I'd recommend the Mayflash F300. It's relatively small, piss easy to get into and thus upgrade (you're gonna have to clean up the wires inside, but it's pretty decent regardless). It's currently $60 USD. You can't go wrong with such an amazing price for a pretty decent arcade stick.
The parts that come with it are a bit iffy and not to everyone's liking, so if you have some spare parts lying around (it uses 30mm's for the main face buttons and a 24mm for the Start button), I'd suggest upgrading it ASAP.
I'm finally getting around to this, and am about to order the Mayflash F300 Fight Stick (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019MFPLC0/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza). The couple of questions posted about Mac OS have unclear or contradictory responses, so I think I'm just going to have to order one & return it if it ends up not working.
Thank you so much for the in depth reply!
The Stick I was looking at said it could work for both PC and switch so idk if that’s still a problem.
I unfortunately don’t know anyone else who plays with a fighting stick so I can’t borrow one.
I’m just really wondering if I should commit to it or just stick with my Xbox controller. I just don’t want to get something I don’t like
Mayflash f101 - $35-40
Mayflash F300 - $50-60 amazon link
well. dualshock 4 is a very viable option. although you would have to use th Dpad (which is also a very viable option). you will have to getused to it a lot. if you want a fighting stick, there are some pretty cheap options.
https://www.amazon.com/Mayflash-F300-Arcade-Joystick-Switch/dp/B019MFPLC0/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=mayflash+f500&qid=1565709878&s=gateway&sr=8-2 - a very cheap fightstick for entry level
https://www.amazon.com/Mayflash-Arcade-Fight-Android-Switch-NEOGEO/dp/B00QM7JUMY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mayflash+f500&qid=1565709914&s=gateway&sr=8-1 - improved model of the previous one. has better build quality, parts and is more sturdy, but also more expensive
https://www.amazon.com/MAYFLASH-Buttons-Joysticks-Nintendo-Android/dp/B07QJ1JJ7J/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=mayflash+f500+elite&qid=1565710039&s=gateway&sr=8-2 - this is mayflash f500, but with sanwa buttons, which are pretty much the best arcade stick buttons you can get.
you dont have to sink hundreds of dollars into a fightstick
i myself am using a dualshock 4 with the dpad, and it's very viable. half circles are giving me a bit of trouble in tekken, but that's because tekken 4 half circle motion is stupid
You need Amazon Prime to get a Mayflash F300 for $60 with FREE 2 day shipping
Then you go to focusattack.com to get a crown 309MJ and some sanwa buttons to pimp that sucker out on the cheap
then you get tekken god prime
Personally I love fight sticks and can’t go back.
I personally use the Mayflash F300
It didn’t break the bank, works pretty well, and it has a neat pass through feature that allows it to work with pretty much any console. If the fight stick doesn’t natively work on a console (Ex: Nintendo Switch) you just put it on controller mode, plug a controller from the consoles into the USB port in he back, and then plug the stick into the console. It essentially hijacks the controller and uses it to work.
While I’m sure there are better fight sticks out there and while I am far from an expert, I can safely say this fight stick is solid and I enjoy using it quite a bit.
Edit: the Mayflash 300 (non elite) apparently has he same pass through feature but is cheaper and doesn’t use sanwa buttons. It may be more in your price range. I’d suggest looking up review but at first glance try is looks like a good budget option for people getting into fight sticks for the first time.
Get this instead:
I just got it today in the mail and it's not bad. Definitely needs to be modded and the reviews say you can do that easily.
Mayflash F300 Arcade Fight Stick Joystick for PS4 PS3 XBOX ONE XBOX 360 PC Switch NeoGeo mini https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019MFPLC0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CdGhDbJ4Q80J0