Mayflash F700 Arcade Stick Review

I recently spent some time with the Mayflash F700 arcade stick, a controller that is both hefty and versatile. Weighing in at around six pounds (2.69 kg), it’s a device built with enthusiasts of fighting games and retro arcade shoot-’em-ups in mind. The F700 is priced at $149, putting it firmly in the premium category, but it offers a wide range of features to justify that investment. You can check it out in my latest review.

Right out of the box, the F700 is equipped with Mayflash-branded controls. The joystick has a satisfying click with every movement, offering a tactile, mechanical feel. The buttons, while quieter, are responsive, featuring shallow actuation and a quick spring-back that lends itself well to fast-paced gameplay. If customization is your thing, both the joystick and buttons can be swapped out for Sanwa components. Mayflash also sells a more premium version with those Sanwa controls already installed. Additionally, the controller’s top acrylic panel, held in place by magnets, allows you to personalize its appearance by replacing the background with your own design.

Another customizable feature is the gate for the joystick. The device comes with an octagonal gate as an alternative to the default rounded square one. While swapping gates requires disassembling the controller, it’s a useful option for those who want more precise control tailored to specific games.

The F700 also boasts a variety of connectivity options. The controller can be used via USB, 2.4GHz wireless with a dongle, or Bluetooth. Its built-in 1,000 mAh battery ensures tens of hours of wireless play. For wired connections, the cable is conveniently stored inside the controller, accessible through a small door. A notch on the door allows you to keep the cable partially exposed for quicker access. One gotchya is that the cable is not easily removed or replaced, it’s hard wired inside.

Compatibility is another standout feature. The F700 works with an impressive array of platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 3, Android devices, Apple products, and retro emulation consoles like the Sega Genesis Mini and Neo Geo Mini. While it’s technically compatible with the PlayStation 5, it only supports games that allow legacy PS4 controllers, which limits its usability on that platform. During my tests, the controller performed seamlessly across several systems, including a PC, a PS4, the Nintendo Switch, and my MiSTer console.

While the controller lacks a customization tool there’s still a bunch of functionality on board. There’s a switch that lets you map the joystick to act as a left stick, right stick, or D-pad, depending on your needs along with the ability to apply turbo to specific buttons. There’s even a headset jack for trash-talking during online matches, though it’s limited to certain connection methods like USB or the 2.4GHz dongle on the PC and PS3/PS4.

In terms of gameplay, the F700 delivers a satisfying arcade experience. I tested it with arcade classics like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the MiSTer and Street Fighter 2 on the Switch, as well as shoot ’em up titles like the original arcade Zaxxon. The controls felt precise and responsive, with no noticeable input lag when hardwired to a PC or the MiSTer.

For latency testing, I recorded gameplay using an iPhone at 240 frames per second, capturing both the button press and the on-screen response. By analyzing the footage frame by frame, I counted the number of frames it took for the input to register on the display. This approach, while not as scientifically rigorous as connecting electronics directly to the controller for precise measurements, provides a reliable baseline for comparison across different controllers and configurations.

That testing revealed the F700’s strong performance. When wired to a gaming laptop, it registered input in just seven frames at 240 frames per second, a remarkably low number. The 2.4GHz dongle added a mere three to four frames, while Bluetooth added a few additional frames. On the Nintendo Switch, however, latency was higher, with input taking around 18 frames. This result aligns with the Switch’s hardware limitations rather than any fault of the controller.

Overall, the Mayflash F700 is a solid choice for casual and enthusiast arcade players alike. Its extensive compatibility, customizable features, and robust build quality make it a versatile option for a variety of gaming setups.

Disclosure: Mayflash provided the F700 to the channel free of charge. However no other compensation was received and they did not review or approve the video or this post before it was uploaded. All opinions are my own.