There always comes a point in a gamer’s life when the thought of getting an arcade stick to use at home flashes across the mind. After all, you have been playing fighting games and their equivalents for a while now; wouldn’t you do better with the proper equipment as opposed to a normal gamepad on the PlayStation 5 like the DualSense or its improved big brother, the DualSense Edge?

It will ultimately still come down to skill, unfortunately, but if you can get your hands on the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick, that’s a stellar foundation to begin with.

At first glance, this big boy is one hefty piece of gear. Not only is it large, but its weight is something console gamers will have to get used to. Of course, this is only because of the quality of materials used both within and outside of the arcade stick, and that is something to admire immediately.

It is clear that working together with fighting game legend Kayane has paid dividends for Nacon, as has using the high-quality parts from Sanwa. The textured palm rest provides excellent support for those fast-moving fingers and hands, while the underside has padding to ensure you and your equipment are always locked in on the action. Intelligent placement of the buttons means you have all the space needed for precise combos and movement, and nifty features like the button lock and changeable sticks just elevate the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick even further.

The first time you use this piece of hardware is something to be enjoyed. The way the joystick moves and recovers, how the eight face buttons feel when pressed, and that instant feedback and spring just bestow confidence in the hardware at hand. At the top of the replaceable faceplate, users can find the PlayStation button, together with the profile changer and the lock to prevent accidental presses and interruptions.

As for the rest of the buttons, like the touchpad, L3, R3, and more, Nacon has shifted them to the right side of the unit to get them out of the way, which is a smart decision in our books.

Putting the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick to the test in fighting games like Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 proved to be a blast, as the hardware provided proper button placement that made using it easy and comfortable over extended periods, even with using it on our lap instead of on a table or flat surface.

Fighting games are top of mind when it comes to sticks, but if you’re like me, who grew up in arcade joints, you’ll know that sticks are also mainly used for a variety of games like Metal Slug, Golden Axe, and more. Using the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick also proved to replicate the arcade experience quite well, and while nothing can beat the real thing, this comes close.

Furthermore, there are options to customize the way the unit works based on your preferences and tastes. Using the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick software via PC or Mac, you can create different profiles to configure the buttons easily. It is convenient and useful, especially since you don’t need to access the software every time you want to switch. The stick can also be used for the PS4 or PC; simply adjust the toggle, and you are all set.

Did we mention that everything a player needs is housed with the arcade stick itself? Press in on the locks on both sides, and the top opens up, revealing housing for the alternative bat top for the stick, the tools used for working on the stick should you prefer a different gate, and the 3m detachable USB-A to USB-C cable that goes in its sole port. In the rare event that something goes wrong with your connections, you can easily remedy it with the required knowledge.

Engineered for all who value build quality and top-tier responsiveness, the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick’s structure and additional features make it an undeniably attractive proposition as the best PS5 arcade stick out there. The biggest knock against it is that such awesomeness doesn’t come cheaply, and that size and weight can be off-putting, but if you are paying dearly, you might as well walk away with the top option there is. Straight out of the box and working perfectly, the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick is one hell of an upgrade on the normal controllers when it comes to fighting games.

Nacon Daija Arcade Stick Review Verdict: Buy it!

For those seeking to make the next step up in their pilgrimage to the upper echelons of fighting games, having a great piece of equipment like the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick is a no-brainer. The way it works out of the box makes it so that you can easily pick it up and get to playing in a matter of seconds.

Actually picking it up might be a bit of a challenge due to its weight and size. It’s not the smallest peripheral around, and its solid build will immediately reflect as you grip it. Solid build and weight? You have to take both, not just one.

The Nacon Daija Arcade Stick is certainly a great option amongst a sea of fight sticks for the PS5, but only if you can overlook its hefty asking price, which could be a tall order.

*The Nacon Daija Arcade Stick was provided for review by the distributor. You can get your own Nacon Daija Arcade Stick now for ₱14,995.00.