Editing Arcade controller

[[File:KazuyaSmashBox.gif|thumb|250px|Kazuya executing perfect [[Crouch Dash]]es with the SmashBox.]]

An '''arcade controller''' — sometimes referred to as a '''fightstick''', '''box controller''', or '''rectangle''' — is a controller designed after an arcade cabinet's control deck, mainly designed for use with traditional fighting games. The rise of modern arcade controllers dates back to 1987 with the release of the original ''Street Fighter'' and has since been a staple in the fighting game community.

Due to the relative creative freedom allotted to arcade cabinet developers on how a game should be controlled, there is no constitution that defines what an arcade controller is supposed to look like. That being said, the most common and traditional design aspects are a large joystick and ergonomically-aligned buttons, as well as a "box" base to place on a player's lap or other flat surface.

Nintendo has created an arcade controller titled the ''NES Advantage'' in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, which enlarges the button and uses a joystick in place of a D-pad, and is primarily meant for home console ports of arcade games. {{iw|wikipedia|ASCII Corporation}} would follow this up with the ''Super Advantage'' in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and made mostly the same changes. Hori developed the ''[[Wii]] Fighting Stick'' and peripheral developer MadCatz partnered with [[Capcom]] to develop an arcade controller to coincide with the game ''{{iw|wikipedia|Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars}}''. Hori returned alongside [[Bandai Namco]] to release a [[Wii U]] arcade controller to coincide with ''{{iw|wikipedia|Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition}}''. Several manufacturers, including Hori and PowerA, have developed arcade controllers specifically for [[Nintendo Switch]].

==Compatibility==
The compatibility of an arcade controller depends on the product itself; in general, they are either designed for a specific brand of arcade machine, a PC, or a proprietary game console. Modern arcade controllers are commonly designed with USB ports and/or wireless technology like Bluetooth, which makes them compatible with a range of systems, including the Nintendo Switch. This also makes them compatible with a range of converters, such as those that make them compatible with the GameCube, effectively extending their range of compatibility, albeit at the cost of some latency. This gives them compatibility with more systems than the average game controller.

However, older arcade controllers are often locked to specific systems, such as the PlayStation, and don't always have converters available. Additionally, some aren't always forwards-compatible with new hardware, requiring replacements. Also, a new developmental hurdle arcade controller users and manufacturers face is the introduction of firmware updates that can suddenly make previously compatible controllers incompatible, sometimes meant specifically so, necessitating firmware updates of its own. 

Despite the growing compatibility and options, no game in the ''Smash'' franchise officially supports arcade controllers as an option and thus does not automatically map buttons accordingly. However, all arcade controllers with internal components based on official controllers licensed by Nintendo are unofficially compatible with the ''Smash'' series, albeit with the player having to manually configure the button layout. Thus, this has opened a niche for third-party arcade controllers designed for use with ''Smash'', such as the B0XX and SmashBox.

==Advantages==
Arcade controllers are more durable than the average controller thanks to their size and materials. This makes them suitable for transport, as their size also makes them much harder to lose than a regular controller. The inherent customizable nature of arcade controllers allows each individual player to create their ideal experience with minimal effort and expertise, with players often purchasing custom faceplates. Arcade controllers have also been praised for making [[advanced technique]]s easier, as well as increasing the viability of execution-reliant characters like {{SSBU|Terry}},<ref>https://www.hitboxarcade.com/blogs/smash-box/terry-overview-on-smash-box</ref> resulting in increased metagame diversity. These button layouts — particularly the "home" layout — have also garnered praise for lessening stress on player's hands, allowing those with repetitive strain injury-related conditions such as carpal tunnel to compete with minimal hand pain. Generally, arcade controllers are praised for increasing ''Smash''{{'}}s accessibility.

