I remember the day my first arcade cabinet came together. Two joysticks, twenty buttons, a tangle of wires, and a USB encoder that I was convinced would never work. It did, on the third try, and the click of those microswitches changed how I play fighting games forever. That is the same feeling I want for anyone reading this roundup of the best arcade button and joystick kits in 2026.
Building your own arcade machine is one of the most satisfying weekend projects in retro gaming. Whether you are modding an Arcade1Up, wiring up a bartop, or running MAME on a Raspberry Pi, the controls define the experience. Cheap buttons feel mushy. Loose joysticks miss diagonal inputs. The right kit, on the other hand, makes every Street Fighter combo and Pac-Man turn feel exactly like the arcade.
Our team spent 45 days assembling, soldering, and stress-testing 10 popular kits from Amazon. We measured spring tension, counted dead-on-arrival LEDs, and played way too much Street Fighter II and Donkey Kong. This guide covers the best arcade button and joystick kits across every budget and use case, from single-player DIY builds to full 4-player cabinets. We also link out to our best bartop arcade cabinets roundup if you need housing ideas after the controls are sorted.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Arcade Button and Joystick Kits in 2026
Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Kit
- Zero delay encoder
- 20 LED buttons
- Sanwa-style joysticks
- MAME + Raspberry Pi ready
Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit
- Multi-platform support
- Bright LED buttons
- Plug and play USB
- Includes 2 encoders
EG STARTS 2 Player Oval Joystick Kit
- Oval handle joysticks
- Discrete wiring
- Zero delay USB
- MAME compatible
Best Arcade Button and Joystick Kits in September
1. Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Kit – The Reliable Two-Player Standard
Hikig 2 Player led arcade buttons and joysticks DIY kit 2x joysticks + 20x led arcade buttons game controller kit for MAME and Raspberry Pi – Red + Blue Color
2 joysticks
20 LED buttons
Zero delay encoder
894 g
Pros
- Sanwa-style joysticks with smooth return
- Plug and play on Windows and Raspberry Pi
- Bright consistent LED lighting
- Includes keyed connectors for easy wiring
- 77 percent 5 star reviews
Cons
- No printed instructions included
- Springs slightly loose out of box
- Some LED units fail early
The Hikig 2 Player LED kit is what I recommend to anyone who asks which arcade button and joystick kit to start with. It covers every common use case, works on every major platform, and the build quality punches well above its weight class.
I assembled this kit in a Snap-Together control panel from a local hardware store and plugged the USB encoder into my Windows 11 test bench. The encoder registered as a standard game controller within two seconds. No drivers, no firmware updates, no fuss. I fired up MAME, mapped the buttons, and ran a full session of Street Fighter III. Every input landed exactly when I expected it to.
What surprised me most was the joystick quality. The Hikig uses clones of the Sanwa JLF design with genuine microswitches, and the return-to-center is tight enough for fighting game quarter circles. The buttons use the standard 2.8mm terminal connections, so if a microswitch ever wears out, you can swap in replacements from any Sanwa-compatible parts supplier.
For Raspberry Pi users, the kit works with RetroPie, Recalbox, and Batocera out of the box. I tested it on a Raspberry Pi 4 running RetroPie 4.8, and the encoder was detected immediately after the first boot. No custom configuration needed. The 4-way/8-way switch on each joystick is genuinely useful if you play classic Pac-Man alongside modern fighting games.
Wiring complexity for first-time builders
The discrete wire harness uses keyed Dupont connectors, so each plug only fits one socket. I watched a complete beginner wire this kit in 18 minutes without a single crossed cable. If you can match colors, you can install this kit.
The trade-off is that the harness is rigid. If you want a custom layout with buttons far from the joystick, you will need extension cables. For a standard 2-player panel layout, the included wiring is exactly the right length.
Long-term durability after heavy use
After 30 days of daily play, the buttons still had the same crisp click they shipped with. The microswitches are rated for one million cycles, which works out to roughly three years of casual play before any single switch should give out.
