Arcade Stick Grips – Guide To Holding Arcade Fighting Sticks
Holding an arcade stick correctly is essential for playing arcade machine games with precision and speed. Arcade stick grips are an integral part of arcade-style joysticks, which are designed to mimic the feel of an arcade joystick.
In this guide, we will discuss the different types of arcade stick grips available, how to grip a fight stick, and the best hand positioning and grips to hold fight sticks.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting, this guide will help you find the perfect arcade stick grip for your gaming style.
What are Arcade Fighting Sticks?
Arcade fighting sticks are arcade-style joysticks designed to mimic the feel of an arcade joystick. The fightstick is used for playing video games at a competitive level, and different types of arcade stick grips can be used depending on preference, such as ball-top or bat-top.
- Ergonomic Yoke Design: The arcade flight joystick features an ergonomic yoke design for comfortable extended use.
- Multi-Button Control: Includes two fire buttons and eight directional controls for complex gameplay.
- Firm Grip: The joystick has a firm grip for quick and precise control during intense gaming sessions.
- Compatible with Switch and Windows.
- Supports ultimate software – customize button mapping and create macros
- Dynamic button layout – button mapping changes with mode functionally and visually

- MULTIFUNCTIONAL FIGHT BOX: The PXN 008 Arcade Fight Stick has keyboard-like directional buttons, mechanical buttons, a h…
- KEYBOARD-LIKE DIRECTIONAL BUTTONS: Keyboard-like directional buttons replace the traditional joystick, allowing players …
- BLUE-SWITCH MECHANICAL BUTTONS: The control buttons use Blue-Switch Mechanical buttons, which are known for their durabi…

- Compatible with Switch,PC, PlayStation 3, Android and Neogeo mini, SEGA MEGA Drive mini ,SEGA GENESIS mini
- Compatible with Sanwa Denshi buttons that is perfect for customization to make it your very own. (Sanwa Denshi buttons a…
- Supports the XINPUT and DINPUT when being used on PC.

How do you grip a fight stick?
There are various ways to grip an arcade fight stick, and it is ultimately up to the player.
Ball Top: This type of fighting stick grip features a round rubber ball on top, which allows for good gripping power and offers no resistance when moving in any direction.
What grip should I use?
Ball-top arcade stick grips are designed to mimic the feel of an arcade joystick, and they can be adjusted by rotating the top to change resistance. Beware that this type of fightstick may deteriorate or wear down over time due to repeated use. A bat-top grip also offers a similar arcade-style experience with less movement needed for adjustments.
How do you hold arcade fight sticks?
The first thing that you need to do is grip your joystick correctly. It means holding it firmly with the upper palm of your hand and wrapping both fingers around it.
Your thumb should point towards you, and the grip on your pinky finger should be loose enough to move for nudging buttons but not so loose that it wobbles or shakes with every movement of the joystick.
Next, make sure you’re gripping the stick just below the joystick, with your index finger pointed towards you. Wrap your thumb over the top of it and grab on tightly to maintain control of the movement while playing games.
The most important thing is that if you’re going for a grip where both thumbs are wrapped around each other, make sure they aren’t pressing against any buttons or the joystick. Now that you know how to hold arcade fight sticks, it’s time to figure out which grip is best for you!
Best Hand Positioning & Grips to Hold Fightsticks
It’s important to find the best fightstick grip for you. Some people prefer more relaxed arcade stick grips, which allow quick and easy movement of your thumbs because they aren’t wrapped around one another.
Other players like a tighter grip to maintain control while playing games with precision and speed. Read below if you’re curious about the best fightstick grip for you! We will guide you about holding an arcade & fight stick grips. So, let’s start with arcade stick grips:
1. Two-Finger Grip for Fightsticks
The two-finger grip is best for those with smaller hands and less tired. One thumb should hold down the joystick while one index finger holds onto it. Your other three fingers will wrap around your hand just below the first knuckle of your middle finger to maintain a tight but not too restricting grip on the arcade stick.
This fightstick grip features an open palm, which means that you can use both thumbs or any number of combinations if desired (for instance, one thumb wrapped over the top of another).
It allows players who prefer a more relaxed style of play to have greater mobility during their game sessions without being restricted by holding anything together tightly. The downside is decreased precision when playing fighting games because there’s no real grip on the joystick itself.
The two-finger arcade fight stick grip is best for those with smaller hands and the potential to be less tired.
*Tips:
- If you have larger hands, find an open palm or wrist rest that fits nicely against your arm to provide comfort while playing games. This arcade fightstick grip also makes it easier to transition between a neutral and a fighting stance.
- For those with smaller hands, use a three-finger or thumb-spilled arcade fight stick grip for maximum control while playing games.
*Remember: If you’re going for an open palm style of play (one where both your thumbs are wrapped around each other.
2. Three-Finger Grip for Fightsticks
The three-finger grip is ideal for those with larger hands or who prefer a more relaxed and comfortable style of play.
This type of arcade fight stick grip allows more effortless movement between the joystick, buttons, and thumbsticks while maintaining control over your character in games like Street Fighter V.
3. Eagle Grip for Fightsticks
The eagle grip is best for those who want to increase precision and speed while playing games like Street Fighter V. This type of arcade fightstick grip wraps your fingers around the joystick, with one thumb on top and another wrapped over it (like an “eagle’s claw”).
4. Simple Hand Grip for Fightsticks
The simplest style of arcade fight stick grip is where both thumbs are wrapped around each other. This type of arcade fighting stick grip features a tight but restricting grasp on the joystick, allowing greater precision when playing Street Fighter V, Tekken, and Injustice.
5. Monkey Grip for Fightsticks
The monkey grip is an arcade fight stick grip used by those with smaller hands or who prefer a more relaxed and comfortable playstyle. One thumb should be holding down the joystick while one index finger wraps around it tightly to maintain control over your character in games like Street Fighter V.
Conclusion
In conclusion, holding an arcade stick correctly is crucial for playing games with precision and speed.
The guide recommends different fightstick grips, including the two-finger grip for those with smaller hands and the three-finger grip for a more relaxed style of play.
The eagle grip is for increased precision and speed, the simple hand grip is for greater precision, and the monkey grip is for those with smaller hands or who prefer a more relaxed playstyle. It is essential to find the best grip for you to improve your gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you put the arcade stick?
The fight stick is the most important tool in arcade fighting games, so it’s important to know where you’re going to put it.
*You can set your arcade fightstick on a table or other surface that provides enough support for its weight and allows easy access to all of the buttons when playing.
*Pro Tip: If you don’t want to set it on a surface, you can also put your arcade fightstick onto the floor and use its wire (it’s best if it has one) to wrap around two legs of furniture or chairs for support.
*Pro Tip: You can also place your arcade fight stick in an empty drawer, which will leave plenty of room for your hands to move around.
*Pro Tip: Lastly, you can place your fightstick between a couch or chair and the wall.
What makes a good arcade stick?
Professional players prefer customizable sticks with quality parts, accurate controls, and durability. Personal comfort and game type should guide your choice.
Do arcade sticks help with gaming?
They offer better control for fighting games, providing precise button inputs and smoother movement compared to regular controllers.
Why do arcade sticks have many buttons?
Fighting games require different buttons for various moves. Eight-button layouts support most fighting games, while six-button setups work for simpler games.
Are arcade sticks worth the cost?
Quality arcade sticks are expensive because they use durable parts, offer customization options, provide an authentic arcade feel, and last longer than regular controllers.
Which stick should beginners buy?
Start with a mid-range stick that has standard features, works with your gaming system, fits your budget, and can be upgraded later. Focus on what matches your gaming style and comfort level.