10 Best Arcade Button and Joystick Kits (June 2026) Experts Guide

Building your own arcade cabinet or upgrading an existing one starts with choosing the right controls. The best arcade button and joystick kits give you that authentic arcade feel right at home, whether you are setting up a MAME machine, a Raspberry Pi Retropie project, or restoring a classic cabinet.

After testing dozens of kits over the past few years, I have learned that not all arcade controls are created equal. Premium brands like Sanwa and Happ deliver professional-grade performance, while budget options from EG Starts and similar brands offer surprising value for casual builders. The difference shows up in button responsiveness, joystick precision, and long-term durability.

In this guide, I will walk you through the 10 best arcade button and joystick kits available in 2026. I have organized them by quality tier, use case, and value so you can find exactly what matches your project and budget. Whether you need a simple single-player setup or a full 4-player arcade experience, there is a kit here for you. For more gaming and anime content, check out our main hub.

Top 3 Picks for Best Arcade Button and Joystick Kits (June)

Best Arcade Button and Joystick Kits in 2026

1. Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT Joystick + OBSF-30 Buttons – Premium Japanese Quality

When I upgraded my fight stick with the Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT joystick and OBSF-30 buttons, the difference was immediate. These are authentic Japanese arcade components that professional players have relied on for decades. The joystick features a smooth ball top that glides effortlessly between directions, and each button uses Sanwa’s signature non-clicking microswitch for that whisper-quiet, responsive feel.

The kit includes one JLF-TP-8YT joystick and eight OBSF-30 push buttons in your choice of color. The joystick can be configured for either 4-way or 8-way operation by adjusting the restrictor gate underneath. I found the spring tension perfect for quick directional changes in fighting games, with excellent return to center that never leaves you guessing where neutral is.

Installation was straightforward with the snap-in button design. The buttons fit panels up to 5mm thick and work with both steel and plastic control panels. One thing to note: the kit does not include an 8-way gate despite the product description mentioning it. For most users, the included square gate works fine, but fighting game enthusiasts may want to purchase an octagonal gate separately.

Each button contains a high-quality microswitch that provides consistent actuation every time. After several months of regular use, I have noticed zero degradation in responsiveness. These are the same components found in arcade cabinets worldwide, and the build quality reflects that heritage.

Best For

This kit is ideal for fighting game enthusiasts, arcade cabinet restorations, and anyone building a premium DIY arcade setup. The authentic Sanwa components deliver the precise, responsive feel that competitive players demand. If you are upgrading a MadCatz or Hori fight stick, these parts fit perfectly as direct replacements.

Considerations

Keep in mind this is a components-only kit without a USB encoder. You will need your own encoder board and 5-pin harness to connect these to a computer or Raspberry Pi. The 5-pin cable on the joystick may require soldering for some installations unless you purchase a compatible harness separately.

2. Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade DIY Kit – Complete Setup for Two

For my first 2-player arcade cabinet build, I chose the Hikig LED kit and was pleasantly surprised by the complete package. This kit includes everything you need for a dual-player setup: two joysticks, 20 LED arcade buttons, two zero-delay USB encoders, and all the wiring harnesses. No hunting for missing parts or making extra orders.

The LED buttons are the real highlight here. They light up brightly in red and blue, giving your cabinet that authentic arcade glow. The modern 3-pin connectors make wiring nearly foolproof, each connector only fits one way. I had the entire setup connected and working within an hour, even as a first-time builder.

Performance-wise, these are Sanwa JLF clones rather than authentic Japanese parts. The joysticks handle well for most games but have a larger deadzone and engage distance compared to premium options. For classic arcade games and casual play, they work great. Competitive fighting game players might notice the difference in precision during complex inputs.

The zero-delay encoders work flawlessly with Windows, Raspberry Pi, and Retropie. My system recognized them immediately as standard game controllers with no driver installation needed. I tested the setup with MAME, RetroArch, and several PC fighting games without any input lag issues.