==Disadvantages==
Due to their drastically different control layouts, arcade controllers are often considered to have higher learning curves compared to the average controller, making them harder to switch to from traditional ones. The considerable increase in surface area means that the player needs to put more effort into performing an input than a controller user doing the same, leading to slower reaction times for inexperienced users of arcade controllers. They also tend to be much more expensive than regular controllers, and the world of used arcade controllers is almost nonexistent due to the occasionally mandatory purchasing of new components, effectively making it new again and no guarantee that it will be compatible with the system, a risk regular controllers do not experience. Arcade controllers with buttons in place of a stick also contain the same shortcoming as [[keyboard]]s in that the subtle input reading of a stick is removed and a player can only be stopped or moving at one speed as well as lose access to specific angles that hamper recoveries without mapping each movement speed and angle to an individual button, making the controller far more complicated to use than a standard controller.

==Smash Box==
[[File:Smashboxmodern.png|thumb|200px|The final design of the Smash Box. Note the analog buttons that serve as a replacement to the joystick.]]
[[File:Smash Box.jpg|thumb|An overview of the prototype Smash Box controller prior to its release.|200px]]
The '''Smash Box''' is a [[controller]] designed by [https://www.hitboxarcade.com/ Hit Box] founder Dustin Huffer. The design of the controller is reminiscent of a traditional arcade controller used by other fighting games, with one notable exception: the lack of a [[joystick]]. In an attempt to address precision and health issues associated with the joystick, the Smash Box instead uses analog buttons, a significant difference compared to other arcade controllers, but also one that has paved the way for more like it. Like many quality arcade controllers, it uses 24mm Sanwa Denshi OBSF-24 buttons.

The Smash Box has many quality of life features, including button remapping, control profiles for easy switching between games, and compatibility with the GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Switch, and PC. It can also use the Wii Nunchuk for analog control. It comes with built-in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and ''Rivals of Aether'' controller profiles. The precision of its button remapping has garnered criticism from players for being arguably better than the standard GameCube controller, bringing questions of tournament balance into the equation.

The Smash Box received notable praise and financial backing,<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2099087376/hit-box-smash-box-video-game-controller-for-smash]</ref> but ran into controversy over its tournament legality; several smashers accused the controller of potentially providing an unfair advantage for those who were able to use it. As a result of this uncertainty, {{Trn|GENESIS 4}} permitted players to use the Smash Box controller in an attempt to test the controller.<ref>[http://www.shacknews.com/article/98318/stickless-super-smash-bros-controller-by-hitbox-declared-legal-for-tournament-use]</ref> {{Trn|EVO 2018}} also permitted the Smash Box's use, and it continues to see tournament play on all levels.

===Controversy===
On March 25, 2017, one week before the completion of the SmashBox's kickstarter campaign,<ref>[https://www.kicktraq.com/projects/2099087376/hit-box-smash-box-video-game-controller-for-smash/#chart-daily Smash Box kicktrag]</ref> {{Sm|Hax$}} released a video titled ''the truth about smashbox''. In this video, Hax talks of his involvement with HitBox and claims the HitBox team has "bad intent" and is knowingly selling a rushed, incomplete, defective product to make quick money and "scam the community".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAfLlDFp-Cg the truth about smashbox]</ref> Hax also claims he was volunteering for R&D for Hitbox 15 hours every day for two weeks. After his suggestions for improvements were not used, Hax claims he texted Dustin offering a business partnership where Hax would support the product design, with other services, and Hax would get an 20% percentage of sales, but once this offer was rejected, Hax came to the conclusion the Hitbox team didn't "actually gave a fuck about making a good product". Hax would go on to say his own competing product, The B0XX, should be supported instead. Hax would also accuse the Hitbox team of conspiracy to intentionally sell a bad product, and then later sell an improved second edition to force players to double dip. Hax also claims the Hitbox team copied Hax's controller design layout after he alleges secret pictures of his controller were taken. 