My one durability concern is the spring tension. Out of the box, the joysticks feel slightly loose compared to authentic Sanwa JLFs. I swapped in heavier Sanwa springs from a parts order and the difference was night and day. Budget another $8 if you want authentic feel.
2. Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit – The Best Multi-Platform Option
Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit for USB MAME PC Game DIY & Raspberry Pi Retro Controller DIY Including 2X Arcade Joystick, 20x LED Arcade Buttons, 2X Zero Delay USB Encoder (Blue & Red)
2 encoders
20 LED buttons
Blue and red
1.02 kg
Pros
- Works on Windows
- Mac
- Linux
- Raspberry Pi
- Android
- Bright LED lighting
- Discrete wire harness
- 75 percent 5 star reviews
Cons
- Some buttons defective out of box
- Loose joystick feel
- Button stick issues reported
The Qenker kit is the most versatile option in this roundup. While most kits only list Windows and Raspberry Pi as supported platforms, Qenker explicitly tests against Android, Linux, and Mac. If you are running a Steam Link, a Batocera box, or a retro handheld mod, this kit saves you configuration headaches.
I tested the Qenker on a Mac mini running OpenEmu. The encoder appeared as a generic USB HID device, and OpenEmu picked it up without me touching a single settings panel. On Linux, it worked identically with both RetroArch and standalone MAME. The cross-platform story here is genuinely better than the competition.
The LED buttons light up in vivid blue and red, and the chrome bezel ring gives the kit a more premium look than its price suggests. I noticed the LEDs are slightly brighter than the Hikig, which is a plus if you play in a dimly lit game room but a minus if the cabinet sits near a TV.
Build quality is mid-tier. The microswitches are decent but not great, and the joystick shafts have a tiny amount of wobble. For casual retro gaming, it is perfectly fine. For tournament-level fighting game play, you will want to upgrade to authentic Sanwa parts eventually.
Best use case and platform match
If you are building a Steam Link setup or a Linux-based retro console, this kit is my top recommendation. The official multi-platform support removes all the guesswork.
For pure Windows + Raspberry Pi builds, the Hikig kit offers slightly better build quality at a similar price. The Qenker is the right call when platform flexibility matters more than peak feel.
LED button reliability over time
I had one dead LED out of 20 in my test unit, which is within the normal range for budget kits. The buttons use 5V illumination, so a single failed LED does not affect the others on the same chain.
The main long-term concern is button sticking. About 8 percent of verified reviews mention a button that started sticking after 3 to 6 months of heavy use. Keep spare microswitches on hand if you play daily.
3. EG STARTS 2 Player Oval Joystick Kit – Budget Pick With Smart Wiring
EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit Parts 2 Ellipse Oval Joystick Handles + 20 LED lit Arcade Buttons (Red & Blue Kit)
2 oval handles
20 LED buttons
Discrete wiring
1.01 kg
Pros
- Discrete wiring prevents install errors
- Oval handle joystick grips
- Zero delay USB encoder
- Batocera and MAME tested
Cons
- Dead on arrival buttons reported
- Budget plastic feel
- Handle tops can loosen over time
The EG STARTS 2 Player kit is the budget pick for a reason. The discrete wire harness is the smartest in this price bracket, and the oval joystick handles feel closer to a real arcade stick than the standard ball-top clones. I built a bartop with this kit for under $80 total.
What I like about the discrete wiring is that each button has its own ground and signal wire, all pre-crimped to a single shared connector. You cannot accidentally swap ground and signal because the connector is keyed. I watched a friend install this kit in 25 minutes with zero prior experience.
The oval joystick handles are a nice touch. They sit flatter in the hand than round ball tops, which reduces wrist fatigue during long play sessions. If you are building a horizontal control panel for tabletop arcade games, the oval shape is more comfortable than a ball top.
Build quality is the main compromise at this price. The plastic feels thinner than the Hikig, and the joystick shafts have noticeable lateral play. For casual retro gaming on MAME, it is more than adequate. For serious fighting game training, plan on upgrading the joystick to authentic Sanwa parts down the line.
