Gear Review: X-Arcade Dual Joystick - Page 2

I was shocked to find that the X-Arcade Dual Joystick didn’t come with a standard USB plug. They all should, damn it. X-Arcade does sell a USB adapter as well as console adapters but that will run you extra. I had to plug the X-Arcade Dual Joystick in through my keyboard port and then plug my keyboard into the stick in order to map buttons and do certain commands in MAME. Laptop-only users may want to check with X-Arcade before they buy to make sure they can play without a hitch. I downloaded a version of MAME 32 and was happy to find an X-Arcade joystick setting in place which meant I didn’t have to map any buttons which is always nice. That handy setting saves a lot of time.

The X-Arcade Dual Joystick is pretty big for a single player but it’s meant for two. I’m a big guy and felt restricted while playing with a friend. If the sticks were spaced out two or three more inches away from one another it would be perfect. To be fair I’ve felt this way while playing real arcade games, especially mid-90s Capcom stuff. I’m generally pleased that the X-Arcade Dual Joystick faithfully recreates the arcade experience at home - besides this minor pain, of course.

I hate to agree with other critics but the X-Arcade Dual Joystick is the real deal. Minor gripes aside this is the only joystick you really need. Sure it’s a bit more expensive than anything out there but you get what you pay for. I don’t have an Xbox 360 but it’d be grand if this stick was compatible with Xbox Live arcade games. The X-Arcade Dual Joystick truly creates an authentic arcade experience. All that’s missing is a smoke-filled room with sticky floors and people coming up behind you slamming down 50 cents for a challenge. Damn I miss those days.

Article Author: Rob Faraldi

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