Arcade Joysticks and Pi

Aramore

Hello all,
New user here, also new to the Pi but I have heards loads of things about how good this system is, I have googled and googled and come up with so many answer its kind of overwhelmed me so though I would come get some direct answers and ideas from people with experience.

I am a lover of retro games. I want to let my kids experience this in a arcade style fashion. I am looking at building two seperate controllers with all the arcade type buttons, Coin, Start Select, 6 button layout etc using a Pi to connect this all up to my big Tv so we can sit on the couch and have some good ol Street Fighter/Streets of rage action.

From what I have seen this is possible. My plan is to get a Pi4 and suitable case, set it up with the required software. Build two seperate arcade sticks that I can connect to the Pi so we can play various games.

Can this be accomplished wirelessly? Bluetooth etc? or pure USB? I don't mind either way.

If anyone can advise, point me in the direction of a decent guide that shows me parts to get etc it would be much appreciated.

Red_Trev

@aramore to be honest it would be easier to just buy a couple of USB joysticks of eBay than building something from scratch, I bought this one (that also has PlayStation connection) and it works perfectly:

If you insist on Bluetooth connectivity the 8BitDo N30 stick would be a good option but is very expensive:

https://www.8bitdo.com/n30-arcade-stick/

Aramore

@red_trev
Oh, fair points.
Lot less work and worry too.

Many thanks, I will definitely concider this.
So any such fight stick for PC will work fine on Pi, I don't need anything Pi specific?

Red_Trev

@aramore please double check with the seller before you buy, but my understanding is there is nothing Pi specific regarding USB controllers & anything that works on PC should work on Pi also.

Red_Trev

@aramore BTW here is a video review of the joystick I bought:

sirhenrythe5th

@red_trev said in Arcade Joysticks and Pi:

@aramore please double check with the seller before you buy, but my understanding is there is nothing Pi specific regarding USB controllers & anything that works on PC should work on Pi also.

I have got three PS3/USB Sticks that work with a PC.
The "NeoGeo Stick 2+", The "Tournament Fighting Stick" from Madcatz and the "Mortal Kombat Tournament Stick".
The only one that works with the Pi(2,3 or 4) is the Mortal Kombat Stick.
I am ok with that as i own two of them and they are great, but the other two are not recognized at all.
So the formula "works with PC - works with the Pi" seems not to work guranteed.

Aramore

@sirhenrythe5th

Cheers, I shall bare that in mind :)

dodonpachi

I have three different HORI Real Arcade Pro joysticks (4, 4 Kai, and V). All three work with my Pi 3 and Pi 4.

They are high quality arcade sticks that run you about $80 USD on the secondhand market. If you find one in good condition for less, it's a steal.