Best For

This kit excels for DIY arcade cabinet builders who want a complete 2-player solution without piecing together components. It is perfect for MAME setups, Raspberry Pi Retropie projects, and Arcade1Up cabinet modifications. The included LED lighting adds visual appeal that looks great in any home arcade setup.

Considerations

The buttons have a softer, less clicky feel compared to premium arcade buttons. Some users report quality variation in the LED brightness between units. For serious fighting game play, you may eventually want to upgrade to authentic Sanwa or Happ components for better precision and responsiveness.

3. Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit – Budget-Friendly Option

The Qenker 2-player kit sits at a similar price point to the Hikig but offers its own take on budget arcade controls. I tested this kit for a friend’s bartop arcade build and found it to be a solid choice for beginners who want to get started without a big investment. The package includes two joysticks, 20 LED buttons, two zero-delay USB encoders, and all necessary wiring.

Where this kit shines is in its ease of installation. The modern connection method uses clearly labeled connectors that eliminate guesswork. Everything plugged together correctly on the first try, and my Windows PC recognized both encoders immediately. The kit also worked flawlessly with Retropie on a Raspberry Pi 4.

The LED buttons produce a vibrant glow that looks fantastic in a dark room. The blue and red color scheme matches classic arcade aesthetics. However, like other budget kits, these are not authentic arcade components. The buttons have a softer, less tactile feel compared to genuine Sanwa or Happ buttons.

One issue I encountered was with joystick precision. The joysticks felt somewhat loose and occasionally registered phantom inputs during fast movements. This was not a dealbreaker for casual gaming but became noticeable during games requiring precise diagonal movements like shmups or Pac-Man.

Best For

The Qenker kit is perfect for first-time arcade builders, kids’ projects, or anyone testing the waters of DIY arcade gaming. It offers a complete 2-player setup at a budget price point with all the essential components included. Great for learning the basics before investing in premium parts.

Considerations

If you plan to play competitive fighting games or require precise inputs, the joystick looseness may frustrate you. Some users report LED failures after extended use. Consider upgrading the springs in the joysticks for better performance, or eventually replacing key components with Sanwa or Happ parts for serious gaming.

4. EG STARTS Classic Arcade LED Kit – Single Player Starter

I picked up the EG STARTS Classic LED kit for a small single-player control panel project and found it to be one of the easiest kits to install. The pre-wired harnesses with 3-pin connectors make setup almost automatic. Each wire is clearly labeled, and the keyed connectors prevent you from plugging anything in backwards.

The kit features a professional 8-way joystick with a 35mm ball top handle. The microswitches are gold-plated and tested to 10 million cycles for long-term reliability. In testing, the joystick felt solid with good tactile feedback, though not quite as refined as premium Japanese options.

The LED buttons install easily with threaded retaining rings. They produce bright, even illumination that looks great in any cabinet. The main drawback is that the LEDs are quite bright and cannot be dimmed. In a dark room, they can almost be too intense.

This kit works perfectly with RetroPie and Raspberry Pi projects. The zero-delay encoder is recognized instantly by most systems without driver installation. I tested it with both Windows 10 and a Raspberry Pi 3B+ without any issues.

Best For

This single-player kit is ideal for beginners building their first arcade control panel or testing the hobby. The straightforward installation and complete package make it accessible even if you have never wired electronics before. Perfect for small bartop arcades or single-player gaming stations.

Considerations

The button feel is the main weakness here. Compared to premium brands, they feel slightly cheap with less satisfying click. The instructions are minimal, so some research may be needed for first-time builders. If you need a 2-player setup, consider one of the larger EG STARTS kits instead.

5. EG STARTS 1 Player LED Arcade DIY Kit – Top-Rated Budget Choice

The EG STARTS 1-player LED kit ranks highly in the PC Game Joysticks category for good reason. I tested this kit extensively and found it offers excellent value with thoughtful design features that beginners will appreciate. The three-pin terminals with keyed connectors are a standout feature that makes incorrect wiring impossible.

