Getting a quality fight stick for your PlayStation 5 doesn’t have to break the bank. In this guide, we highlight the best PS5-compatible arcade sticks under $200, focusing on models tested in 2024–2025. Each recommended stick offers great build quality, reliable parts, and broad platform support. We’ll also compare features like parts quality, modding potential, and value in a handy table below. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fighter on a budget, this buyer’s guide will help you find your ideal stick.
- PS5 Compatibility: All picks here work with PS5 (many are officially licensed), plus PS4 and PC in most cases. You get plug-and-play support for modern fighting games.
- Quality Parts: Sub-$200 sticks can still feature Sanwa Denshi or other high-end components for responsive buttons and joysticks. We note which use genuine arcade parts versus budget components.
- Modding & Customization: We highlight sticks that open easily for swapping parts or art. Some come with extra features (like swappable top panels or dual joystick tops) catering to enthusiasts who like to tinker.
- Build & Portability: From full-size metal/plastic hybrids to compact minis, we cover each stick’s build quality, weight, and how it suits lap play or travel.
- Value: All options deliver excellent performance for their price – you can get tournament-grade reliability well under $200. We include both premium mid-range picks and affordable entry-level sticks.
Top PS5 Fight Sticks under $200 | Comparison Table
Below is a quick comparison of the best sub-$200 PS5 fight sticks, with key features and specs:
| Fight Stick | Parts Quality | Platform Compatibility | Modding Potential | Build & Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HORI Fighting Stick Alpha | Hori “Hayabusa” stick & buttons – high-end | PS5, PS4, PC (officially licensed) | High: opens easily, swap art and parts | Large sturdy case (5.95 lbs), Noir 8-button layout, headphone jack | ~$199.99 |
| Qanba Titan | Sanwa JLF joystick + Sanwa OBSF buttons | PS5, PS4, PC (officially licensed) | High: standard parts pre-installed, art swap via disassembly | Mid-size (5 lbs) with extended stick-to-button spacing, metal/plastic build, carry-friendly size | ~$179.99 |
| Mayflash F700 Elite | Sanwa joystick + buttons (8-button) | PS5, PS4, PC, Android, iOS (wireless & wired) | High: interchangeable parts (Sanwa standard) | Multi-platform; wired/Bluetooth/2.4GHz connectivity; internal battery; very versatile | ~$179.99 |
| Qanba Drone 2 | Qanba OEM parts (30 mm buttons, OV7 stick) | PS5, PS4, PC (officially licensed) | High: easy to upgrade buttons/lever | Compact and lightweight (~2.6 lbs); built-in cable storage; budget friendly build | ~$109.99 |
| HORI Fighting Stick Mini | Basic Hori parts (non-Sanwa) – functional | PS5, PS4, PC (wired plug-and-play) | Low: not designed for part swaps (mini form factor) | Ultra-compact (under 12” wide) and light; 8-button layout; very portable | ~$50–$60 |
Pricing is approximate and may vary by retailer. Now, let’s dive into each of these fight sticks in detail with their pros, cons, and ideal use cases.
HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha: Tournament-Grade on a Budget
The HORI Fighting Stick Alpha is a full-featured, tournament-grade arcade stick that hits the $200 sweet spot. As an official Sony-licensed PS5 stick, it works seamlessly with PS5, PS4, and PC, and it’s built with Hori’s acclaimed in-house parts. The Alpha features Hori’s Hayabusa joystick and buttons, which are very close in quality to Sanwa Denshi parts. This means you get fast, responsive button presses and a smooth, accurate stick out-of-the-box.
One standout aspect of the Fighting Stick Alpha is its focus on customization and maintenance. The case opens easily with a latch for quick access, letting you swap buttons or lever components without hassle. HORI even made the top panel artwork replaceable – you can personalize the look by inserting custom art, which is a rare feature at this price point. The stick includes a turbo function and a full suite of PS5/PS4 controls (touchpad, Options, Share buttons, etc.), as well as a 3.5mm headset jack for audio.
In use, the HORI Alpha impresses with its solid build. It’s a large, heavy chassis (~6 lbs) that won’t slide around during intense matches. The layout uses the “Noir” configuration (curved button arrangement popular in Tekken cabinets), which some players find ergonomic for longer play sessions. Despite the hefty size, Hori kept it fairly slim and included a detachable USB cable for portability.