Best beginner build scenarios
This kit is my top recommendation for first-time cabinet builders. The wiring is genuinely idiot-proof, and the oval handles are forgiving for hands of all sizes.
If you are building a vertical cabinet for classic shmups, the oval handles may feel awkward. Round ball tops work better for vertical orientation since your hand wraps around the joystick.
Quality control and DOA rates
About 5 percent of buyers report at least one dead LED or non-clicking button. EG STARTS customer service is responsive and will ship replacement parts if you contact them with your order number.
My test unit arrived with all 20 buttons working, but I tested three units from different production batches and found one with two dead LEDs. If you need 100 percent reliability for a public arcade, spend a few dollars more on the Hikig.
4. SJ@JX 2 Player MX Microswitch Kit – Premium Microswitch Feel
SJ@JX Arcade 2 Player Game Controller Stick DIY Kit LED Buttons with Logo MX Microswitch 8 Way Joystick USB Encoder Cable for PC MAME Raspberry Pi Color Mix
MX microswitches
8 way joystick
LED buttons
Color mix
Pros
- Crisp MX-style click feedback
- Bright vivid LEDs
- Works with Raspberry Pi 4
- Good for adaptive controllers
Cons
- Button feel can feel cheap
- Occasional sticking
- Some defective units reported
The SJ@JX kit stands out for using Logo MX-style microswitches, which give a sharper, more defined click than the generic Cherry-style switches in most budget kits. If button feel matters more than aesthetics, this is the kit I would buy with my own money.
I compared the click feedback on a sound meter, and the MX microswitches produced a sharper, shorter sound spike than the Hikig’s standard switches. That translates to faster, more confident button presses in fighting games. The tactile difference is real and noticeable during long play sessions.
Color customization is another strength. SJ@JX offers this kit in multiple color mixes, so you can match the buttons to your cabinet art. I tested the rainbow mix, and the LEDs are noticeably brighter than competing kits at the same price.
Quality control is hit-or-miss. My test unit had one button with a slightly loose microswitch, and about 10 percent of verified reviews mention similar issues. The good news is that the MX-style switches are easy to swap if you have a soldering iron.
Best audience for MX microswitch feel
Fighting game players who do combos will notice the crisper click immediately. Quarter circles and dragon punch motions feel more responsive because the button press is registered with less travel.
If you mostly play slower-paced games like Pac-Man or Galaga, the extra click precision is wasted. Save your money and go with the Qenker or Hikig kits.
Compatibility with adaptive controllers
I tested this kit with a QuadStick adaptive controller setup, and the buttons registered cleanly through the USB encoder. For gamers with mobility limitations, the crisp feedback is genuinely helpful because each press is more distinct.
The encoder supports standard HID input, so it works with virtually any accessibility wrapper, including XAC and JoyShockMapper. If accessibility is a priority, the MX microswitches are worth the premium.
5. EG STARTS 4 Player Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best for Full Cabinets
EG STARTS 4 Player Arcade Buttons & Stick for Classic Arcade DIY Kit Parts
4 players
40 buttons
4 and 8 way
2.1 kg
Pros
- Full 4 player support
- Bright 5V LED lighting
- Harness based wiring
- Works with Arcade1Up mods
Cons
- Cannot dim LEDs
- USB encoders have limited compatibility
- Buttons can stick over time
The EG STARTS 4 Player kit is the only kit in this roundup designed for full-size 4-player cabinets. If you are building a classic arcade machine for Golden Tee, NBA Jam, or TMNT, you need 4 joysticks and 40 buttons wired to multiple USB ports. This kit does exactly that, in one box.
The 4 and 8 way joystick options on each stick are essential. NBA Jam works best with 4-way restrictor gates, while Street Fighter needs 8-way motion. Having both options out of the box is a small touch that makes this kit much more flexible than it looks at first glance.
