Test of the E.G.O arcade stick: MadCatz up to the next-gen?

Test of the E.G.O arcade stick

Specifications Compatibility XInput, D-Input, Consoles via their controllers Joystick type Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT square restrictor Type of action buttons Sanwa OBSF-30 Number of action buttons 8 USB connection on molded cable and controllers Turbo mode Yes Opening mechanism With tools Weight 2.8 kg Dimensions 400 x 250 x 80 For those who do not really know what we are talking about in terms of references of arcade sticks, we invite you to take a look at the tests we had written for the brand's two PS4 / PS3 / PC models, namely the Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2+ (commonly referred to as TE2 +) and the Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition S + (which we will now call TES +). Two sticks which, at the time, were among the most beautiful references on the market by displaying an integral Sanwa equipment, a base and a plate of the widest, and a layout based on the terminal Vewlix of Taito, another reference in its kind. In short, MadCatz was part of the elite of the stick arcade, allying with the best fighting game licenses to offer us packs generally reaching € 150 to € 200, to the delight of demanding and wealthy players, and until the disappearance of the brand in 2017, for financial bankruptcy.

Amazon offers € 199.99 Free delivery Darty € 199.99 Withdrawal in store Fnac € 199.99 Withdrawal in Rakuten store 224.30 € Free delivery The return of the brand, initiated in 2018 with a few mice like the RAT8 +, had to offer us an arcade stick. Thus, the EGO was presented in December 2019 via a simple message on Twitter, even though we realized that the model we had in front of us was available under several brands, without MadCatz having made the slightest change in design, or even component. OEM to relaunch in the competition? Why not if the result is there.

A solid and easy to maintain base

The EGO is built around a large plastic frame with a top tilted towards the player by about 5 °, this which contrasts with what we usually find on this kind of accessory. Another special feature is that the underside of the chassis is not flat and covered with a non-slip surface as you would expect, but is 4 feet, almost one centimeter high. A rather misguided choice both for the game on the table, where the feet lack a little grip, and on the knees, with their prominence that goes into the thighs of the player. It remains all the same high level overall, with a perfectly rigid chassis, and a chainring just as resistant to our most exaggerated support. So far, it's better than the TE2 + or the more recent Nacon Daija's proposition.

The tray is removable, after removing 6 hexagonal screws (the screwdriver is supplied and stored in the frame), which allows the design to be changed under the plexiglass. The original one nevertheless remains sober and discreet, with the brand displayed without exuberance at the bottom right. Note all the same that the color of this plate remains much less marked than on the photos of the manufacturer, the red showing much less, whatever the type of lighting.

The bottom of the frame is also removable , after removing 8 hexagonal screws. It lets appear some of the elements of the stick, giving access to the replacement of the buttons, the joystick, but not really of the main board which requires to remove ten additional screws. Please note, this last action is not intended by the manufacturer and therefore voids the warranty. You will notice that the joystick, a Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT, is equipped with a square restrictor, which can be changed for a hexagonal without too much difficulty.

At the back of the arcade stick , there is also a hatch identical to that of the Hori models, in which the 2m80 USB cable is housed, not braided, with enough space to accommodate a few more small objects such as a rag or an additional screwdriver. Overall, the E.G.O is therefore easy to maintain and can even be modded with a change of buttons and sticks. But the space reserved for the management PCB is quite particular, all in length, and therefore does not easily allow its replacement by an alternative model.

A classic and comfortable layout

In the center of the tray, we therefore find the joystick and the eight action buttons, distant from the front edge of nearly 8 centimeters, and as much to the right as to the left. That's a little more than what separates them from the various controls at the rear, at around two inches. There is therefore space to position your hands properly, place your wrists on the edge of the tray, without risking to press a key without doing it on purpose.

The positioning of the buttons is a very classic Vewlix , named after the Taito terminal, with two lines of four. The first buttons in each row are shifted down 15 millimeters, or ½ button, to improve thumb access. Again, this organization has the advantage of being comfortable in many situations. Some people will prefer to use 2x3 in-line buttons for Street, 4 in-line buttons for SNK, or use the 8 buttons as is to have the combinations at hand. Everything is possible and the position of the hand is always natural, even in the long term (even if personally, the Namco Noir layout is my preference, by little).

The placement of the joystick, 5 centimeters to the left of the first button, allows the hands to be brought together without touching each other in the movement. For the moment, the E.G.O does not revolutionize absolutely nothing, but offers a mastered layout, practical and appreciable by all. We are entitled here to a standard size rod, with a ball for the grip. It is always possible to replace this ball with a pear, to be purchased separately, and even to store several balls inside the box, a place being reserved for this purpose.