Dustin, the Founder of Hitbox, would make a response video on the next day refuting many of Hax's arguments.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0tK2B5NPE0&ab_channel=HitBoxDustin Dustin's response to Hax]</ref> He would accuse Hax of trying to steal the SmashBox by using his influence to make the kickstarter fail with "he said, she said" slander in order to start his own kickstarter of the same product that he would own. Dustin would also accuse Hax of narcissism, claiming Hax has declared himself "a pot of gold who fell from the sky" who believes himself smarter than the doctors that advised the Hitbox team. Dustin also claims that, after two days of playtesting, Hax demanded the SmashBox to be entirely rebranded around himself.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170326123841/http://imgur.com/Snhfx7l Hax's Business Partnership offer DMs]</ref> Dustin would also refute Hax's claim of selling a knowingly inferior product, stating the original design was always a proof of concept build that Hax knew was never the final design meant to be sold. Dustin would reaffirm that they are a grassroots company trying to make the best product that they can.<ref name="dbltap Article" /> The Hitbox team would go on to talk about the struggles caused from Hax's accusations on the Kickstarter comments section.<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2099087376/hit-box-smash-box-video-game-controller-for-smash/comments Kickstarter HitBox team comments]</ref>

The day after Dustin's video, Gravy would contest Hax's claims and argued that Hax$ "acted as an authoritarian lead designer throughout the time he spent playtesting", [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbrQV_xl_2w producing a video on the topic]. In this video, Gravy shows that the button layout the B0XX used was the one that he and Hax$ discussed prior, and claims Hax$ used this layout to compete with the Smash Box and say that it has an inferior layout, arguing that the B0XX's layout was a stolen design. Gravy also contradicts Hax$'s claim that he didn't want a straight button layout, as his main layout contributions used straight layouts. He also contested Hax$'s insistence on removing the [[X button]], arguing that two [[jump]] buttons is important for these types of controllers to ensure that all advanced techniques have accessible routes. Gravy believes Hax$ sabotaged the Smash Box to try and get the Kickstarter to fail. Gravy also acknowledges the claim that he said he wanted to fight Hax$ and apologizes for those statements.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbrQV_xl_2w&ab_channel=HitboxGravy The Truth about B0XX]</ref>

{{Sm|tompas92}} also accused Hax$ of deliberately abstaining from conversations about legality with the intention of getting the controller banned later.<ref name="dbltap Article">{{cite web|url=https://www.dbltap.com/posts/4742326-smash-box-s-recent-struggle-and-the-questionable-origins-of-the-b0xx|title=Smash Box's Recent Struggle, and the Questionable Origins of the B0XX}}</ref> This was after working with Hax$ on the B0XX, where he claimed to have been treated negligently.
{{clr}}

Both the SmashBox and the B0XX would both sell out on launch and sell out every restock for years after.

==B0XX==
[[File:B0XX.png|thumb|200px|The B0XX controller.]]
[[File:B0XXDefaultLayout.jpg|thumb|200px|The B0XX controller's default layout, defined by Hax$ in his "evidence.zip 2" video.]]
The [https://b0xx.com/ '''B0XX'''] is an alternative to the Smash Box designed for those who suffer with carpal tunnel syndrome or other hand problems, produced by {{Sm|Hax$}}. The name is a play on the [[smasher:Hax#Trivia|20XX]] meme. Similar to the Smash Box, it forgos an arcade stick in favour of using Sanwa arcade buttons, but is deliberately balanced for the purposes of being legal in competitive ''Melee'' and ''Ultimate'' tournaments.<ref>[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZQCsKs3H2VCXWhVfHMLbt7Gs4OG6JB8t/view The B0XX Manifesto]</ref> The B0XX aims to be as ergonomically optimised as possible while remaining efficient. Rather than surpass the GameCube controller, it aims to coexist with it and simply exist as an alternative. The B0XX has no need for a GameCube controller adapter to connect to a PC, instead utilising USB-C. It also has USB-C to GameCube functionality, as well as compatibility with the Wii Nunchuck. Mod buttons are put in place as a kind of "shift key", allowing for the controller to still replicate GameCube controller functions.

