TechGamingGaming AccessoriesNacon Daija Arcade Stick review: the world’s best PS5 fight stickIf you want the best PS5 arcade stick on the market, go buy the Nacon Daija for PlayStation and PCWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Nacon)T3 VerdictAfter using the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick I believe it is the best arcade stick for PS5 in the world, and a no-brainer for versus fighter fanatics. Its S-rank components, great customization options, and attention to detail in terms of design separate it from lesser rivals, though its high price will no doubt be a sticking point for many gamers.Reasons to buy+Features S-rank Sanwa arcade components+Stylish, optimally ergonomic design+Removable faceplate allows custom art+Includes two stick types and a tool kit+Easy internal access and component customization+Works on PS5, PS4 and PCReasons to avoid-It costs more than a full blown Xbox Series S console-Low compatibility with games that aren’t versus fightersWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TechGamingGaming AccessoriesNacon Daija Arcade Stick review: the world’s best PS5 fight stickIf you want the best PS5 arcade stick on the market, go buy the Nacon Daija for PlayStation and PCWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Nacon)T3 VerdictAfter using the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick I believe it is the best arcade stick for PS5 in the world, and a no-brainer for versus fighter fanatics. Its S-rank components, great customization options, and attention to detail in terms of design separate it from lesser rivals, though its high price will no doubt be a sticking point for many gamers.Reasons to buy+Features S-rank Sanwa arcade components+Stylish, optimally ergonomic design+Removable faceplate allows custom art+Includes two stick types and a tool kit+Easy internal access and component customization+Works on PS5, PS4 and PCReasons to avoid-It costs more than a full blown Xbox Series S console-Low compatibility with games that aren’t versus fightersWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
If you want the best PS5 arcade stick on the market, go buy the Nacon Daija for PlayStation and PC
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Nacon)T3 VerdictAfter using the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick I believe it is the best arcade stick for PS5 in the world, and a no-brainer for versus fighter fanatics. Its S-rank components, great customization options, and attention to detail in terms of design separate it from lesser rivals, though its high price will no doubt be a sticking point for many gamers.Reasons to buy+Features S-rank Sanwa arcade components+Stylish, optimally ergonomic design+Removable faceplate allows custom art+Includes two stick types and a tool kit+Easy internal access and component customization+Works on PS5, PS4 and PCReasons to avoid-It costs more than a full blown Xbox Series S console-Low compatibility with games that aren’t versus fighters
(Image credit: Nacon)
(Image credit: Nacon)
T3 VerdictAfter using the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick I believe it is the best arcade stick for PS5 in the world, and a no-brainer for versus fighter fanatics. Its S-rank components, great customization options, and attention to detail in terms of design separate it from lesser rivals, though its high price will no doubt be a sticking point for many gamers.Reasons to buy+Features S-rank Sanwa arcade components+Stylish, optimally ergonomic design+Removable faceplate allows custom art+Includes two stick types and a tool kit+Easy internal access and component customization+Works on PS5, PS4 and PCReasons to avoid-It costs more than a full blown Xbox Series S console-Low compatibility with games that aren’t versus fighters
T3 VerdictAfter using the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick I believe it is the best arcade stick for PS5 in the world, and a no-brainer for versus fighter fanatics. Its S-rank components, great customization options, and attention to detail in terms of design separate it from lesser rivals, though its high price will no doubt be a sticking point for many gamers.
T3 Verdict
After using the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick I believe it is the best arcade stick for PS5 in the world, and a no-brainer for versus fighter fanatics. Its S-rank components, great customization options, and attention to detail in terms of design separate it from lesser rivals, though its high price will no doubt be a sticking point for many gamers.
Reasons to buy+Features S-rank Sanwa arcade components+Stylish, optimally ergonomic design+Removable faceplate allows custom art+Includes two stick types and a tool kit+Easy internal access and component customization+Works on PS5, PS4 and PCReasons to avoid-It costs more than a full blown Xbox Series S console-Low compatibility with games that aren’t versus fighters
Reasons to buy+Features S-rank Sanwa arcade components+Stylish, optimally ergonomic design+Removable faceplate allows custom art+Includes two stick types and a tool kit+Easy internal access and component customization+Works on PS5, PS4 and PC
Features S-rank Sanwa arcade components
Stylish, optimally ergonomic design
Removable faceplate allows custom art
Includes two stick types and a tool kit
Easy internal access and component customization
Works on PS5, PS4 and PC
Reasons to avoid-It costs more than a full blown Xbox Series S console-Low compatibility with games that aren’t versus fighters
It costs more than a full blown Xbox Series S console
Low compatibility with games that aren’t versus fighters
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Ever sinceI first clapped my eyes onNacon’s new fight stick forPS5, PS4 and PC, I knew that I wanted to produce T3’s Daija Arcade Stick review.
