All Products

Here are solid joystick options by use-case—arcade-style microswitch (digital) vs 2-axis analog control vs I2C/Qwiic quick-connect.

Arcade / retro cabinet joysticks (clicky microswitch)

• For a simple DIY arcade stick with an easy connector: Joystick (5-pin connector) ($13.25).
• For a compact, classic-feel arcade control: Small Arcade Joystick (8-way, microswitch) ($30.05).
• For Pac‑Man/classic cabinets that want 4-way: Arcade Joystick - Short Handle (4-way, heavy duty) ($44.65).
• Another solid arcade option: 8 Way Arcade Game Flight Joystick Arcade (8-way, 4 microswitches) ($33.90).
• If you want a full 2-player control set (buttons + encoders + sticks): 2 Player DIY Arcade Joystick Kit ($104.90).

Analog thumb joysticks (smooth 2-axis)

• Classic PS2-style analog thumbstick: Thumb Joystick (2-axis, ~10kΩ pots) ($10.60).
• Small, affordable analog option: Mini 2-Axis Analog Thumbstick (2-axis, self-centering) ($5.00).
• Panel-mount friendly with a built-in press switch: Analog 2-axis Thumb Joystick with Select Button + Breakout Board (X/Y analog + click) ($13.30).

Joystick modules & easy wiring (great for Arduino/microcontrollers)

• Plug-and-play sensor-style module: Gravity: Joystick Module V2 (2-axis analog + push-button) ($9.25).
• Another budget module option: Dual-axis XY Joystick Module (2×10k pots + pushbutton) ($7.80).
• Qwiic ecosystem (quick I2C wiring): SparkFun Qwiic Joystick (Qwiic/I2C joystick) ($27.55).

Joystick + display add-ons (UI/navigation)

• Arduino shield with screen + joystick navigation: Adafruit 1.8 Color TFT Shield w/microSD and Joystick (128×160 TFT, 5-way joystick, microSD) ($40.15).
• Feather boards UI wing: Adafruit Mini Color TFT with Joystick FeatherWing (160×80 TFT + joystick) ($50.15).

Wireless joystick controller building blocks (XBee projects)

• For DIY wireless control around XBee: Wireless Joystick Breakout Board for XBee ($34.40) or the fuller kit SparkFun Wireless Joystick Kit ($87.35).