===Balancing measures===
[[File:IllegalB0XXCoords.png|thumb|200px|The B0XX controller's illegal control stick coordinates, from "B0XX: The Movie".<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTYSgyca8cI</ref>]]
[[File:AccidentalSBB0XX.png|thumb|200px|The range that prevents turnaround neutral special attacks without risking accidental side specials, from "B0XX: The Movie".<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTYSgyca8cI</ref>]]
Due to the precision necessary to consistently pinpoint some angles on the GameCube controller's analog stick, the B0XX makes them inaccessible. Many of these values are extremely thin and cannot be found on control stick notches, making the input requirements almost impossible for humans. The "bans" on these values result in multiple intentional nerfs intended to maintain realism on the B0XX's control scheme, ensuring it isn't outclassing the standard GameCube controller and remains in line with competitive specifications. In competitive play, in part thanks to the balancing measures put in place, the B0XX has been approved for use in various tournaments, such as {{Trn|GENESIS}}, {{Trn|The Big House}}, {{Trn|Super Smash Con|series}}, and {{Trn|Shine}}.

The B0XX notably assists [[Fire Fox]] and extended up special angles, assisting characters like {{SSBM|Fox}}, {{SSBM|Falco}}, and {{SSBM|Sheik}}.<ref>[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1InBmEJkWi3E5ReAUIGM9loHygaoNODcf/view B0XX User Manual for Melee]</ref> However, it is also impossible to use difficult-to-access [[desync]]s, [[shield drop]] directly downwards, or use extremely light or heavy inputs, balancing measures deliberately put in place by Hax$. This has garnered praise from the ''Melee'' community and largely appeased critics.

The "banned" coordinates include;
*Y-Tilt + > 50°, preventing;
**The use of unbuffered turnaround up or down tilt attacks.
**Leaving the ledge without fast falling while allowing a ledgedash.
*Y-Tilt + up special, preventing;
**Use of up special without tap jumping.
**Using moves such as [[Shine]] without dropping through a platform.
*Shield drop down
**This prevents shield dropping without shutting out the ability to roll by mistake; this was banned due to ''Melee'' standardising the notch shield drop method in competitive play via [[UCF]].
*Short hop tap jump
*{{SSBM|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSBM|Kirby}}, and {{SSBM|Yoshi}}'s ability to double jump without turning around.
*{{SSBM|Pikachu}}'s double up special.
*Middle angled forward and forward smash angles, making only the default angles possible.
**These are borderline unused angle values, remnants of additional angles for forward tilt and smashes; these only have singular values in the final game, making them almost unseen.
*Ice Climber desync points
**There are occasions where Nana's control stick Y-values will be 1 off from Popo's, allowing for solo smash attacks, tap jumps, and more. This removes them.
*Airdodge and [[Fire Fox]] angles are limited, balanced around a notchless GameCube controller, factoring in that not all players have them.
**Fire Fox has 11 angles per quadrant, allowing for a well-rounded selection of angles without allowing for anything unfeasible to land in a tournament setting. Similar, but more complex measures are put in place for characters like {{SSBM|Sheik}}'s extended up special angles as well, ensuring the B0XX remains viable for those characters.

Some input sequences also have frame lockouts to be in line with a conventional notchless GameCube controller;
*Double-Quarter Circle [[SDI]] has a 4 frame lockout, preventing impossible input sequences.
*Pivot up tilt inputs have a 9 frame lockout.
*Pivot down tilt inputs have a 4 frame lockout.

===Controversy===
{{cleanup| Needs more references to claims}}
{{Trn|Royal Flush}} would invite Hax$ to compete using the B0XX, but Leffen would protest its use on the grounds of being a "modded controller", in which Royal Flush rescinded the invite. Hax$ would still attend the event to meet friends, where he would find out {{Sm|WatchingTime}} arranged to give Leffen a prototype arduino as part of a project to assist with legalising the B0XX for competitive play. Hax$ shook WatchingTime's shoulder in a panic and demanded for it to be returned to him. Leffen would find out about this and ask for the arduino, and Hax$ would decline before approaching Leffen with accusations of malfeasance. Upon the B0XX's official release, Leffen claimed there is no evidence of keyboard-style arcade controllers being better ergonomically, as well as cause to believe the B0XX could abuse cardinal 1.0, which Hax$ refuted.