I’m a survivor of the gaming scene in the 1990s, a time when arcades were still a common thing and gaming was something you’d frequently do in person with other people out of your home.
I’ve got a custom-built Neo-Geo arcade machine in my home today, too, which runs on an original 4-slot MVS board, and is kitted out with Sanwa components, so while I don’t consider myself a versus fighter pro (I very firmly am not), I do have a long term grounding and understanding of arcade machines, sticks and components, as well as verus fighters.
As such, I feel I ammore than qualifiedto produce an authoritative Daija Arcade Stick review for T3 from the perspective of a regular, non-pro gamer. Read on for my thoughts.
Daija Arcade Stick review: unboxing
In the above video T3’s Deputy Editor Robert Jones unboxes the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick forPlayStation(PS5 and PS4) and PC, showing potential buyers what packaging the fight stick comes in, as well as what is in the box. The arcade stick itself is shown off from every angle, and the add-in paperwork, manual and art work templates are also visualised. If you want to know what you get when buy a Nacon Daija, then watch the above video unboxing.
The box the Daija comes in.(Image credit: Future)
The box the Daija comes in.
The box the Daija comes in.
(Image credit: Future)
Daija Arcade Stick review: price and availability
The Daija Arcade Stick PlayStation is available right now from theofficial Nacon store. The Daija Arcade Stick price is €279.90. That price converts into $287.63 and £242.24.
Right now the Daija doesn’t appear to be available at any other retailer. However, Nacon’s other products are sold onAmazonas well as other third-party stores, so I imagine the Daija will drop onto there soon-ish. Worth keeping your eyes peeled.
Quick opinion on the Daija’s price – thatisexpensive for sure. At the time of writing, you can get a full-blown Xbox Series S console for £189, so for the Daija’s spend you could bag the console as well as a year of Xbox Game Pass Unlimitedandand extra controller.
Obviously, at face value that doesn’t make the Daiji sound like value for money, but as I hope this Daija Arcade Stick review will show, it isn’t quite that simple.
The Daija uses a Sanwa arcade stick and buttons.(Image credit: Future)
The Daija uses a Sanwa arcade stick and buttons.
The Daija uses a Sanwa arcade stick and buttons.
(Image credit: Future)
Daija Arcade Stick review: design
Take the Nacon Daija out of the box and the first thing that catches your eye is the Nacon snake top plate design. It looks fierce and classy, with the dual-tone white and black colorways really standing out. Messy RGB hell the Daija’s design is not.
In the Daija’s box you also get atemplatefor the Nacon’s stick and button layout meaning that you can easily print off your own graphic designs and then cut them out so they can be used on the Daija. Nice. I fully intend to get a Hibiki Takane top plate design worked up and installed.
The side-mounted control panel.(Image credit: Future)
The side-mounted control panel.
The side-mounted control panel.
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of other design beats, the Daija has a large, dimpled wrist rest that runs across its front (the texture is rough to prevent wrist slippage when inputting commands in-game). This is black, like the Daija’s 8 Sanwa micro-switched buttons and arcade stick.
The arcade stick comes with a black dust base plate and black ball top handle (although a black bat top handle is included, too, if you prefer that styling and/or ergonomics).
The textured, dimpled wrist rest has been designed to prevent slippage while gaming.(Image credit: Future)
The textured, dimpled wrist rest has been designed to prevent slippage while gaming.
The textured, dimpled wrist rest has been designed to prevent slippage while gaming.
(Image credit: Future)
At the top centre of the top plate is a control panel with a large PlayStation (Home) button, as well as a profile select button and locking switch. Next to these buttons are a selection of narrow LED lights that indicate if the Daija has power and what profile type is selected.
Around the side of the Daija is a further control panel, which includes every other control you get on a regular DualSense controller, including touchpad, start button, screenshot button, R3 and L3.
The Daija’s top-mounted control panel.(Image credit: Future)
The Daija’s top-mounted control panel.
The Daija’s top-mounted control panel.
(Image credit: Future)
Both side panels also have a top plate release button, which when both are pressed simultaneously, releases the top plate so the gamer can gain access to the internals.
The Daija has only one port, which is what connects it to the PS5, PS4 or PC, a lower-back-centre-mounted USB Type-C port. A long braided 300cm cable is included with the Daija, which comes stored within its case in a dedicated cable storage compartment.
Opening the Daija is easy and reveals its control box, cable, tool and accessories.(Image credit: Future)
Opening the Daija is easy and reveals its control box, cable, tool and accessories.
Opening the Daija is easy and reveals its control box, cable, tool and accessories.
(Image credit: Future)
Open the Daija and its internal design and component choice are fully revealed. The stick is controlled from a central black control box, which has a color-coded wiring diagram on its top that clearly indicates which color cable goes to what button.
