Exar's arcade stick for the Wii is in the wild, looking good

This isn't the first arcade stick we've seen lying around for the Wii, but EXAR's new model is out now. Well, in Japan, at least -- for ¥5,299 (about $52) -- not too cheap for a controller that apparently isn't totally kosher in the functionality department. The EXARSTICK is light almost at the expense of stability, and the buttons aren't totally responsive, though it's really awesome looking. We don't have any details about if and when this will make its way to the States, but if you want to see a ton of photos of the controller being tested and handled, just go ahead now -- hit the read link and check them out.

[Via Wii Fanboy]

[Boh Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:15AM]

.................................Why????

[flashpoint Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:18AM]

...why?

...well, so you'll be able to play the most technologicaly sophisticated NES and SUPER NES games just like you did 18 years ago !

[Boh Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:24AM]

But then you see... for that price... couldn't I buy the actual older system and be too legit to quit?

[flashpoint Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:36AM]

I just wish Wii would hurry up and die already.

their current game list sucks.

Call of Duty World at War sucks on Wii and Smash Bros is still one of the top games...YAWWWWWWWN

Maybe Nintendo needs to string together YET ANOTHER Zelda or Mario game. How many Zelda or Mario games does Wii already have...YAWWWWWWWWWWN

[Boh Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:39AM]

Well... unless you count the aforementioned Smash Bros game as a Zelda game... then 1 there? (And no, I don't count the gimmick Crossbow Training as a game either... it's a glorified interactive loading screen) And as for Mario... those come with the territory for Nintendo.... just look on your Official Nintendo Timeline MARIO IS MISSING anyone?

God forbid Nintendo leans on first party titles to sell its console.... it's not as if that method hasn't worked for it in the past..... oh wait.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 13th 2008 2:53AM]

Flashpoint - Ass....?

[Plothole Posted Nov 13th 2008 3:00AM]

Well because some of us prefer the feel of an old style stick when playing fighters, side scrolling shooters, and some other genres that started out in the arcade.

[magallanes Posted Nov 13th 2008 7:38AM]

1 word :HADOUKEN!.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:18AM]

No, it's not even awesome looking.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:19AM]

Ooops. Shouldn't hit that button twice.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:18AM]

No, it's not even awesome looking.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:18AM]

Ooops. Shouldn't hit that button twice.

[collegekid13 Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:18AM]

ooooh i get it. its for those little tobbler things that like to smash stuff. similar to bam bam perhaps?

[Plothole Posted Nov 13th 2008 1:07AM]

As bulky as that thing is, couldn't they have done away with the cable and just given the wiimote a little slot to fit in?

[Schmitty338 Posted Nov 13th 2008 10:24AM]

I was thinking the same thing....that thing is HUGE!

At first look, it looks like it's made for a toddler, or a seniors with bad eyesight.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 13th 2008 2:39AM]

Maybe I'm missing it, but I spotted a Wii joystick with official Nintendo branding on the shelves of the Nintendo World at NYC. I took a picture with my mobile, but Engadget has a better one:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/26/horis-fighting-stick-wii-joystick-to-head-stateside/

So, why wait for a different one? That one looks great, and you can buy it now.

[Reisa Posted Nov 13th 2008 4:05AM]

Totally agree. I have this stick, and it's well-designed. It cost about the same as the Exar and looks MUCH better, with more functionality.

[Level 5 Posted Nov 13th 2008 7:28AM]

Feh.. yawn. While it'll be a hit with many, especially those who have VC Neo Geo games and will undoubtedly want Tastsunoko vs Capcom (via mod or if it ever hits the US), I don't care for it (or Japanese style sticks in general). I have an X-Arcade Solo and I really have to say that it's everything I ever would want in an arcade stick. Ever. That said, since I already have the GCN adapter, I might be set. I would LOVE to see a Wiimote tether though :)

To this sticks credit, it looks just plain badass, and I always have alot of love for 3rd party periphs that are clean and have that 1st party feel. Big up to those who want a Wii stick.

[Hardcore1 Posted Nov 13th 2008 12:12PM]

So what Wii games exactly can make use of this? Cooking Mama or Wii Music?

[Plothole Posted Nov 13th 2008 11:22PM]

There are tons of 2D shooters and fighter games for download off of the Wii Shop channel that would work great with a arcade stick. There are also some retail fighter games for the Wii that could also use it.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 13th 2008 2:12PM]

It's for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, a new fighting game being released in December by Capcom.