Tekken Console: Gamepad vs. Arcade Stick Guide

Choosing your first Tekken controller? We compare gamepads and arcade sticks to help new console players find their perfect match for winning fights.

Hello Tekken players! It’s Troy here from 7xmbangladesh.com. You’ve got Tekken for your PlayStation or Xbox, and now you’re wondering: which controller should you use? Should you stick to your normal gamepad, or try a big arcade stick? This is a common question for new players, and I’ll help you decide! Find out more about my fighting game journey on my personal page: About Troy Dela Cruz.

Starting Tekken can feel a bit hard. But picking the right controller makes a big difference. Some people like the normal controller because it feels familiar. Others like the arcade stick because it feels like a real arcade game. Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything simply!

I, Troy, will show you the good and bad points of using a gamepad and an arcade stick for Tekken. This will help you pick the best one to start winning more fights. Our website has more useful gaming info, so remember to check out the About Us page. And always remember to play games responsibly; read about Responsible Gaming.

Playing Tekken with a Gamepad (Normal Controller)

Most new players use the gamepad that comes with their console (like a PlayStation DualSense or Xbox controller). It’s very common, and many people already know how to use it.

Good Points (Pros):

• Comfortable and Familiar: You already use this controller for other games, so it feels natural. Your hands fit well around it.
• Cheaper (You Already Have It!): You already own it, so you don’t need to buy anything extra. Arcade sticks can be quite expensive.
• Easy to Learn Basic Moves: For simple moves and character movement (like walking forward/backward, pressing punch/kick buttons), the gamepad works fine.
• Good for Casual Play: If you just want to play with friends at home or enjoy the story mode, a gamepad works perfectly.

Bad Points (Cons):

• Less Precise for Some Moves: For very fast or exact movements, like doing “electric wind god fists” (EWGGF) or complex combos, the D-pad (directional pad) or analog stick might not feel as precise as an arcade stick.
• Harder for Multiple Buttons at Once: Some Tekken moves need you to press two or more buttons at the same time. This can be a bit harder on a gamepad’s face buttons.
• Not the “Arcade Feel”: If you grew up playing Tekken in arcades, the gamepad doesn’t give you that same feeling.

Playing Tekken with an Arcade Stick (Fight Stick)

An arcade stick (also called a fight stick) looks and feels like the controls you find in old arcade machines. It has a joystick and big, round buttons.

Good Points (Pros):

• Very Precise Control: The joystick gives you very exact control for character movement and special moves. Many professional players use them.
• Better for Complex Inputs: Moves that need fast, tricky inputs (like many “electric” moves) often become easier for some people on an arcade stick.
• Real Arcade Feel: If you love the arcade experience, this controller gives you that exact feeling.
• Easy for Multiple Buttons: The big buttons make it simple to press two or three buttons at the same time for certain moves.

Bad Points (Cons):

• Very Expensive: Arcade sticks cost a lot of money, usually more than a full game!
• Takes Time to Learn: If you’ve never used one before, it takes a lot of practice to get used to the joystick and big buttons. Your hands might feel awkward at first.
• Not Portable: They are big and heavy, so you can’t easily carry them around.
• Not Good for Other Games: You usually only use an arcade stick for fighting games, not other types of games.

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Which Controller is Best for You? (Picking the Right One!)

So, how do you choose? I, Troy, will tell you:

• If you are new to Tekken and just want to have fun, or you have a tight budget: Just use your gamepad. It’s easy to start with, and you can still become very good using it. Many top players use gamepads!
• If you are serious about Tekken, want to play like a pro, and don’t mind spending money and time to learn:Then consider buying an arcade stick. But remember, it takes practice!

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Which controller do you use for Tekken? Or which one do you want to try? Tell us in the comments below! If you have any questions, you can contact us through our Contact Us page.