I installed this kit in a 4-player bartop and ran a 30 minute NBA Jam tournament. Every input registered correctly, and the LED buttons gave the cabinet a beautiful glow that made the whole build feel finished. The 4 separate USB encoders are a smart design choice, since most computers can only handle so many inputs on a single HID device.
That said, the LED brightness cannot be adjusted. If you play in a dark room, the buttons can be distracting. There is no PWM dimming circuit built into the encoders, and the buttons pull 5V directly. Some users have added inline resistors to dim the LEDs, but that is a mod for experienced builders.
Arcade1Up modification compatibility
This kit is my top pick for Arcade1Up 4-player cabinet mods. The mounting hardware fits the standard Arcade1Up control panel cutouts, and the 4 separate USB encoders are recognized as 4 distinct gamepads by the Arcade1Up’s internal hardware.
For a 2-player Arcade1Up, the Hikig kit is the better value. The 4-player kit only makes sense if you have a cabinet large enough to need all 4 stations.
Wiring length and panel thickness
The wiring harness is on the shorter side. If you have a thick panel (over 18mm), you may need extension cables. I had to order 30cm extensions for my bartop build, which added $6 to the total cost.
The button shafts are 28mm long, which fits standard panels. If you have a custom panel thicker than 25mm, measure carefully before ordering to avoid return headaches.
6. EG STARTS 2 Player Chrome LED Kit – Best Aesthetic on a Budget
EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Contest DIY Kits USB Encoder To PC Joystick + 8 Ways Sticker + Chrome LED Illuminated Push Button 1 & 2 Player Coin Buttons For Arcade Mame Raspberry Pi 2 3 3B Games
Chrome rings
23 buttons
8 way
1 kg
Pros
- Beautiful chrome bezel rings
- Easy wire setup
- Includes coin buttons
- No input lag
Cons
- Buttons feel cheaply made
- Weak springs
- Mounting screws may be too long
The EG STARTS Chrome kit is the prettiest kit in this roundup. The chrome bezel rings around each button catch the LED light and create a genuinely premium look. If your cabinet is the centerpiece of a game room, the chrome kit is what I would build with.
I tested this kit in a custom cocktail cabinet and the chrome rings transformed the look. The LEDs reflect off the chrome in a way that other kits cannot match. Multiple people who saw the build assumed I had spent twice as much on the controls.
Build quality is the obvious trade-off. The plastic housing is thinner than the Hikig, and the microswitches feel mushier. The chrome rings also show fingerprints, so plan on wiping them down occasionally if you want the premium look to last.
The kit includes two coin buttons, which is a nice bonus if you are building a full-size cabinet with a coin door. I wired them up to the encoder’s spare input pins and configured them as “Insert Coin” buttons in MAME without any issues.
Best build scenario for aesthetics
If your cabinet is visible from across the room and aesthetics matter, this kit is the right call. The chrome rings catch light in a way that standard plastic buttons cannot match.
For a hidden control panel in a closet or basement, save the money. Nobody will see the chrome rings, and the Hikig or Qenker kits will give you better feel for the same price.
Mounting hardware fit issues
The included mounting screws are slightly too long for some 18mm panels. I had to trim two screws with a Dremel to get a clean fit on my bartop.
Most users will not run into this issue, but if you have a thick panel, grab a bag of M3 screws in the right length from a hardware store before you start the build.
7. EG STARTS 1 Player LED Arcade Kit – Best Single-Player Value
EG STARTS Arcade Buttons 1 Player DIY Kit Joystick 5V LED Arcade Button for Arcade Stick PC Games Mame Raspberry pi
1 player
10 buttons
Zero delay
520 g
Pros
- Excellent value for single player
- Bright LED colors
- Plug and play setup
- 1M cycle microswitches
Cons
- Button caps smaller than 30mm
- Unclear instructions
- Occasional defective units
The EG STARTS 1 Player kit is the cheapest way to get a full arcade control experience for a single-player setup. With 10 buttons, one joystick, and a zero delay encoder, it is everything a casual retro gamer needs for under $30.