As part of his [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKixeJmH2MQ "evidence.zip 2" video], Hax$ revealed information on {{Sm|Leffen}}'s role in its development. Hax$ accused Leffen of unfair bias against the B0XX, claiming that he engaged in a disinformation campaign aimed at hurting the controller's community and trying to unjustly ban the controller. Hax$ cited various YouTube videos where Leffen makes false claims, such as a notion that using the [[L button]] to [[L-cancel]] is optimal over the [[Z button]], whereas Hax$ argues that it's blatantly false and the Z button not locking the player out of [[tech]] during [[hitlag]] makes it superior. Leffen also made a unique button layout for the B0XX with his L-cancel preferences implemented among other perceived enhancements, which Hax$ also criticises as unergonomic and compares to "deleting System32" and that his "narcissism" made him find problems that didn't exist. Moderators from Hax$'s B0XX [[Discord]] server would attempt to argue their case with Leffen, though little would come of this. {{Sm|Pipsqueak}} would corroborate Leffen's opinion, in which Hax$ insulted them, calling them "Leffen's bitch", wherein Hax$ would receive criticism. Hax$ responded with an apology for his unprofessionalism in the "button swap debate",<ref>[https://twitter.com/ssbmhax/status/1357482504496807940]</ref> which he later recanted in June as "damage control", and believes he did nothing wrong. Leffen responded to the video by expressing interest in contacting a lawyer,<ref>https://twitter.com/TSM_Leffen/status/1401031413143642112</ref> due to the other claims in the evidence.zip 2 video. These claims were repeated in a follow-up video dubbed [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msy4E3ScZVk "evidence.zip 3"]. On the 24th of September 2021, Hax$ released a video apologising for his handling of the overall situation.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pH5yvEPujE Apology video]</ref>

==Frame1==
[[File:Frame1Heavy.jpg|thumb|200px|The Frame1 "Heavy" design.]]
[[File:Frame1Light.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The Frame1 "Light" design.]]
The [https://frame1.gg/ '''Frame1'''] is an arcade controller produced by former B0XX developer {{Sm|Greg Turbo}}, [https://twitter.com/Frame1GG/status/1303362459726688258 revealed in September 2020]. An Open Source repository called [https://github.com/GregTurbo/Open-Frame1 Open-Frame1] is available, allowing one to produce a Frame1 Light PCB, in part due to supply issues. 

Originally a concept that was produced in 2017 with a cardboard box, this would lead to Greg Turbo assisting with the B0XX's development before leaving the team. The Frame1 prioritizes latency, using a strong processor to make it faster than most controllers. It also uses a thin "box" for lightweight portability, as well as a non-slip design so it's easier to stay on one's lap. Unlike its competitors, the Frame1 uses optical Gateron buttons — the first of its kind to do so — giving it some additional longevity. The controller first opened for pre-order September 11, 2020. 

The Frame1 is compatible with the GameCube, Wii, Switch, and PC, but a brook board can allow it to be used with the Xbox One and PS4 as well.

On July 6th, 2021, Frame 1 sponsored {{Sm|yingling}}.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Frame1GG/status/1412552473722589184]</ref>

The Frame1 received praise from prominent competitive players like Jisu and {{Sm|Leffen}}, who would both claim that it was the best leverless controller they have used and considered switching to it permanently, though neither stayed with it long-term. These endorsements were met with controversy, particularly with Leffen, due to him openly expressing disdain for controllers like the B0XX yet praising the similar Frame1. Some would accuse him of bias against the B0XX based on his feud with Hax$.

