Hi guys!
Here in Australia, quality arcade sticks cost a relative fortune, with something like the TE2+ clocking in at around 380USD if you can find one. Even the Venom, which is the only readily available retail option, is 150USD and runs sub-par hardware, so you're looking at having to mod the thing straight off the bat.
While i've been entirely comfortable with just making my own sticks instead, i wanted to design something which anyone who can hold a screwdriver can put together. I've built some of these for the local scene to help out, but i want everyone to have reasonable access to an arcade stick. It should to be quick to build with basic tools and materials, have a high perceived finish quality, and be useful.
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Where most traditional DIY timber cases rely on skill and time to produce a quality case finish, these Aluminium Ikea picture frames (Stromby) provide a great shortcut, in addition to screw-less fixing of the plexi, tooless access to the internals, and easy fitment of double-sided art.
![image]()
Curiously, the A3-sized Stromby frames are almost exactly the same dimensions as a Madcatz TE2+, while the A4 frames are the same size as the old Neo Geo arcade stick controller. Both will work for a full-button setup:
![II1A3qJ.jpg]()
The required ingredients:
2x Stromby Frames
1x Styrene sheet from a cheaper Ikea frame (damaged goods section is the best!)
1x 500x650x7mm plywood sheet
PVA Glue
Spray paint to finish the case
The total cost of materials is about $20, and it only takes a couple of hours to put together (minus the time spent waiting for the glue and paint).
A complete A3-sized build weighs 2.7kg, is incredibly stiff, and is strong enough to stand on.
To help with the build process, i've done up a pretty comprehensive video guide for one of the mini stick builds:
![image]()
![image]()
![image]()
![image]()
I hope this can be of service to someone out there. If you have any questions or comments, fire away!![:)]( ":)")
Here in Australia, quality arcade sticks cost a relative fortune, with something like the TE2+ clocking in at around 380USD if you can find one. Even the Venom, which is the only readily available retail option, is 150USD and runs sub-par hardware, so you're looking at having to mod the thing straight off the bat.
While i've been entirely comfortable with just making my own sticks instead, i wanted to design something which anyone who can hold a screwdriver can put together. I've built some of these for the local scene to help out, but i want everyone to have reasonable access to an arcade stick. It should to be quick to build with basic tools and materials, have a high perceived finish quality, and be useful.
Where most traditional DIY timber cases rely on skill and time to produce a quality case finish, these Aluminium Ikea picture frames (Stromby) provide a great shortcut, in addition to screw-less fixing of the plexi, tooless access to the internals, and easy fitment of double-sided art.
Curiously, the A3-sized Stromby frames are almost exactly the same dimensions as a Madcatz TE2+, while the A4 frames are the same size as the old Neo Geo arcade stick controller. Both will work for a full-button setup:
The required ingredients:
2x Stromby Frames
1x Styrene sheet from a cheaper Ikea frame (damaged goods section is the best!)
1x 500x650x7mm plywood sheet
PVA Glue
Spray paint to finish the case
The total cost of materials is about $20, and it only takes a couple of hours to put together (minus the time spent waiting for the glue and paint).
A complete A3-sized build weighs 2.7kg, is incredibly stiff, and is strong enough to stand on.
To help with the build process, i've done up a pretty comprehensive video guide for one of the mini stick builds:
I hope this can be of service to someone out there. If you have any questions or comments, fire away!