Sanwa equipment and functions many

With a Sanwa combo, JLF-TP-8YT for the joystick and OBSF-30 for the buttons, MadCatz does not take any risks and offers neither more nor less than what equipped the TE2 + and TES +, namely material of great renown. If you've followed our arcade stick tests a bit (if not, you can take a look at our review), you already know that this stick sets the benchmark in terms of angle, precision and responsiveness. Basically, it is suitable for most players, for versatile use, with great possibilities for customization. More seasoned players will probably find it a little soft and can if necessary increase its spring or shorten its stem without difficulty, or even go through an octagonal or round restrictor if necessary.

As for the buttons, it is much the same. The OBSF-30 react quickly and well, with a good return to the high position allowing high speeds and even double tapping. It's still a cut below the Hayabusa in terms of responsiveness, but if you go for Sanwa, it may also be because you prefer the weight of these buttons to the lighter and faster ones from Hori. In both cases, beginners will find their way there and fans of old-fashioned landmarks will see phenomenal progress. Clearly, the arcade stick is unassailable on the equipment it makes available to play.

There are also several additional features gathered on the back band of the stick: A Turbo at fixed speed (prohibited with Chun-Li and other characters of the genre), a target selector for the joystick, between directional cross, left or right analog stick to increase compatibility, “Home”, Share / View, Option / Menu, L3, R3, Mode and a Key Lock keys to prevent unwanted manipulation. Enough to fulfill all the functions of a DualShock 4 or Xbox One controller. It still lacks the headphone port, yet present in the latest productions of Nacon and Hori.

Wide compatibility, but complicated

Here we come to the heart of the problem of this EGO which appears as the king of the multiplatform: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC… We can also add Linux, Mac and Android to the list, the stick using basic communication in XInput, with the possibility of switching to D-Input on the fly. Except that there is a “catch”. PS4 and Xbox One compatibility is not obtained through an official license, but with the mandatory connection to an official controller of the corresponding platform. Clearly, we connect the stick in USB to the console, then the controller to the stick, in order to take advantage of the wireless connection of the controller. A slightly twisted principle that we had already encountered with the very “entry-level” Mayflash Arcade Fightstick F300, and which had seduced us by its fairly clear operation. Except that here, we are far enough from having the same result.

Already, forget the compatibility with the PS5 and Xbox Series, which simply does not work, the new generation controllers having changed protocol and the stick having received no updates since its release. A little nerd for a model launched after these two consoles, while all the other sticks from Hori, Nacon, Razer, see their compatibility officially guaranteed by the manufacturers Sony and Microsoft. Then, we all the same railed in front of the connection system, hazardous, which will have made us miss many minutes of play trying to connect to a PS4 or an Xbox One, the fault of a communication with the controller which refused to settle. Finally, when the system finally got down to work (only with the official controllers, forget the alternatives), we noticed a palpable latency, just unacceptable in combat games as in shoot'em up. In short, it's disappointment.

A prohibitive price for an imperfect model

The MadCatz EGO started this test well by presenting a solid chassis, a rigid chainring and beautiful equipment . It should also make PC or Switch players happy, by offering comfort and precision equipment. But on Sony and Microsoft consoles, it's much less convincing, due to the lack of an official PlayStation or Xbox license. And then clearly, with a price of 200 €, it is now facing a Hori Fighting Edge PS4 which it is very far from equaling at all levels. It's also € 50 more than a Nacon Daija, which now works on PS4 and PS5 without the need for any subterfuge. And of these three models, the E.G.O seems to us indeed to come third, without the slightest doubt. MadCatz therefore does not produce a shameful product, far from it, but it places itself off the market with a stick that does not perform as well as expected.

Ratings + Positive points Solid construction and platter rigid A precise and fast joystick The comfortable position with plenty of space Very effective Sanwa buttons The number and placement of ancillary functions The hatch to store the cable, the screwdriver and a little more Easy customization and modding - Negatives The complicated multiplatform on consoles Uses a controller to play on PS4 and Xbox One Not compatible with PS5 or Xbox One 4 feet, it is worse than a large plate The price, too high even though it exists under other brands less expensive Clearly c is a bit of a disappointment. Already, we are not really facing a model exclusive to MadCatz, but more a competitor model that the brand is taking over. Then the extended compatibility ultimately hides an absence of official license with the manufacturers of consoles and results in hazardous handling, impractical, and not compatible with the new generation of machines. Considering the price charged, too high, it is difficult to advise this model which is no match for the best models on the market, between Hori Fighting Edge, RAP Pro and Nacon Daija. Too bad because in terms of physical equipment, everything is there, between a rigid platform, a good position and quality equipment. In the end, only electronics do not keep their promises ... While their place is essential. The review of oliveroidubocal MP Twitter Drafting sportsgaming.win April 09, 2021 at 15:50:53 14/20 Amazon offers € 199.99 Free delivery Darty € 199.99 Pick up in Fnac store € 199.99 Pick up in Rakuten store 224, € 30 Free shipping