On January 30th, 2025, Greg Turbo announced that, due to his declining health, there are currently no plans to continue production of Frame1 controllers. He claimed that he would still be present for occasional firmware updates and fulfilling repair requests.

Due to noncompliant HayBox firmware, the Frame1 controller was banned at {{Trn|Tipped Off 16}}, {{Trn|GOML Forever}}, and {{Trn|Nouns Bowl 2025}}.<ref>[https://github.com/CarVac/HayBox/releases HayBox]</ref><ref>[https://x.com/i/status/1915085887500587377 PracticalTAS Tweet]</ref><ref>[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w8hoCT8HDEoskqI0mTF12wFPF8eV1YKaKBh2sEiT_Xg/edit?usp=drivesdk Controller rules for Tipped Off 16,GOML Forever, and Nouns Bowl 2025]</ref> {{Sm|PracticalTAS}} and his team offered to help fix the source code, but due to the resource constraints of working from their HayBox source code and the potential of needing to sign an NDA if editing the Frame1's, a resolution could not be reached. 

===Controversy and lawsuit===
{{cleanup|Needs some more citations as several accounts are private}}
Greg Turbo was let go from the 20XX organization in May of 2020. Hax$ and Simple would cite poor work ethic that caused production issues and an inability to take accountability for his mistakes as the reasons for his departure. During the fallout of this event, Greg Turbo would freeze the organization's bank account, as it was held in his name. Greg Turbo's father Seton would also allege that the 20XX team would owe him up to $100000 if Greg were to be fired. Greg Turbo and Seton offered to not sue them, return the bank account and pardon the debt if the 20XX team sign over the B0XX intellectual property rights and agree to a non-disparagement agreement. The 20XX team reluctantly accepted these conditions and both parties went their separate ways.

After this falling out, the 20XX team quickly managed to get the outstanding orders for B0XX controllers ready to ship, adding validity to the initial claims of Greg Turbo being the reason production issues occurred in the first place. Greg Turbo would also form his own organization to manufacture the Frame1 controller, officially announcing the controller on September 8th, 2020 while describing himself as "the engineer who revolutionized box controllers." This inspired Hax$ to be more vocal about his accusations towards Greg Turbo during their time together on 20XX. This resulted with Greg Turbo and Seton filing a lawsuit on September 28th, 2020 against Hax$ and Simple for breach of contract and defamation. On November 9th of that year, Hax$ and Simple filed a cross-complaint, claiming the initial agreement was made under economic duress by Greg Turbo freezing the bank account, which would be grounds to terminate the non-disparagement agreement and void the exchange of the B0XX intellectual property if proven. Another counter-claim alleged that Greg Turbo was committing unfair business practices by copying the work of the 20XX team for his own Frame1, citing extremely similar designs and suspiciously timed updates after requesting the B0XX source code, as well as selling each Frame1 at a loss to undercut the B0XX out of spite. The lawsuit was later dismissed with prejudice on March 1st, 2024 due to both parties agreeing to an out of court settlement.<ref>[https://trellis.law/case/37-2020-00034218-cu-df-ctl/kasmir-vs-al-yami Kasmir vs Al-Yami lawsuit]</ref>

After both parties went their separate ways again, B0XX orders continued to be fulfilled while the Frame1 encountered productions issues and was delayed for several years. Many customers would accuse Greg Turbo of poor work ethic that caused the production issues and refusing to take accountability for his mistakes, echoing what Hax$ and Simple alleged previously.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/smashbros/comments/1531inl/do_not_order_a_frame1/ Reddit thread documenting complaints with Frame1 and Greg Turbo]</ref>

When the lawsuit was mentioned in a {{Sm|Technicals}} video<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGGA5lLc6qo The Tragedy of Hax$: How Melee Betrayed a Legend]</ref>, Greg Turbo responded by releasing the depositions filed by Hax$ in the name of transparency, which was retweeted by several well-known figures like Leffen and Chroma. These documents were completely unredacted and contained his home address, this happening while Hax$ was incurring multiple hospital visits for his worsening mental and physical health. When it was pointed out that these people doxxed Hax$, the parties assured that the address was incorrect and did not belong to Hax$, privating their accounts soon after.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2gl5mSaH7w Frame1 - The Controller That RUINED Melee]</ref>
{{clr}}