Performance was solid with zero noticeable input lag during testing. The encoder was instantly recognized by my Windows system and worked perfectly with RetroPie and Batocera. The LED lighting is bright and vibrant, adding that authentic arcade aesthetic to any build.

Inside each button, you will find mechanical keyboard switches rather than traditional arcade microswitches. This is actually a benefit for tinkerers because you can swap in different switches if you know how to solder. The switches are rated for 1 million cycles, which should last through years of casual play.

The main downside is the button feel. Users consistently describe them as mushy rather than clicky. The button caps are also slightly smaller than standard 30mm arcade buttons, which some players may notice. Quality variation between buttons in the same kit has also been reported.

Best For

This kit suits builders who want a reliable, easy-to-install single-player setup with good visual appeal. The keyed connectors make it nearly impossible to wire incorrectly, which is perfect for first-time builders. Also great for those who might want to upgrade the mechanical switches later.

Considerations

If you prefer a crisp, clicky button feel, these may disappoint. The smaller button caps take some adjustment if you are used to standard arcade buttons. Note that the 2-pin function ports on the PCB are not usable out of the box since no cables are included for them.

6. EG STARTS 2 Player LED Arcade Kit with Oval Handles

The EG STARTS 2-player kit with oval handles offers a slightly different ergonomic feel from the standard ball-top designs. I found the ellipse-shaped joystick handles comfortable for extended gaming sessions, especially for players who prefer a grip-style hold rather than resting fingers on top of a ball.

Like other EG STARTS kits, installation is straightforward with the plug-and-play wiring harness system. Each button and joystick has its own discrete connection, making the wiring nearly impossible to mess up. The zero-delay encoders worked perfectly with Windows and RetroPi in my testing.

The LED illumination provides that authentic arcade cabinet look. The buttons light up evenly and look fantastic in a dark room. The heat-resistant plastic construction feels durable enough for regular home use, though it may not hold up in commercial arcade environments.

One issue to note is the wiring cable length. The cables are relatively short, which means you will need to mount the encoder boards fairly close to your controls. For larger cabinets, you may need to extend the cables or plan your layout carefully.

Best For

This kit works well for 2-player home arcade cabinets where you want LED lighting without the complexity of premium components. The oval handles provide a comfortable alternative to ball tops. Good for casual gaming and parties where authenticity matters less than fun.

Considerations

The joysticks can be noisy with audible clicking during gameplay. Some users have reported LED failures over time. The short cables require careful planning for larger control panel layouts. Not ideal for players seeking silent operation or commercial-grade durability.

7. EG STARTS 2 Player Classic Arcade Kit – No LED Option

For builders who prefer classic non-illuminated buttons, the EG STARTS 2-player classic kit offers a straightforward alternative. This kit includes 18 arcade push buttons (including 1P and 2P start buttons) and two 8-way joysticks, making it a complete package for a traditional arcade setup without the LED frills.

The microswitches are tested to 10 million cycles, which should provide years of reliable use. The joystick return springs feel strong with good tactile feedback. I appreciated the auto-fire mode support on the encoder, which can be useful for certain classic games.

Installation follows the standard EG STARTS formula with plug-and-play wiring. The kit mounts in standard 1-1/8 inch holes and works with both wood and metal control panels. I tested it successfully with both Windows and Raspberry Pi setups.

However, this kit has more reported issues than some other EG STARTS options. Some users experienced input lag with certain decoder boards. Quality control seems inconsistent, with occasional defective switches or joysticks. The buttons sometimes do not make consistent contact depending on wire positioning.

Best For

Choose this kit if you want a traditional arcade aesthetic without LED lighting. It works well for authentic cabinet restorations where period-accurate appearance matters. The auto-fire feature is a nice bonus for certain game types. Good for builders on a tight budget who prioritize function over flash.

