ATP Review: EightArc Onyx Arcade Stick - What You Need to Know

ATP Review: EightArc Onyx Arcade Stick - What You Need to Know

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Competition in the Arcade Stick Market
3. A Brief History of Arcade Sticks
4. Introducing A-Dark: A New Arcade Stick Company
5. The A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick
6. Features and Benefits of the A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick
7. The A-Dark Fusion Dual Mod Arcade Stick
8. Dual Modding and its Benefits
9. Pricing and Availability
10. Conclusion

Introduction In this article, we will be discussing the emergence of a new arcade stick company, A-Dark, and their latest offerings in the market. Arcade sticks have been a popular choice among gamers, especially in the fighting game community, for their precision and performance. However, for years, the market was dominated by established brands like Hori and Mad Catz. The introduction of A-Dark brings a fresh perspective and innovative features to the arcade stick market. In this article, we will explore the importance of competition in this market, provide a brief history of arcade sticks, and delve into the features and benefits of the A-Dark Onyx and A-Dark Fusion arcade sticks.

The Importance of Competition in the Arcade Stick Market For many years, Hori and Mad Catz had a stronghold on the arcade stick market. Their offerings, such as the Hori Real Arcade Pro and the Mad Catz TE series, were the go-to choices for many gamers. However, this dominance led to stagnation, with these companies not feeling the need to innovate or introduce new features. The lack of competition was affecting the quality and variety of arcade sticks available to consumers. Therefore, the emergence of A-Dark is crucial as it forces established brands to step up their game and encourages innovation in the industry. A healthy competition among arcade stick companies benefits both manufacturers and consumers, pushing the boundaries of design, functionality, and affordability.

A Brief History of Arcade Sticks To understand the significance of A-Dark's entry into the arcade stick market, let's take a quick look at the history of arcade sticks. Several years ago, Hori had a monopoly on the market with their Real Arcade Pro series and the Tekken 5 Anniversary stick. This limited choice left consumers with either custom sticks or Hori's offerings. Eventually, Mad Catz entered the scene with their successful TE sticks, which prompted Hori to up their game and introduce new models. However, the market lacked fresh ideas and compelling options. A-Dark's arrival provides a breath of fresh air with their unique designs and features.

Introducing A-Dark: A New Arcade Stick Company A-Dark is a new and promising player in the arcade stick market. They aim to challenge the status quo by offering innovative features and pushing the boundaries of design. With their recent releases, they have shown that they have the potential to shake up the industry and provide gamers with exciting choices. In this article, we will be focusing on two of their notable offerings: the A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick and the A-Dark Fusion Dual Mod Arcade Stick. We will explore their features, benefits, and pricing to give you a comprehensive understanding of what A-Dark brings to the table.

The A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick The A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick is a standout product from A-Dark's lineup. It features a sleek mirror finish that adds a touch of elegance to your gaming setup. The design is reminiscent of the original Real Arcade Pro, which is known for its stylish aesthetics. The Onyx Arcade Stick boasts a sturdy build quality and feels substantial in your hands. One of its standout features is the felt bottom, which solves a common issue faced by gamers. Unlike other arcade sticks with plain metal bottoms that slide off laps during intense gameplay, the Onyx stick has a felt finish that provides grip and prevents slippage. This small but thoughtful addition enhances the overall gaming experience. Additionally, the arcade stick comes with rubber feet that keep it firmly in place on tables, ensuring stability during intense gaming sessions.

Features and Benefits of the A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick Apart from its unique finish and improved bottom design, the A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick offers a range of features that cater to the needs of arcade stick enthusiasts. It comes equipped with high-quality Sanwa buttons and excellent sidewall parts that provide precise and responsive inputs, making it ideal for competitive gaming. The Turbo functionality and flush-mounted buttons, including start and select, add to the convenience and ergonomics of the stick. Another standout feature is the detachable USB cable, which allows for easy transportation and storage. With the detachable cable, there is no need to wrestle with excess cable length during tournaments or worry about cable management. The A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick strikes the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and comfort, making it a compelling choice for gamers of all levels.

The A-Dark Fusion Dual Mod Arcade Stick In addition to the Onyx Arcade Stick, A-Dark offers the Fusion Dual Mod Arcade Stick. This is particularly appealing to gamers who play on multiple platforms. Unlike most arcade sticks that are designed exclusively for a single console, the Fusion stick comes pre-modded to work with both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This dual mod functionality eliminates the need for separate arcade sticks for different platforms, saving money and providing convenience. The Fusion stick boasts a matte finish and a combination of plastic and metal parts, ensuring durability and superior performance. It also comes with a detachable cable and includes all the necessary components for a seamless gaming experience. With its dual modded capability and affordable price point, the A-Dark Fusion Arcade Stick is an attractive option for gamers who want versatility without breaking the bank.

Dual Modding and its Benefits Dual modding is a term used to describe the modification of an arcade stick to work with multiple consoles. Traditionally, gamers had to purchase separate arcade sticks for different platforms, leading to additional expenses and clutter. Dual modding eliminates these hassles by allowing a single arcade stick to be compatible with both PlayStation and Xbox consoles. A-Dark's Fusion Arcade Stick provides this dual modded functionality out of the box, making it an appealing choice for gamers who attend tournaments or frequently switch between consoles.

Pricing and Availability A-Dark offers a range of arcade sticks that cater to different preferences and budgets. The pricing of their products is competitive, considering the quality and features they provide. The A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick is priced at $154, which makes it an excellent value for money option in the market. The Fusion Dual Mod Arcade Stick, priced at $184.99, offers the convenience of a dual modded stick at an affordable price. A-Dark operates through their website, and their products can be purchased directly from their online store. Availability may vary depending on region and demand. For more information on pricing and availability, it is recommended to visit their official website.

Conclusion In conclusion, the entry of A-Dark into the arcade stick market is a welcomed development for gamers and enthusiasts. The competition they bring not only encourages innovation but also expands the choices available to consumers. The A-Dark Onyx Arcade Stick and A-Dark Fusion Dual Mod Arcade Stick demonstrate the company's commitment to providing affordable, high-quality arcade sticks with unique features. With sleek designs, improved functionality, and competitive pricing, A-Dark offers gamers an excellent alternative to established brands. Whether you are a casual player or a professional competitor, A-Dark's arcade sticks are worth considering for an enhanced gaming experience.