@bassman6805 said in Which Joystick for Bartop:
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3402
There are just so many options and ideas to consider. The hat is interesting. It is more than just a convenient way to connect wires for controls. It also has an audio DAC and back powers the Pi with a safe shutdown switch. If you are using an HDMI display with sound, you probably won't use the DAC on the hat.
You could also look at ControlBlock.
These solutions rely on drivers to translate GPIO input to virtual gamepad(s) or keyboard input. You could also step up to a hardware controller like an Ultimarc IPAC or others.
If I built a bartop today, I might simply use header wires or split a ribbon cable with a connector and use that to wire up controls to GPIO. I might then use a Mausberry circuit or something simpler to do safe shutdown. Finally, I might just pull audio from the jack on the Pi if my display did not include speakers.
For the actual controls, do you want a ball top style joystick? A bat design (street fighter shape)? Have you considered 4-way vs. 8-way? Ultimarc makes some sticks that allow you to switch between 4 and 8 ways. Otherwise, the HAPP Super or the Competition sticks are very inexpensive.
There are many sources of arcade hardware online. I have had success buying from Groovy Game Gear, Ultimarc, and Paradise Arcade shop. I live in Portland, OR.
I will add that sometimes you will make a decision based on form factor alone. For example, you may be building something with internal size constraints and opt for buttons that are shallow, whereas many arcade buttons are designed to go through thicker plywood and go pretty deep.
On the other hand, you might pick a joystick because of how it feels during gameplay. Do you like microswitches clicking? Maybe you want to find one with copper leaf switches for that quieter, smoother feel. You have lots of possibilities. I would browse some Paradise for ideas, or Ultimarc for some premium options and decide what you need and what you can live without given your budget.