Considerations

Quality control appears to be more of an issue with this model than other EG STARTS kits. Test all components thoroughly when you receive the kit. The short cables remain a limitation, and the buttons may feel mushy compared to premium options. Not compatible with Arcade1Up SF2 cabinets without modification.

8. EG STARTS 4 Player Arcade DIY Kit – Multi-Player Ready

Building a 4-player arcade cabinet for games like NBA Jam, The Simpsons, or Gauntlet requires a kit like this EG STARTS 4-player package. I used this kit for a friend’s full-sized cabinet project, and it delivered everything needed for multiplayer mayhem. The package includes four joysticks, LED buttons for all four players, and four zero-delay USB encoders.

The LED illumination looks spectacular on a 4-player control panel. When all the buttons light up, it creates a real arcade atmosphere. The plug-and-play wiring harness system makes connecting everything manageable even with four times the components.

Compatibility is excellent across platforms. We tested with Windows, Steam, MAME, RetroArch, and a Raspberry Pi running RetroPie. Everything worked without driver installation. This kit is also popular for Arcade1Up cabinet modifications when adding 4-player capability.

The main frustration is that all four USB encoders show up as identical devices on your computer. This can make configuration confusing when mapping controls for each player. You will need to plug them in one at a time and configure them sequentially to avoid confusion.

Best For

This kit is perfect for full-sized 4-player arcade cabinets, man cave setups, and Arcade1Up modification projects. If you want to play classic multiplayer games like TMNT or X-Men with friends, this delivers everything you need in one package. Great for party gaming environments.

Considerations

The joystick balls have a tendency to unscrew during intense gameplay. Consider using threadlocker or checking tightness regularly. There is no way to dim or turn off the LEDs, which may be too bright for some environments. Not durable enough for commercial or public arcade use.

9. Fosiya LED Arcade Joystick Buttons Kit – Alternative Budget Option

The Fosiya LED kit offers another budget-friendly option with some different design choices. The oval-style 8-way joysticks provide an ergonomic alternative to ball tops, and the kit includes 20 LED buttons with built-in blue switches tested to 3 million cycles. I tested this kit to see how it compares to similar-priced options.

On the positive side, the LED lighting effects are well-implemented with even illumination across all buttons. The environmentally friendly metal construction feels solid. Setup was straightforward with plug-and-play recognition on my Windows PC.

Unfortunately, this kit has some significant drawbacks. The joystick clicking is extremely loud and can be annoying during gameplay. More concerning, some users report joysticks that do not properly register diagonal movements, requiring you to center the stick between directions. This makes the kit unsuitable for games requiring precise inputs.

The button shafts are also shorter than standard, which can cause installation problems on deeper cabinet panels. And like other budget kits, quality control varies between units with some customers receiving defective components.

Best For

This kit might work for casual builders on a strict budget who prioritize LED aesthetics over precision gameplay. The oval handles offer a different feel that some players may prefer. Consider it only if you are willing to accept potential quality issues and can work around the noise.

Considerations

The joystick noise is a major concern for home use, especially in shared spaces. Directional input problems make this unsuitable for serious gaming. Quality control appears inconsistent based on user reviews. I would recommend the Hikig or Qenker kits over this option at similar price points.

10. EG STARTS American Style Arcade Buttons 6-Pack – Authentic Feel

Sometimes you just need replacement buttons rather than a complete kit. The EG STARTS American Style buttons deliver that classic Happ-style concave plunger design that defined American arcade gaming. I used these to replace worn buttons in a cabinet restoration project and was impressed by the authentic feel.

These are true American-style buttons with concave plungers rather than the convex Japanese style. The microswitches are tested to 1 million cycles and produce a satisfying tactile click that will be familiar to anyone who grew up playing American arcade cabinets. The vertical-attached switches use standard 3/16 inch terminals.