The fact that the Daija comes with its own tool for component and design modification is great and Nacon deserves a big hat tip. Customization is something that every arcade stick gamer wants to do, as making a stick theirs is all part of the fun, so Nacon making this as easy as possible is great.
The Daija comes with its own tool and spare bat top.(Image credit: Future)
The Daija comes with its own tool and spare bat top.
The Daija comes with its own tool and spare bat top.
(Image credit: Future)
The stick, which like the buttons, is from premium S-rank Japanese arcade component maker Sanwa, connects via simple cable plug to the control box, too.
The stick comes with a square restrictor gate, which is whatmostpro gamers use and is standard really in the arcade stick industry. However, if youdidwant to say put an octagonal gate on this then you could do it in 30 seconds.
The stick is easily removed with the unscrewing of four screws, too, so if for some reason youdon’twant the stock, premium Sanwa stick, maybe instead preferring something from a rival component maker like Seimitsu, then you can also make that change in minutes.
The underside of the Daija’s case top, clearly showing how easy it is to access the stick and buttons.(Image credit: Future)
The underside of the Daija’s case top, clearly showing how easy it is to access the stick and buttons.
The underside of the Daija’s case top, clearly showing how easy it is to access the stick and buttons.
(Image credit: Future)
Daija Arcade Stick review: performance and features
To test the Daija Arcade Stick I played one of the best versus fighters ever made, Garou: Mark of the Wolves. This retro classic was a firm favourite in the fighting game community 20 years ago and, now playable on PS5 thanks to a quality port, seemed to me a great way to test out the Daija’s core functionality.
You could, of course, extend the shaft on the stick with a third-party extender if you really wanted, too, though. But with the benefits of a short throw being faster actuation inputs and, potentially, frame advantage, I think most gamers should just suck it up and get used to playing with it. In the end, it will make you a better player.
Me using the Daija while playing Garou: Mark of the Wolves.(Image credit: Future)
Me using the Daija while playing Garou: Mark of the Wolves.
Me using the Daija while playing Garou: Mark of the Wolves.
(Image credit: Future)
I played Garou with multiple characters and I have to say that the Daija felt incredible to use. It was so planted on both lap and table, and the speed and accuracy of the micro-switched stick and buttons filled me with confidence that I could pull off the moves and commands I wanted to when I wanted to, and if I didn’t then it was my fault in terms of execution rather than the Daija letting me down.
Precise character movement on stage (which iscrucialin versus fighter pro-gaming) was also great. I could input on the stick to varying degrees to ensure, for example, that I was just out of reach to be in striking distance of a foe, or be within distance myself without exposing myself to a throw or powerful short-range move from the rival.
Basically, for the limits of my versus fighter ability, the Nacon Daija felt incredibly empowering, with a premium, planted design putting top-shelf components under my fingertips. The Daija is an elite versus fighter weapon, and one that if you use it well will absolutely improve your rank. And, I’m sure that for 99 per cent of gamers out there, the non-pros who just like versus fighters like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Tekken, and The King of Fighters, they will feel the same way about it, too.
I don’t want to speak on behalf of pro-gamers as I am not one, but considering that pro versus fighter championKayanehelped design the Daija, I’m going to guess they’re going to find it a proper weapon, too.
The Nacon Daija Arcade Stick is an absolute weapon.(Image credit: Future)
The Nacon Daija Arcade Stick is an absolute weapon.
The Nacon Daija Arcade Stick is an absolute weapon.
(Image credit: Future)
Daija Arcade Stick review: verdict
So, there you have it, that was my Nacon Daija Arcade Stick review. And, I hope it was instructive in what this product offers and is like to use.
From my point of view, I believe this is the best PS5 arcade stick in the world for an off-the-shelf purchase. The design of the Daija is stunning and the stick is tailored in fine detail to be excellent for versus fighting games.
The Daija’s components are also best-in-class, with premium Sanwa parts littered throughout, and the customization options are first-rate, too. Gamers can easily modify any aspect of the stick, from its top plate design, through button type and layout, and onto stick type, gate type, and stick top type. The fact that a tool is included with the Daija tells you all you need to know about how this product has been designed with gamer customization in mind.
I found the Daija incredibly easy to use and really appreciated how easy it was to open, too, with just two buttons releasing the top plate and giving me access to tinker.
“The Daija is an elite versus fighter weapon”
“The Daija is an elite versus fighter weapon”
What fills me with joy most, though, is that gamers who buy this stick will be able to take the exceptional base setting as delivered out of the box and then customize the Daija to truly make it theirs, and they’ll be able to do so easily. Making an arcade stick your own is almost the best part of the whole experience for me.
So, yeah, if you’re looking for an arcade stick for PS5, PS4 or PC and can stretch to the price required, then the Nacon Daija is a no-brainer choice. Bring on Street Fighter 6!
TOPICSplaystation
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