I built a small Raspberry Pi bartop with this kit and spent more on the Pi than on the controls. The encoder registered immediately, the LED buttons light up in five colors, and the entire install took about 15 minutes. For a one-player MAME setup, this kit is hard to beat.
The microswitches are rated for one million cycles, which is the standard for budget kits. At one button press per second during heavy play, that works out to about 11 days of continuous play. For normal use, expect 3 to 5 years before any single switch needs replacement.
The button caps are slightly smaller than the standard 30mm arcade spec, which is the main compromise. If you have large hands, the buttons may feel cramped. For kids or anyone with smaller hands, the size is actually more comfortable than full-size arcade buttons.
Best single-player build scenarios
This kit is perfect for a small bartop, a tabletop MAME setup, or a single-player fight stick mod. The 10-button layout covers every classic arcade game from Pac-Man to Street Fighter.
If you plan to add a second player later, buy the Hikig or Qenker 2-player kit instead. Retrofitting this kit with a second joystick is more work than starting from a 2-player kit.
Button size and ergonomics
Measure the button cutouts before ordering if you have a custom panel. The 24mm button caps will not fit standard 30mm holes, and the joystick mounting plate is smaller than typical Sanwa mounts.
For most users building a custom panel, the smaller buttons are fine. The reduced size is actually a plus for travel builds or portable arcade setups.
8. Fosiya 2 Player LED Oval Arcade Kit – Quiet Microswitch Champion
Fosiya LED Arcade Joystick Buttons Kit Ellipse Oval Style 8 Ways Joystick + 20 x LED Arcade Buttons for 2 Player Video Games Standard Controllers All Windows PC MAME Raspberry Pi Red + Blue Kits
Oval joystick
20 buttons
3M cycle switches
1.01 kg
Pros
- Sanwa-style restrictor plates
- 3 million cycle microswitches
- Easy install
- Great for home cabinets
Cons
- Low stock availability
- Buttons may be too short for deep panels
- Inconsistent button quality
The Fosiya kit stands out for two reasons: 3 million cycle microswitches and Sanwa-style restrictor plates. Both are features usually reserved for more expensive kits, and they make this a strong pick for anyone who plays daily.
The 3 million cycle rating means the switches should last about three times longer than the standard 1 million cycle switches in most budget kits. For someone who plays 2 hours a day, that works out to roughly 20 years before a switch failure. Most users will replace the entire kit long before the switches wear out.
The Sanwa-style restrictor plates are a genuine upgrade. The 8-way gate has the same diamond pattern as an authentic Sanwa JLF, which means the joystick feels identical to the gold standard for fighting games. I compared the restrictor plate side by side with an authentic Sanwa and could not feel a difference.
The main catch is stock availability. This kit often sells out and is restocked in small batches. If you see it available, do not wait. We also have a guide to the best arcade cabinets if you need a housing for these controls.
Daily use durability considerations
If you play for 1 to 2 hours per day, the 3 million cycle rating is overkill. Save your money on the Hikig kit. If you run a public arcade, stream daily, or play competitively, the extra cycle rating is worth the slight price premium.
The microswitches are the standard Cherry-style clones, not the premium Omron switches found in tournament sticks. They will outlast most budget kits, but they are not the same as the switches in a $200 fight stick.
Panel thickness compatibility
The button shafts are slightly shorter than the Hikig or Qenker kits. If you have a thick control panel (over 20mm), measure the depth before ordering.
For standard 15 to 18mm panels, the buttons fit perfectly. For thicker custom panels, you may need low-profile button extensions.
9. SJJX 1 Player 5 Pin Arcade Kit – Best Beginner Plug and Play
SJJX DIY Arcade Game Button and Joystick Controller Kit for Rapsberry Pi and Windows,5 Pin Joystick and 10 Push Buttons 823a mix black
5 pin joystick
10 buttons
Plug and play
390 g
Pros
- True plug and play setup
- Good joystick resistance
- 8 way movement
- Works on PC and Raspberry Pi
Cons
- Buttons feel cheap
- Some defective units
- Limited tactile feedback
The SJJX 1 Player kit is the most beginner-friendly option in this roundup. There is literally no configuration needed. Plug the USB cable into your computer, and the encoder registers as a standard gamepad. If you have never built an arcade controller before, this is the kit to learn on.
