Gaming · Head-to-head
HORI Fighting Stick α (PS5, PS4, Windows) vs 8BitDo Arcade Stick
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Fight Sticks: 6 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The HORI α gives PlayStation and PC players a licensed, tournament-ready lever stick with an easy-open case at a mid-range price. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick gives Switch and PC players a wireless lever stick for much less.
HORI Fighting Stick α (PS5, PS4, Windows)
Buy itA full-size, officially licensed lever stick with HORI's HAYABUSA parts, an opening case and swappable art.
- HORI fits its HAYABUSA lever and matte HAYABUSA buttons, and the case opens for maintenance and part swaps.
- It is officially licensed by Sony for PS5 and PS4 and also works on Windows 11/10, and HORI sells a separate Xbox version.
- Four custom profiles through the companion app, a Profile button, a 3.5 mm audio jack and on-board audio and mic controls.
- The HAYABUSA lever and buttons are HORI's own parts, so players set on Sanwa feel will want to swap them.
- The PlayStation version does not work on Xbox, and the Xbox version is a separate purchase.
- It is a full-size stick, so it takes real lap or desk space and is not the easiest to carry.
8BitDo Arcade Stick
Buy itA low-cost wireless lever stick for Switch and PC, with Bluetooth, a 2.4G adapter, wired USB-C and long battery life.
- Three connection modes: Bluetooth, 2.4G with an included adapter that stores inside the stick, and wired USB-C.
- 8BitDo lists 40 hours of play on 2.4G and 30 on Bluetooth from a 1000 mAh rechargeable battery.
- Ultimate Software handles button mapping, macros for the two dedicated P1/P2 buttons and profiles, and the 2100 g body stays put.
- It supports Switch and Windows only, with no PlayStation or Xbox support on this model.
- 8BitDo does not name the lever or button maker on its product page.
- Wireless play adds battery management that a wired stick never needs.
Side by side
The 7 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| HORI Fighting Stick α (PS5, PS4, Windows) Our pick | 8BitDo Arcade Stick | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | PlayStation or PC players who want a traditional lever stick that is ready for tournaments and easy to mod. | Switch and PC players who want a real lever stick on a small budget, especially couch players who prefer wireless. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $ · budget |
| Type | Lever stick | Lever stick |
| Platforms (maker stated) | PS5, PS4, Windows (separate Xbox model) | Switch 1/2, Windows |
| Lever / switches | HORI HAYABUSA lever | Not named by maker |
| Buttons | HORI HAYABUSA, matte | Not named by maker |
| Connection | Wired | Bluetooth, 2.4G, wired USB-C |
| Tournament features | Profiles, Profile button | Turbo, button swap |
| Modding access | Case opens, replaceable art | Not stated |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the HORI Fighting Stick α (PS5, PS4, Windows) if
playStation or PC players who want a traditional lever stick that is ready for tournaments and easy to mod.
Know before buying: the HAYABUSA lever and buttons are HORI's own parts, so players set on Sanwa feel will want to swap them.
Pick the 8BitDo Arcade Stick if
switch and PC players who want a real lever stick on a small budget, especially couch players who prefer wireless.
Know before buying: it supports Switch and Windows only, with no PlayStation or Xbox support on this model.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the HORI Fighting Stick α (PS5, PS4, Windows) - A full-size, officially licensed lever stick with HORI's HAYABUSA parts, an opening case and swappable art. Choose the 8BitDo Arcade Stick instead if switch and PC players who want a real lever stick on a small budget, especially couch players who prefer wireless.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Fight Sticks: 6 Compared (and One to Skip).