Ideal for: Aspiring tournament players and hobbyists who want a high-quality stick under $200. The Alpha’s combination of quality parts, easy modding, and official PS5 support makes it a fantastic value. You get nearly premium-tier performance at a mid-range price, with the confidence of Sony licensing (no compatibility worries). It’s also great if you like to tinker or someday upgrade to Sanwa parts – though many will find the stock Hayabusa parts perfectly fine for competitive play.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality and weight for stability
- Opens up easily for mods and art swaps
- High-end Hayabusa parts are responsive and durable
- Officially licensed for flawless PS5/PS4 compatibility
- Convenient features: turbo, headphone jack, touchpad, profile switch
Cons:
- Noir button layout (curved) may feel unusual if you’re used to straight layouts
- On the higher end of “budget” – not much under $200 unless on sale
- Quite bulky in size (not the easiest to travel with)
Qanba Titan: Mid-Range Marvel with Premium Parts
If you’re looking for tournament-quality components without a premium price, the Qanba Titan delivers in spades. This stick comes stocked with authentic Sanwa Denshi parts – the same gold-standard arcade buttons and joystick found in top-tier $300+ sticks. With the Titan, you’re essentially getting a fully loaded fight stick (Sanwa JLF stick and 8 Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons) for around $150–$180, which is an excellent value.
The Qanba Titan is officially licensed for PS5/PS4, so it’s plug-and-play on PlayStation consoles and PC. In terms of design, Qanba engineered the Titan to be a tournament-ready yet portable solution. It’s a bit smaller than their previous Obsidian stick – the case weighs ~5 lbs and measures about 15” across. Notably, Qanba increased the spacing between the joystick and buttons compared to average sticks. This extended gap provides extra comfort, especially for players with larger hands or those who felt other sticks were too cramped. The slightly compact footprint and full-length rubber grip on the bottom make the Titan easy to use on your lap, and it packs nicely into backpacks for travel.
Despite its mid-range price, the Titan doesn’t skimp on features. It includes a touchpad, PS5/PS4 mode switch, 3.5mm headset jack with mute control, and a tournament lock slider to disable accidental menu presses. Essentially, it checks all the boxes for competitive play. The build is a mix of a sturdy plastic shell with metal panels for rigidity. While it doesn’t open with a quick latch, it can be disassembled with a few screws – and given it already has top-tier parts, you may not need to mod it at all.
Ideal for: Serious players who want Sanwa parts on a sub-$200 budget. If you plan to compete or just play a ton of fighting games, the Titan offers longevity and performance (those Sanwa buttons are rated for heavy use). It’s also great for modders who might normally buy a budget stick and upgrade it – with the Titan, the upgrades are done for you at the factory. And if you play on multiple platforms, the Titan’s compatibility and features make it a versatile choice.
Pros:
- Sanwa joystick and buttons pre-installed – no need to upgrade
- Official PS5 license (native support)
- Comfortable layout with extra space between lever and buttons
- Full suite of features (touchpad, lock, headphone jack) for tournaments
- Manageable size and weight – easier to carry to events
Cons:
- Lacks fancy extras like LED lighting or wireless support (it’s pure wired for lowest latency)
- Slightly smaller case might feel less roomy for your hands if you prefer large sticks (though spacing is optimized)
- No quick-access panel – modding art or internals requires unscrewing the case (still relatively straightforward)
Mayflash F700 Elite: Feature-Packed Multi-Platform Stick
The Mayflash F700 Elite is a newcomer that’s making waves as a Swiss-army-knife fight stick. If you play on a variety of systems or enjoy the freedom of wireless gaming casually, the F700 Elite offers unparalleled flexibility in this price range. It is compatible with PS5/PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS/iPadOS, and more – basically everything except Xbox consoles. This broad compatibility is powered by an advanced PCB that even supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity in addition to standard USB wired mode. (Keep in mind, for official tournaments you’ll use wired mode, but wireless is a nice convenience for casual play on a couch or across the room.)
