What happened to (arcade-type) Joysticks? (piefed.zip)

submitted 2 days ago by 1Fuji2Taka3Nasubi@piefed.zip to c/pcgaming@lemmy.ca

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I realized I haven't gamed with arcade-type joysticks for a long time and kind of missed them.

It seems to me gamepads are way more popular than large joysticks nowadays, when joysticks used to be a popular gaming accessory.

Is it because they take up too much space?

Is it because they lack the modern gamepad features (analog sticks / triggers / buttons, side / back buttons)?

Do you still use joysticks for gaming, and what kind of games do you play with them? What do you like about them?

I'd like to hear your thoughts.

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[-] AnimalsDream@slrpnk.net 2 points 1 day ago

Very much not true. Arcade sticks are still popular in precision platformer and fighting game circles, because the underlying mechanics and tactile feedback are conducive to precise inputs. Analog sticks are the antithesis of that.

Some people in those communities do choose to use sticks, but most prefer either dpad, arcade stick, or leverless these days.

this post was submitted on 23 May 2026

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