==LBX==
[[File:LBX-controller.jpg|thumb|200px|The LBX controller.]]
The LBX is a box-style controller designed for competitive Super Smash Bros. players<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220218122559/https://junkfoodarcades.com/collections/lbx/products/lbx archive of LBX store page]</ref>. Initially released in 2020 by [https://junkfoodarcades.com Junk Food Custom Arcades], it stands out due to its leverless design, which means it doesn’t have a traditional joystick. Instead, it uses high-quality Sanwa Denshi buttons, similar to those found in arcade machines.

As of 2025, the controller appears to no longer be sold on the official website.<ref>[https://junkfoodarcades.com/collections/lbx/products/lbx Official LBX store page (dead link).]</ref> However, a [https://junkfoodarcades.com/products/heavy-metal-plate?_pos=1&_psq=LBX&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=39983047409761 Heavy Metal Plate] store page does mention that it can be used on the LBX, so the controller hasn't been forgotten entirely.

==Smash Stick==
[[File:SmashStick.png|thumb|200px|The Smash Stick controller.]]
The Smash Stick is an upcoming "fightstick" produced by Alt Lab Controllers.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250629101447/http://www.altlabcontrollers.com/ archive of Alt Lab Controllers website]</ref> Beta production was announced in 2021, but as of December of 2025, the Twitter page has not been updated and the website experiences extended periods of down time.<ref>[http://www.altlabcontrollers.com/ Official Alt Lab Controllers website]</ref>

The Smash Stick uses a traditional arcade controller layout, joystick, and 24mm Sanwa buttons, making it the only Smash-centric arcade controller to use a joystick. It features a swappable octagon gate with the joystick, allowing customization with other gates like square, circle and hexagon. The artwork can also be customised by removing the acrylic panel. Like other arcade controllers, it's designed with the intention of reducing hand strain. Additionally, it's compatible with all ''Smash'' titles,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHP9ZtlRl7Q Smash Stick Trailer]</ref> being usable on the N64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Switch, and more. The Smash Stick was successfully funded via Kickstarter.<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/altlabcontrollers/smash-stick-the-analog-arcade-stick-0 Smash Stick Kickstarter page]</ref>

The Smash Stick features notches designed to make shield dropping in ''Melee'' easier without the need for mods, and the joystick is also designed to do all analog inputs a normal [[control stick]] can perform. It also uses non-contact sensors to prevent wear and tear from hurting the controller's performance over time. It uses a "home layout" for its buttons along with some raised buttons, meaning little hand movement is necessary to play optimally. It also features full button remapping, with 9 profiles available.

The Smash Stick complies with {{Trn|Smash World Tour}} rules, making it legal in most tournaments.

===Video===
{{#widget:YouTube|id=IrXVlvJvx_E}}

==In competitive play==
For many years, discussions and considerations for arcade controllers were a rarity due to the generally accepted compatibility and build quality of official controllers, and compatible arcade controllers being a rarity with few dedicated efforts to make them for Nintendo consoles. This started to change when third party alternatives started to catch up in quality with official controllers and adaptive technology started advancing enough to make controllers work with otherwise incompatible systems. Also around this time, several well known ''Smash'' players developed permanent injuries or had conditions that degenerated their motor functions, forcing them to look for other solutions to keep playing. Arcade controllers were one of these solutions, and positive word of mouth allowed companies to invest more into the scene with controllers made specifically for ''Smash''. Arcade controllers continue to gradually grow in popularity to this day, with the true peak of dedicated players yet to be seen.