Crucially, Mayflash didn’t compromise on the components: the F700 Elite comes with genuine Sanwa parts (stick and 8 buttons), ensuring the same responsive, durable inputs you’d expect from pricier sticks. The case is full-size and similar in form to the older Mayflash F500, but with notable upgrades like internal battery/wireless hardware and improved build quality. It even has customizable LED lighting around the buttons for a bit of flair (which you can usually turn off for tournaments to save power).
Modding the F700 is very user-friendly. It’s fully customizable, meaning you can swap in different standard-size joysticks or buttons if you ever want to try another brand or need to replace something. Opening the stick is straightforward, and Mayflash often provides extra accessories; for example, previous models included an alternate bat-top handle and tools. Another plus: the F700 has easy access to firmware updates (via PC) to ensure ongoing compatibility with new systems or to adjust controller settings.
Ideal for: Players who split time across multiple gaming platforms, or anyone who wants maximum versatility from one fight stick. If you might use the stick on PC one day, a PS5 the next, and maybe a Raspberry Pi or Android device for retro gaming, the F700 Elite can handle it all. It’s also great if you play casually in the living room, since you can go wireless for non-tournament fun. Despite all these features, at roughly $180 it remains a tremendous value, essentially giving you premium parts and multi-platform support at once.
Pros:
- Multi-platform champion: works on PS5, Switch, PC, mobile and more out-of-box
- Offers wired and wireless play (Bluetooth & 2.4GHz) for convenience
- Sanwa arcade parts for top-notch responsiveness and durability
- Highly customizable and moddable (standard parts, open layout)
- Strong value – you’re getting features usually found in much pricier sticks
Cons:
- Not Xbox-compatible (no Series X/S support, due to lack of Xbox licensure)
- Wireless play introduces a bit more input latency vs. wired (as expected), so use USB mode for competition
- Mayflash brand isn’t as “premium” in feel – the case is solid but mostly plastic, lacking the luxe finish of higher-end sticks
Qanba Drone 2: Budget Stick That’s Easy to Mod
For those on a tighter budget, the Qanba Drone 2 is a fantastic entry point – it’s one of the most affordable PS5-compatible sticks on the market (often around $100). Don’t let the low price fool you: the Drone 2 is a fully functional fight stick for PS5/PS4/PC with all the essential features, and it’s been redesigned from Qanba’s original Drone to be larger and more performance-focused.
The Drone 2 uses Qanba’s own branded parts (Qanba 30mm buttons and the Qanba OV7 joystick). While these aren’t Sanwa, they get the job done for beginners or casual play. The buttons have decent responsiveness and the stick lever uses Omron microswitches similar to many stock arcade sticks. The real beauty of the Drone 2 is its upgrade potential: the case is built so that you can easily swap in higher-end parts later on if you desire. In fact, community reviews note that while the stock components are entry-level, the Drone 2 is “SUPER easy to mod” and worth the price as long as you’re willing to upgrade parts down the line. In other words, it’s a great starter stick that can grow with you.
Compared to its predecessor, the Drone 2’s chassis is a bit larger and heavier for better stability. It weighs about 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg), light enough to carry around, but heavy enough that it won’t slide everywhere thanks to rubber feet. The stick includes a neat cable storage compartment on the side for its USB cord, keeping things tidy. It also features the basic extras: a PS5/PS4 toggle switch, Home/Options/Share buttons, and a 3.5mm headset jack with mute control – impressive at this price point.
Ideal for: First-time fight stick users, or budget-conscious players who want a PS5 stick under $150. It’s perfect if you’re not sure you’ll stick with using an arcade stick and want to try one without a big investment. It’s also a good “travel” or backup stick for experienced players – small, light, and if it gets a bit beat up, it’s not as painful to replace. For modders, the Drone 2 is a joy: you can drop in Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons and a new joystick relatively easily, essentially turning it into a high-end stick over time.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable for a PS5-ready fight stick
- Lightweight and compact, easy to carry to friends’ houses or tournaments
- Includes important features like headset port and touchpad support
- Great modding platform: easily upgrade the low-cost parts to Sanwa later
- Improved size over original Drone – more comfortable for adult hands
Cons:
- Stock parts are mediocre (buttons can feel less sensitive, stick is a bit stiff) – you’ll likely want to upgrade for competitive play
- Lighter weight means it can still shift a bit if you’re aggressive on the controls (not as rock-solid as heavier sticks)
- Smaller surface area than premium sticks, so lap play is fine but it may feel a little cramped if you have very large hands
HORI Fighting Stick Mini (PS5): Tiny Stick, Tiny Price
If you’re just starting out with fight sticks or have a young gamer in the house, the HORI Fighting Stick Mini is as approachable as it gets. This diminutive controller is usually priced around $50–$60 and offers a basic but effective arcade stick experience on PS5, PS4, and PC. Don’t expect tournament-grade parts or fanciness here – the appeal of the Mini is that it’s ultra-portable, simple, and gets you playing without much investment.
