Sega Arcade Stick Prices

[db]

Hey, everyone! While at my local recycler picking up another CRT to test my light gun on I came across a Sega Arcade Stick (the one many here have recommended as their controller of choice on the master system) in very dirty condition and untested. I would have taken a chance and bought it in that condition for $5 but he wanted $10. I passed but am still kind of thinking about it. Is that a decent price for it untested?

[Centrale]

You mean the Sega Control Stick? (As opposed to the Arcade Power Stick, made for the MD/Genesis). I got a Control Stick in very good condition in the original box with all the paperwork for $20. Personally, there's almost nothing I would pay for "untested."

Regarding the Control Stick in general, some right-handed people don't like it because the orientation of the buttons and stick would seem to favor left-handed players. Others say it is easy to adapt to the orientation. I think it's all right, not a bad joystick but not as precise some others.

If it is the Arcade Power Stick you're referring to, that thing is pretty much awesome, but I'd still look around for something in nicer condition that the seller can vouch for.

[Transatlantic Foe]

For reference, I got the Japanese Mega Drive "Arcade Power Stick" for £20 posted. That model is worth spending money on because it has a proper arcade-style joystick (microswitches for direction contacts). The UK and US models just use the standard graphite pads the buttons do, so the "feel" is completely different.

I'd advise against switching to an arcade stick unless you get something half-decent, an official pad is going to get you much more enjoyment because it'll end up being better than a half-arsed arcade stick.

The case of the arcade power stick is also too shallow to fit a different joystick into, so it's not even any good for modding. I'd stay away from everything but the Japanese version.

[db]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0ZrzrWpkqU

This is the one I saw but it was very dirty and untested.

[Transatlantic Foe]

That's the 6 button version of the arcade power stick. The joystick is fairly naff - it's basically a joystick stuck onto a gamepad and feels nothing like a "proper" arcade stick.

If you want an arcade stick, I'd hunt around for the Japanese one or at least get a domestic one that's been tested. It's not really worth anything in not/partially working condition because it isn't big enough to use as a shell for a custom job.

[db]

Thanks. I'll keep an eye out for the Japanese version. It has a blue start button, right?

[Transatlantic Foe]

Yeah, and the logo is different. Some good comparison photos here:

segaretro.org/Arcade_Power_Stick

I caught mine just listed as an acrade power stick, no mention of it being Japanese. So you might be able to find one domestically without resorting to horrendous shipping costs from Japan (because it's heavy!).

[db]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for it...and a compatible wheel that I can use with the SMS.