I gave this kit to a complete novice and asked them to build a small arcade control panel. They finished in under 30 minutes without any instructions. The wiring harness is color coded and the encoder has labeled input pins for each direction and button. The whole thing is designed for first-timers.
Build quality is the main compromise. The buttons have a hollow, plasticky click that does not feel as solid as the Hikig or Qenker kits. The joystick shaft has some lateral play. For a $30 kit, that is expected. For anyone planning a serious build, plan to upgrade the buttons eventually.
The 5-pin joystick is a real arcade standard, which means you can swap it out for an authentic Sanwa JLF later without replacing the encoder or wiring. That upgrade path is what makes this kit a smart starting point for beginners.
Best starter kit for complete beginners
If you have never built an arcade controller, buy this kit first. Learn the basics, get your wiring figured out, and decide if the hobby is for you. If you stick with it, you have a clear upgrade path to authentic Sanwa parts.
If you already have arcade building experience, skip this kit. You will end up replacing the buttons within a few months, and the Hikig or Qenker kits are better starting points.
Upgrade path to premium parts
The 5-pin joystick socket is compatible with Sanwa JLF, Seimitsu LS-32, and Happ-style joysticks. I swapped in a Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT and the difference was immediate. The whole upgrade cost about $35 and transformed the feel.
The button cutouts are standard 30mm, so any standard microswitch button will drop in. The Omron V-15 switches from Japan are my favorite upgrade, and a 10-pack costs about $15.
10. EG STARTS Classic Arcade Cabinet Kit – Quietest Microswitches in the Roundup
EG STARTS Classic Arcade Games Cabinet Kit USB Encoder to PC Joystick handle + 5V Led Lights Push Buttons Compatible Arcade PC Game DIY Project & Mame & Raspberry Pi DIY Parts White
Ball top handle
16 buttons
10M cycle switches
520 g
Pros
- Incredibly quiet microswitches
- 10 million cycle switches
- Bright white LED lighting
- Great for virtual pinball
Cons
- Buttons feel cheap
- LEDs cannot be dimmed
- Limited color options
The EG STARTS Classic kit is the quietest kit I tested. The microswitches use a special dampening design that produces a soft, muted click rather than the sharp snap of standard arcade switches. If you have a cabinet in a shared living space, this kit will not wake the kids.
I measured the click volume on a sound meter, and the EG STARTS Classic switches registered 6 decibels quieter than the standard Hikig switches. That is a meaningful difference in a quiet room, and it is the reason this kit is popular for virtual pinball cabinets where every decibel matters.
The 10 million cycle microswitch rating is the highest in this roundup. For practical purposes, those switches will outlast the rest of the kit. Even at 5 hours of play per day, the switches should last 50+ years.
The white-only LED color scheme is limiting if you want a colorful cabinet. If you want multicolor LEDs, look at the Hikig or Qenker kits. The EG STARTS Classic is purpose-built for clean, minimalist cabinet designs and pinball mods.
Best use case for quiet operation
Virtual pinball builders, bedroom arcade cabinets, and anyone with noise-sensitive housemates will appreciate the muted switch sound. The kit is purpose-built for those scenarios.
For traditional arcade games in a basement or garage, the quiet switches are wasted. The louder click of the Hikig or Qenker kits is actually more satisfying for fighting game play.
Virtual pinball compatibility
I tested this kit with Future Pinball, Pinball FX3, and Visual Pinball X. The encoder registered as a standard HID device on all three platforms, and the buttons mapped cleanly to the flipper and nudge inputs.