The Fighting Stick Mini is incredibly compact, roughly 8” x 6” in size (think the width of a sheet of paper) and very light. Despite that, it manages to fit a full 8-button layout plus a smaller size joystick. HORI kept the layout standard (Vewlix style 8-button), so it’s compatible with all modern fighting games. The buttons and stick are non-Sanwa but surprisingly decent for casual play – they’re clicky and register inputs reliably. As Tom’s Guide puts it, “for under $60, this mini-sized fight stick packs a near-full experience of arcade-style gameplay”, including a responsive stick and standard buttons. The build is all-plastic and understandably not as sturdy as larger sticks, but it does have rubberized feet that keep it from sliding, and it’s so light that playing on your lap is effortless.
Being a budget stick, the HORI Mini lacks extra features: there’s no touchpad, no turbo, and no menu lock. It basically has the essentials (the PS/Home button and Options/Share). It also isn’t meant to be modded – the case is sealed and the parts are smaller than typical arcade components, so you can’t easily drop in new buttons. However, at this price one wouldn’t expect modding; it’s more of a plug-and-play starter device.
Ideal for: Absolute beginners, young players, or those who want a secondary stick for travel. If you’re not ready to spend big and just want to see if you enjoy using a fight stick, the HORI Mini is a fine choice. It’s also a fun option for retro gaming or as a spare stick when friends come over – its tiny footprint means you can toss it in a bag or even a large hoodie pocket. Keep in mind it’s not tournament-ready and experienced fighting gamers will find it limiting, but for “my first fight stick,” it’s hard to beat the value.
Pros:
- Rock-bottom price – an easy entry point under $60
- Very compact and lightweight, highly portable for on-the-go or desk use
- Simple setup: works on PS5 with no fuss, also PC; great for casual and retro games
- Surprisingly comfortable for its size (good rubber feet stability, decent ergonomics for kids or small hands)
Cons:
- Not built for competitive play – “by no means tournament-ready” (parts will not be as responsive or durable as high-end sticks)
- No modding or upgradability (internal components are custom-fitted)
- Small size can be uncomfortable for long sessions, especially for players with large hands (you might feel cramped)
- Lacks advanced features (no touchpad or profile switching, limited buttons on the control panel)
Bottom line: You can absolutely enjoy top fighting games on PS5 with a quality fight stick without spending more than $200. The sticks profiled here cover a range of budgets and needs: the HORI Alpha and Qanba Titan are standout mid-range options with premium feel; the Mayflash F700 Elite offers unmatched versatility; the Qanba Drone 2 hits the budget-modder’s sweet spot; and the tiny HORI Mini lowers the barrier to entry to virtually anyone. Each comes highly recommended in reviews and has proven itself in the FGC (Fighting Game Community) as reliable and worth the cost.
When choosing, consider what matters most to you: Is it top-notch parts and authenticity (go with Sanwa-equipped options), multi-platform convenience, or sheer affordability? For the complete rundown of every price tier, see our Best Fight Stick comparison. Also think about whether you’ll want to mod/upgrade, or prefer something great out-of-box. Whichever you pick, you’ll be ready to press your advantage in Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear, or whatever your game of choice. Good luck and happy fighting!
Sources
- TechRadar’s best fight sticks review: techradar.com,
- Tom’s Guide best fight sticks 2025: tomsguide.com,
- Official product pages and community feedback for Qanba and HORI sticks: qanbausa.com, qanbausa.com
- Mayflash F700 Elite specs from Tom’s Guide: tomsguide.com