Of Sticks, Pads, & Dragon Balls: The Best Controller For DBFZ

One of the longest-standing arguments in fighting game history is whether players should use a traditional controller or an arcade stick-styled controller to play their favorite games, and the discussion reignites with the release of Dragon Ball FighterZ. While movement is generally easier on pad, and pressing and/or holding buttons is generally easier on a stick, the fact of the matter is that it doesn’t matter what sort of controller the player uses - it’s all about comfort. 

Yes, I know you’ve heard that a million times and you’re still unsure of what to use. But you’re not alone, especially if the billions of threads of the same name popping up in various fighting game subreddits. In times like this, it’s helpful to look to others who have already went through who you went through, like one r/DragonBallFighterZ user who put it perfectly: 

“...a big decision [in choosing stick or pad] is whether you like using your thumb for all inputs. Some people find their thumb gets sore, are worried about ergonomics, or find the controller feeling cramped. These people would benefit from a hitbox or stick which either recruit bigger muscles to help with the work, or spread the work over more fingers. Pads are more compact, you may find on hitbox or stick that smaller hands make it difficult to reach the further buttons...In this case you may find the shoulder button layout on pad to be more comfortable.

There is some inherent satisfaction to sticks and hitboxes since they are much louder and provide more feedback, and some people might enjoy the sensations of slapping the buttons or hearing the stick switches click. Stick and hitboxes you can also customize with art, change the hardware, and add LEDs, which can make you want to use them more and thus result in more time spent practicing. They’re also more durable and it’s easier to switch parts than buy a new controller.”

Another great, more in-depth resource for this is Aris’ a bit of a tongue-in-cheek breakdown of the stick/pad argument as it pertains to Tekken. As a disclaimer, this video is from 2011, and most of the roadblocks pad players experienced back then are no longer an issue now, mostly because games aren’t primarily played on arcade cabinets anymore, especially in the United States. 

Still unsure if you need an arcade stick? Let’s go back to Evolution 2014. The Ultra Street Fighter IV champion, Luffy, used a Playstation 1 controller to win fighting games’ most coveted prize. Yes, not even a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360 controller - a Playstation 1 controller:

I mean, I guess it does have all the necessary buttons you’d need to play most contemporary fighting games, but I know you’re thinking, “That couldn’t be comfortable, right?”

Think that’s insane? Check out this Super Turbo player who uses a PC keyboard to play: 

If the Playstation 1 controller wasn’t comfortable, then a keyboard must certainly be worse, right? To go even further, you certainly might not learn how to use one of those to play fighting games at a high level, right? 

Last, but not least, is probably the most interesting option on the list - the HitBox. Gilbert “HB|Punisher” Matos, who recently spoke with Twin Galaxies about his win at Kumite in Tennessee, uses a HitBox and swears by it. It’s incredibly daunting to look at upon first glance but it offers a level of execution you won’t get with any other controller. You’re probably now saying to yourself, “There’s no way in Hell I’m going to ever be able to use that thing effectively.”

I’m here to tell you that you’re completely wrong. Keep in mind principles behind the Low-Tier Hero series that I’ve been doing for a few weeks now - shatter those mental limitations that hold you back, accept full responsibility for your success or lack thereof, and get in the dang lab and practice! 

I’d like to share my own experience as an example. After growing up playing on Super Nintendo pad, then stick in the local arcades in the area, I entered a phase where it wasn’t feasible to own an arcade stick. In the early 2000s, the quality of home arcade sticks were not nearly at the level they are today, and were too expensive for a young man to afford. When I made the switch back to an arcade stick in 2011, I played over 700 Street Fighter IV matches over the course of the next few days. I struggled mightily trying to get back to the level I was on pad, often getting frustrated and wonder if I’d made the right decision. But then, it clicked. I was able to execute not only at the level I was at before, but at a higher level. I felt more confident in my button presses and more confident in my execution.

My suggestion is to use the pad that comes with your system of choice at first, then try a friend’s arcade stick or HitBox if possible. Don’t invest $200 into something you don’t like using. Like nearly every thread, video, tweet, or post says - it’s all about personal preference.

For more on this guide through Dragon Ball FighterZ, check out our tips on picking the best characters for you and learning how to play the game!