Pros & Cons
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- Compatible with PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
- Responsive, true-to-arcade Sanwa parts.
- Felt bottom prevents sliding.
- Built-in handle makes the stick easy to carry.
- Headphone jack.
- Turbo setting.
- Multiple joystick modes.
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- Lacks a quick-disconnect cord.
- Not as easy to open as some rival arcade sticks.
- Art is bound to the plexiglass protector.
- Built-in cord-storing compartment has a flimsy door.
- Start button lives on the face of the stick.
Fighting game aficionados know the need for finely crafted equipment better than most gamers, as they frequently forgo conventional gamepads and the imprecision that comes with thumbsticks. For these warriors, the arcade stick is their sword, and the Qanba Q4 RAF Black ($149) is a very good blade. The arcade stick may not be as tournament-worthy as Mad Catz Killer Instinct FightStick Tournament Edition 2, but it's a very good choice for fighting game fans who want a high-quality, multi-platform stick for their local and online rumbles.
Platform Compatibility
The Qanba Q4 RAF Black has been on the market for some time now, which is directly reflected in its listed system compatibility. The arcade stick—also available in Ice Blue, Ice Red, and White + Red—is designed for use with PC, PlayStation 3, or Xbox 360. A switch located on the Qanba Q4 RAF Black's upper-right corner lets you place the stick in either Xbox 360 or PC/PlayStation modes. This triple-threat, multi-platform flexibility is one that isn't available in every arcade stick; the Mad Catz Killer Instinct FightStick Tournament Edition 2, for example, is for use with PC and Xbox One.
View All Final Thoughts
Qanba Q4 RAF Black
The Qanba Q4 RAF lacks tournament-level chops, but it's a premium arcade stick for those who want to street fight on their PCs.