THIS WILL TAKE TIME TO MAKE. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO WAIT, PLEASE DON'T ORDER UNTIL MY ORDER QUEUE IS LOW.
NOW ONLY 3 of 5 - PRE-ORDER SLOTS AVAILABLE - I MAY OR MAY NOT MAKE MORE - I ONLY HAVE ENOUGH PARTS FOR 5 AT THIS TIME.
WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS ON THIS PAGE AND READ ALL THE TEXT
Playing Atari 2600 games using Stella Emulator for Windows. (↓)
This is just the USB Arcade stick. PC and emulation software (MAME) and ROM files (games) are not included and are required.
Note: You should have some previous knowledge of working with USB devices and Emulator configuration.
No need for a spinner? If you want a USB Single Stick with Keypad check this out.
Introducing the RetroGameBoyz USB arcade stick and spinner combo — handcrafted with precision and built for enthusiasts who demand both functionality and nostalgia.
This unit combines a standard JLF Sanwa-style 8-way arcade stick, 8 buttons with a premium GRS spinner from Thunderstick Studios, offering responsive control for all your arcade favorites including Tempest, Star Trek, and paddle-style Atari 2600 games with supported emulators.
Key Features:
-
Premium GRS Spinner:
Smooth, precise, and regarded as one of the best on the market, made by Thunderstick Studios a.k.a. tsticks. -
Robust Build:
Housed in a durable enclosure with an internal USB hub and zero-delay encoder for ultra-responsive gameplay. (packed and positioned with cabling in the housing as neatly as possible) -
Standard Layout:
5 main action OBSF-type 30mm buttons and 3 smaller function buttons (24mm) for Player 1 Start and Coin inputs etc. (mapped accordingly via emulation software) -
Extra Compatibility:
Includes a dedicated mode switch (right) button for encoder adjustments. - If you don't want this - you can open the arcade stick and reconfigure the switch plug position to another button on the USB encoder. (experts only) -
Plug-and-Play:
Works out of the box with Windows PCs and emulators that support standard HID Compliant USB devices. Functions as a standard USB game controller with the spinner acting as a mouse input. -
Upgrade Options:
Default components are high-quality clones (JLF-style joystick, standard buttons), with optional upgrade for stronger spring resistance and genuine Sanwa JLF stick. -
Custom Tuning:
Includes a USB extension cable and software link (windows only) to fine-tune spinner sensitivity / resolution to your liking. (as per Thunderstick Studios)
Compatibility:
Works seamlessly with most PC emulators, including Stella (Atari 2600), MAME, and more.Tested on Windows 10, with ongoing tests for Windows 11, Mister, and RetroPie.Note: Some emulator configurations may require user setup - this is up to you. I can help with Windows PC setup if needed.
Notes:
- Spinner component includes additional breakout cable to optionally re-assign buttons to right and left mouse buttons. (requires disassembly, experts only)
- Users should be comfortable with basic emulator configuration for optimal experience.
- Videos showcasing gameplay and configuration tips available online.
This all-in-one stick is ideal for retro arcade fans, spinner game lovers, and DIY tinkerers looking for a unique, high-quality control solution. Whether you're reliving your Tempest days or diving into arcade stick and paddle classics, this arcade stick delivers a satisfying and authentic feel.
NOTE:
Each item I create is meticulously handcrafted with great care and attention to detail. While I strive for precision and consistency in every piece, slight variations in sheen, texture, graphics, or color may occur due to differences in materials, dye lots, and the fabrication process. Some materials may also exhibit natural markings such as travel lines. These characteristics are inherent to handcrafted goods and do not affect the overall appearance or functionality.
Your satisfaction is important to me. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Visit this resource to learn more about changing sensitivity settings:
Customer Testimonials:
Disclaimer: I can't guarantee complete compatibility with every USB device or software out there. I am making every effort to update this page with what I have been told, including my own personal experiences. I have taken excerpts from individuals who have provided feedback to me during testing. Certain games that uses sticks that twist (rotary), like Heavy Barrel, Ikari Warriors, Guerilla War etc. use a different kind of action and will not work (at least during my testing). Also, Tron which uses a stick and a dial - may or may not work with MAME - again this is up to the emulation hardware / software and configuration to support this.
As of 5/17 and as per the videos, everything works really well on a PC, using MAME and Stella (Atari 2600). Your results may vary depending on the operating system, and emulator being used. This is completely up to you and your knowledge on how to work with it. Some hardware and emulation software and firmware may not be compatible. That is why it is recommended to have experience with emulation software and/or hardware devices.
TEST #1:
" The only game I needed to tweak analogue settings on was Tempest which defaults to a high sensitivity in my version of MAME, though even with defaults I found it playable. I knew something was amiss when I was spinning between levels and saw the character jumping all over the place, so turning it down to 10 - which I think you may have suggested, did the trick.
I might want to try tweaking settings for Arkanoid as well, but Super Breakout controlled very well with a spinner - unsurprisingly given normal MAME controls would be mouse/trackball and as you said the computer detects the spinner as a mouse with an X-axis only.I had no issues with Evercade either - the mode button had no effect, I just needed to use it in port 2 (the Evercade VS wouldn’t boot with it in port 1).Conveniently the Coin and Player 1 buttons mapped to Select and Start which in arcade games on Evercade are used to insert coin and start - perfect!
Otherwise it was a matter of trial and error to see which buttons mapped to what. The mode button did toggle between joystick and hat switch in MAME, so maybe it’s just the USB controller used in the Robotron USB controller wasn’t recognised by Evercade? In any event it’s great to have an arcade stick for Evercade 👍Thanks again for being willing to do a bespoke spinner+joystick combo like this!I definitely think there’s going to be more arcade gamers out there that would be interested in the Spinner controller! "TEST #2:" I've been testing out the stick and spinner the last few days. I got it on Friday. The arcade stick its great and the buttons are all great for Batocera / Retroarch.
I can use the spinner with tempest but I had to adjust the sensitivityThis is a very good start and I love the controller being a nice platform to use the spinner. The side buttons work great for scrolling up and down pages of games on Batocera."