]

I've often thought about just dismantling a wireless joypad and creating a box to house it in...don't think it would be too hard.

[ravenriser]

Saw this the other day..may be of interest to you. Of course this is done with a Nintendo Switch, but certainly it could easily be done with VP or FP.

 

Edited by ravenriser, 21 January 2020 - 10:26 PM.