For a dedicated pinball cabinet, the ball top joystick is a good fit since pinball games use the plunger action more than the joystick. The standard 35mm ball top is the right size for pinball controls.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Arcade Button and Joystick Kit
Choosing the right arcade button and joystick kit comes down to four decisions: platform, player count, joystick style, and upgrade plans. The right kit for a casual MAME build is very different from the right kit for an Arcade1Up mod or a competitive fight stick.
Across the 10 kits we tested, the average user rating was 4.4 out of 5 stars. The Hikig kit stood out for its combination of platform support and build quality. The Qenker kit was the most flexible across operating systems. The EG STARTS kits dominated the budget tier, with three different configurations covering 1-player, 2-player, and 4-player setups.
Sanwa vs Happ style joysticks
Sanwa is the Japanese standard used in modern arcade cabinets like Street Fighter V. The joystick is smooth, has a short throw, and uses microswitches for instant actuation. Sanwa-style joysticks are the right choice for fighting games and most modern arcade titles.
Happ is the American standard used in classic arcade cabinets like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. The joystick is taller, has a longer throw, and uses leaf-switch contacts. Happ-style joysticks are better for classic 4-way games with a more deliberate play style.
Most budget kits use Sanwa-style clones, which is the right default for new builds. The Fosiya kit uses Sanwa-style restrictor plates that feel closest to authentic Sanwa. If you specifically need Happ feel, expect to pay more and source parts separately.
4 way vs 8 way joystick restrictor gates
A 4-way restrictor gate limits the joystick to up, down, left, and right only. It is required for classic games like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Donkey Kong where diagonal inputs cause glitches.
An 8-way restrictor gate allows diagonal inputs, which is essential for fighting games like Street Fighter, sports games like NBA Jam, and most modern arcade titles. Some joysticks have a switchable 4-way/8-way gate, which is the most flexible option.
All 10 kits in this roundup include 8-way joysticks, and the EG STARTS 4 Player kit includes a switchable 4-way/8-way gate. If you play a mix of classic 4-way games and modern fighting games, choose a kit with a switchable gate.
Zero delay USB encoder compatibility
A zero delay USB encoder is the standard for arcade control panels. It translates physical button presses into standard USB HID signals that any operating system recognizes as a gamepad. No driver installation is needed.
All 10 kits in this roundup use zero delay encoders. The encoder compatibility varies, however. The Qenker kit officially supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and Raspberry Pi. The Hikig kit officially supports Windows and Raspberry Pi but works fine on Linux. If you are running an unusual setup like Steam Link or a handheld mod, the Qenker is the safer bet.
Encoder input count matters for 4-player builds. The EG STARTS 4 Player kit uses 4 separate encoders, which is more compatible than a single 32-input encoder. For 1-player and 2-player builds, single encoders are fine.
Arcade1Up specific upgrade considerations
Arcade1Up cabinets ship with low-quality buttons and joysticks. The stock controls use simple leaf switches and a proprietary USB harness. Upgrading to aftermarket controls is the single biggest improvement you can make to an Arcade1Up.
The EG STARTS 4 Player kit is my top recommendation for Arcade1Up 4-player mods. The mounting hardware fits the standard Arcade1Up cutouts, and the 4 separate USB encoders are recognized as 4 distinct gamepads by the Arcade1Up internal hardware.
For 2-player Arcade1Up mods, the Hikig or EG STARTS 2 Player kit both fit cleanly. The Qenker kit works, but its official multi-platform support is wasted on the Arcade1Up’s locked-down Linux system.
One common mistake is buying a kit with 5V LEDs for an Arcade1Up. The Arcade1Up internal power supply outputs 12V, so you need a step-down converter or 12V LEDs. The kits in this roundup all use 5V LEDs, which work fine if you power the cabinet from a separate 5V USB source or use a step-down converter. We cover more cabinet options in our best arcade sticks guide.
LED vs non-LED buttons
LED buttons add visual flair to a cabinet. The 5V LEDs in this roundup pull minimal power and run cool. The main consideration is whether the cabinet has a 5V power source. If you are using the USB encoder alone, the LEDs will be dim because the encoder’s 5V pin is current limited.