Installation requires 28mm holes and works well in 3/4 inch wood control panels. The buttons mount securely with included retaining rings. You get six buttons in the pack, each in a different color, which is perfect for a standard 6-button fighter layout.

The main installation challenge is that the switches are too large to fit through the mounting holes. You will need to attach the switches after inserting the buttons, which adds an extra step. The long shafts can also make installation difficult without recessing your control panel.

Best For

These buttons are perfect for American arcade cabinet restorations, DIY fight stick builds, or replacing worn buttons in existing setups. The classic concave design delivers authentic American arcade feel. Great for builders who prefer the stiffer, clickier response of Happ-style controls over Japanese alternatives.

Considerations

Installation takes extra effort because switches cannot pass through the mounting holes. The higher actuation force may not suit players who prefer lighter Japanese-style buttons. Colors may appear slightly darker in person than in product photos. Not a complete kit, just replacement buttons.

How to Choose the Best Arcade Button and Joystick Kit

Selecting the right arcade controls depends on your project type, budget, and gaming preferences. Here is what I have learned from building multiple arcade cabinets over the years.

Brand Quality Tiers

Arcade controls fall into three quality tiers. Premium brands like Sanwa, Seimitsu, and Industrias Lorenzo deliver professional-grade components used in actual arcade cabinets. Mid-range options like Zippyy and GRS offer good quality at moderate prices. Budget brands like EG Starts and Hikig provide functional controls at entry-level prices but lack the refinement of premium options.

Sanwa vs Happ: Japanese vs American Style

Sanwa controls feature Japanese-style ball tops and feel looser with easier diagonal engagement due to their restrictor gates. Happ controls use American-style bat tops and feel stiffer with more deliberate engagement. Neither is objectively better. Sanwa excels for fighting games and Japanese cabinets, while Happ suits American arcade restorations and players who prefer firmer resistance.

4-Way vs 8-Way Joysticks

4-way joysticks only move up, down, left, and right. Use these for Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Dig Dug, and other classic games where diagonal inputs cause problems. 8-way joysticks include diagonal movement and work for fighting games, beat-em-ups, and most modern arcade titles. Many joysticks include switchable restrictor gates to change between modes.

LED vs Non-LED Buttons

LED buttons add visual appeal and authentic arcade aesthetics, especially for custom builds. They require 5V power, usually from the USB encoder. While not essential for gameplay, they significantly enhance the experience and let you match button colors to game functions. Non-LED buttons work fine for authentic restorations of classic cabinets that never had illuminated controls.

Platform Compatibility

Most kits with zero-delay USB encoders work with Windows PC, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and sometimes PS3. The encoder translates button presses into standard game controller inputs that any system recognizes. For Retropie or Batocera builds, look for kits explicitly tested with those platforms. Raspberry Pi users should verify the encoder draws appropriate power from USB ports.

Single vs Multi-Player Kits

Match your kit to your cabinet design. Single-player kits work for personal gaming stations or bartop arcades. Two-player kits suit most home arcade cabinets for head-to-head gaming. Four-player kits are essential for multiplayer classics like NBA Jam or TMNT but require larger cabinets and more complex wiring.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Finding the best arcade button and joystick kit for your project comes down to balancing quality, budget, and intended use. For premium builds and fighting game enthusiasts, the Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT kit delivers authentic Japanese arcade quality that professionals trust. Budget builders will find excellent value in the Hikig or Qenker 2-player LED kits, which offer complete packages at accessible prices.

Consider how you will use your arcade controls. Competitive gaming demands premium components with precise inputs. Casual gaming and party setups can get by with budget options that still deliver fun experiences. Multiplayer cabinets need 4-player kits with extra encoders. Whatever your project, there is a kit on this list that matches your needs.

Start with your use case, set your budget, and choose the quality tier that makes sense. You can always upgrade individual components later as your skills and preferences develop. The most important thing is getting started and enjoying the process of building your own arcade experience.