Neo Geo has several controllers with different shapes and handling characteristics.
The controller is an important part of enjoying a game comfortably. Even when playing the same game, the controller you use can make a noticeable difference in how the game feels and how easy it is to play.
In this two-part series, we will introduce the Neo Geo controllers available in our shop.
In Vol. 1, we will look at the following two controllers, both of which feature a lever and large buttons:
- NEO GEO Controller
- HORI Fighting Stick
Both allow you to enjoy an arcade-style control experience, but they differ in button layout, lever feel, size, and stability during play.
In this article, I will introduce the characteristics of each controller, along with some of the differences I have personally noticed while using them. Controller preferences vary from person to person, but I hope this will help when choosing one that suits you.
NEO GEO Controller
The NEO GEO Controller is one of the most iconic accessories associated with the Neo Geo AES.
Its four A, B, C, and D buttons are arranged diagonally, giving it a distinctive design that is immediately recognizable as a Neo Geo controller.
Whether this angled layout feels comfortable will depend on the player.
Personally, I find it easier to press the B and D buttons together for moves such as Hou'ou Kyaku.
The ball top is relatively small, and the lever travel also feels fairly short. Rather than making large movements, it gives the impression of allowing quick directional inputs with comparatively small motions.
The controller itself is also smaller than the HORI Fighting Stick, making it relatively easy to set up while still providing an arcade-style control experience.
For those who want to enjoy the distinctive look and feel associated with the Neo Geo AES, it can be an appealing choice.
HORI Fighting Stick
The HORI Fighting Stick is heavier than the NEO GEO Controller and feels stable when placed on a desk or similar surface.
Because it is less likely to move during play, I find it comfortable even for players who operate the lever and buttons with a little more force.
The A, B, C, and D buttons are arranged in an almost horizontal row, creating a very different impression from the angled layout of the NEO GEO Controller.
Players who prefer a layout closer in feel to an arcade MVS control panel may find this arrangement more familiar.
The ball top is also larger than the one on the NEO GEO Controller, and the lever travel feels longer. Compared with the NEO GEO Controller, it gives more of a sense of moving the lever firmly through each directional input.
The HORI Fighting Stick also includes a rapid-fire function.
This can be useful in games such as Metal Slug and Pulstar, where the same button may need to be pressed repeatedly.
With its heavier body, nearly horizontal button layout, and longer-feeling lever travel, the HORI Fighting Stick offers a noticeably different control experience from the NEO GEO Controller.
Choose According to the Games You Play and Your Preferences
The NEO GEO Controller and HORI Fighting Stick both feature a lever and large buttons, but they do not feel the same in use.
Some players may prefer the compact size and shorter-feeling lever travel of the NEO GEO Controller, while others may prefer the weight of the HORI Fighting Stick and the feel of moving its lever more deliberately.
The controller that feels most comfortable will depend on the games you play, the space where you use it, your playing position, and your personal preferences.
Changing controllers depending on the game is also one of the enjoyable ways to experience Neo Geo.
In our shop, every joystick we sell is disassembled and maintained through cleaning, lubrication, and other servicing. Because the feel can vary depending on age and previous use, we test the operation of each unit individually both before it is listed for sale and again before packing.
By understanding the characteristics of each controller, we hope you can choose the one that feels most enjoyable for you to use.
In Vol. 2, we will introduce the NEO GEO Controller Pro and NEO GEO Controller Pad, both of which can be held in the hands and used more casually.