===Legality===
The legality of arcade controllers is a controversial subject. Some argue that the controller's capacity to do otherwise impossible techniques, such as multiple simultaneous actions and performing complicated actions with greater ease, gives users an unfair advantage over regular controllers. Some players within and outside the ''Smash'' [[community]] have gone as far as to consider these types of controllers [[cheating]] and advocate for their banning. Others argue that their inherent downsides, such as steep learning curves and loss of subtle intricacies regular controllers possess that lead to more limited and predictable gameplay, offset their advantages. Players for arcade controllers also cite the accessibility enhancements for those with hand problems, which has allowed many ex-competitors to return to tournaments. Hax$, one of the biggest proponents of these types of controllers, has gone as far as to [[nerf]] his B0XX controller for the sake of making it tournament-viable, largely appeasing community members. Outside of the ''Smash'' tournament scene, some controllers have explicitly been banned, with that ruling sometimes bleeding over into ''Smash'' tournaments. A notable example is the "GafroBox" that was popularized by {{uv|Street Fighter}} player Daigo Umehara. On top of the already controversial Hitbox layout, this controller has a unique simultaneous opposing cardinal directions (abbreviated as '''SOCD''') cleaner, meant to algorithmically decide which directional input would take priority over others held down at the same time, that prioritizes the latest input. The previous standard was to return the character to a neutral position. This change alters how games not designed for it are played, such as walking forward while charging inputs and allowing frame-perfect reaction times not possible on other controllers, and thus it was officially banned in all [[Capcom]] sanctioned tournaments.<ref>[https://www.oneesports.gg/street-fighter/the-gafrobox-the-banned-tech-that-made-daigo-ditch-his-arcade-stick/ The GafroBox: The banned tech that made Daigo ditch his arcade stick]</ref>

Arcade controllers are generally considered legal for tournaments given they comply with the same stipulations as all other controllers, specifically not including macros or turbo functionality or having specific firmware that alters how the game or characters are played.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200302113040/https://smashworldtour.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SWT-2020-Rulebook.pdf Smash World Tour ruleset, pg. 19]</ref> However, this standard is not universal, and specific rulings are sometimes made on a case-by-case basis by [[tournament organizer]]s with each individual arcade controller being inspected prior to a game to make sure no player is trying to smuggle unauthorized controllers into a tournament with malicious intent.

With the rise in popularity of arcade controllers and the problematic elements listed above, a [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1abMqoatAGh_ZhQD1qJaQx6YqFAppCjU5KyF3mgvDQVw/edit?tab=t.0 unified Melee Controller Ruleset] would be proposed in 2024 by the Controller Ruleset Team with the aim of establishing regulations to reign in these controllers and be more in-line to with stock controllers. The proposal received wide adoption within the community.

==Trivia==
[[File:HaxFalconB0XX.png|thumb|250px|{{Sm|Hax$}} holding the joke B0XX design.]]
*Hax$ once made a joke about {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}}'s optimal strategy being "L R A Start Fox" (quitting out of the game and selecting {{SSBM|Fox}}), to the point [https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1790930534506014 he made a joke design for the B0XX with only those buttons being available].

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17220921/smash-box-redefine-melee-limits An interview with Dustin Hoffer about the Smash Box.]
*[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2099087376/hit-box-smash-box-video-game-controller-for-smash The Kickstarter page for the Smash Box, along with descriptions about the controller and its development history.]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZQCsKs3H2VCXWhVfHMLbt7Gs4OG6JB8t/view The B0XX Manifesto, which was used to assist in legalising the controller.]
*[https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/05/introducing_the_smash_stick_a_fight_stick_specially_designed_for_super_smash_bros News article on the Smash Stick.]
*[https://thearcadestick.com/frame1-heavy/ Frame1 review]
*[https://thearcadestick.com/b0xx/ B0XX review]
*[https://thearcadestick.com/alt-lab-controllers-smash-stick-analog-arcade-stick/ Smash Stick review]
*[https://thearcadestick.com/smash-box/ Smash Box review]

{{Controller|notbutton=yes}}

[[Category:Controllers]]
[[Category:Technology]]
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