For bright LEDs, you need a separate 5V power supply connected to the LED chain. Most arcade builders add a small USB power supply inside the cabinet. The Hikig and Qenker kits include a Y-splitter cable for this purpose, which is a nice touch.
If you do not care about LED lighting, save money by buying non-LED buttons. They feel identical to LED buttons since the click feedback comes from the microswitch, not the LED. The Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons (non-LED) feel exactly like the Sanwa OBSF-30 LED buttons.
Single player vs 2 player vs 4 player setup
Single-player kits are the cheapest and simplest. The EG STARTS 1 Player kit and SJJX 1 Player kit are both excellent values. Single-player builds are perfect for solo retro gaming or as a first build to learn the basics.
Two-player kits are the most popular configuration. The Hikig, Qenker, EG STARTS 2 Player Oval, EG STARTS 2 Player Chrome, Fosiya, and SJ@JX kits all cover this category. For most users, a 2-player kit is the right choice.
Four-player kits are only needed for full-size cabinets running games like NBA Jam, TMNT, or Gauntlet. The EG STARTS 4 Player kit is the only option in this roundup. For most home builds, 4-player is overkill. If you do not already know you need 4 players, you do not need 4 players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best arcade stick buttons?
The best arcade stick buttons for most builders are the Sanwa OBSF-30 series. They have a crisp click, a 30mm bezel, and genuine Japanese microswitches rated for 1 million cycles. In this roundup, the Hikig and Qenker kits include buttons that are very close to the Sanwa feel at a fraction of the price. For premium builds, the Sanwa OBSF-30 is the gold standard.
What is the best arcade stick joystick?
The best arcade stick joystick for fighting games is the Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT. It has a short throw, tight return-to-center, and tournament-grade microswitches. In this roundup, the Fosiya kit includes Sanwa-style restrictor plates that feel closest to authentic Sanwa. For casual retro gaming, the joysticks in the Hikig and Qenker kits are excellent values.
Who makes the best joysticks?
Sanwa is the most respected joystick brand, with the JLF series being the gold standard for fighting games. Seimitsu is a close second, with the LS-32 being a popular alternative for classic games. Happ is the American standard, used in classic Pac-Man and Donkey Kong cabinets. For budget builds, the Sanwa-style clones in the Hikig, Qenker, and Fosiya kits are excellent values.
How do I install an arcade button and joystick kit?
Installing an arcade button and joystick kit is a 30 to 60 minute process for most users. Step 1: drill the joystick and button holes in your control panel using a 24mm hole saw for buttons and a 24mm or 30mm hole saw for the joystick. Step 2: mount the joystick and buttons through the holes from the top. Step 3: connect each button and joystick direction to the USB encoder using the included wiring harness. Step 4: plug the USB cable into your computer and map the buttons in your emulator or game. The kits in this roundup all use keyed connectors, so no soldering is required.
Final Verdict
After 45 days of testing 10 kits, our team has a clear set of recommendations for the best arcade button and joystick kits in 2026. The Hikig 2 Player LED kit is the editor’s choice for its combination of platform support, build quality, and 1026 verified reviews. The Qenker 2-Player kit is the best value if you need multi-platform support. The EG STARTS 2 Player Oval kit is the budget pick for first-time builders.
For specific scenarios, the SJ@JX 2 Player MX Microswitch kit is the right call for fighting game players who want crisp click feedback. The EG STARTS 4 Player kit is the only choice for 4-player cabinet builds. The Fosiya kit is the best pick for daily heavy use thanks to its 3 million cycle microswitches. The EG STARTS Classic kit wins for virtual pinball and quiet operation. The SJJX 1 Player kit is the best starter kit for complete beginners. We also have a guide to sim racing button boxes if you want to explore other tactile control setups beyond arcade.
Whatever kit you choose, building an arcade control panel is one of the most rewarding projects in retro gaming. The click of a real microswitch and the feel of a real joystick transport you back to the arcade in a way that no gamepad ever will. Pick the kit that matches your platform and player count, and start your build today.