Pros
Gorgeous design
High-grade components
Impeccable craftsmanship
Cons
Only works on the SNES
Ridiculously costly
Key Specifications
Review Price: £395
CNC precision-machined unibody design
Sanwa parts
Works on PAL and NTSC {hardware}
Adjustable Master Turbo mode
Instant button remapping switches
What is the Shika Arcades Sozu.S1?
Arcade sticks have been a part of the online game accent scene because the early days of the {industry}. Today, purists will assume nothing of spending jaw-dropping quantities to realize the “perfect” interface expertise for titles comparable to Street Fighter V, Dragon Ball FighterZ and Soulcalibur VI. However, the Sozu.S1 arcade stick – created by fledgling UK firm Shika Arcades – takes this admirable dedication to a complete new degree.
Constructed from architectural-grade bamboo and boasting industry-leading arcade componentry, it’s designed to be not solely the last word controller for the 16-bit Super Nintendo, but additionally a bit of restricted version artwork that can gracefully age over time and enhance in worth. Precision-engineered and completed by hand, such decadence predictably doesn’t come low cost; the Sozu.S1 prices an eye-watering £395.
Shika Arcades Sozu.S1 – Design
It isn’t on a regular basis you see a controller that’s made out of wooden, however the Sozu.S1 has been designed with greater than mere performance in thoughts; that is presupposed to be an object of inventive magnificence. Bamboo has been specifically chosen for its rugged traits, and has been CNC machined and hand-sanded for a really attractive appear and feel. It’s completed with a wax coating that retains moisture out of your sweaty palms at bay.
The Sozu.S1 is obtainable in two color schemes – Duotone and Natural – however the first batch of 100 is Duotone solely, so that you’ll have to attend till Shika Arcades has completed manufacturing and delivery these ‘First Edition’ models earlier than you will get your fingers on the opposite choice.
The Duotone mannequin makes use of carbonised bamboo for a contrasting look, however irrespective of which you select, no two Sozu.S1 sticks will likely be equivalent. Each one is exclusive, as a result of that is bamboo we’re speaking about right here – you’ll be able to’t mass-produce that in a manufacturing facility.
On the highest of the controller you’ll discover six Sanwa-made motion buttons – organized within the tried-and-tested two-row configuration made well-known by Capcom’s Street Fighter II – in addition to a row of three switches that can help you toggle the button format on the fly. There’s a Start and Select button, in addition to a Master Turbo dial. Recessed within the bottom-left nook is a brass Shika Arcades token, which is similar measurement as a 100 Yen coin.
On the underside of the Sozu.S1 are 4 rubber ft, which give the unit excellent stability when it’s resting on a flat floor, in addition to a steel panel that shows the serial quantity. The cable that connects the controller to your SNES (or Japanese Super Famicom) is roofed in super-tough pink braiding, and there’s a protecting cowl the place it joins the plug, for added power.
Shika Arcades Sozu.S1 – Features
The Sozu.S1’s stick and buttons use super-responsive and hard-wearing micro-switched connections which might be widespread within the arcade scene. Manufactured by Sanwa – a Japanese firm which, amongst different issues, specialises in coin-op and controller parts – they’re exact, strong and really, very noisy. Each push of the stick or press of a button ends in an audible “click” because the micro-switch connects. It’s a sound that will likely be immediately acquainted to anybody who remembers the golden period of arcades, however for those who’re used to trendy controllers then it may be a bit overwhelming.
Noisiness apart, the Sanwa components be certain that each motion and button enter feels improbable; the stick actually comes into its personal when enjoying fast-paced titles comparable to Street Fighter II, Contra III or Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts.
If you’re enjoying an arcade shooter then the “Master Turbo” system will likely be of curiosity. You can allow it with the flick of a change and management the pace with the CNC lathed aluminium management dial. The different row of switches – situated above the primary motion buttons – allow you to remap the controls, which is helpful if you would like a barely totally different format for sure video games. The stick comes with an honest set of directions that designate precisely how these options work.
When you’re spending the very best a part of £400 on a controller, you ideally need it to be appropriate with as many programs as attainable – however the Sozu.S1 will solely connect with the SNES (and its Japanese equal, the Super Famicom). The plug is equivalent to the one you’ll discover on these consoles – a very proprietary connection created by Nintendo – so there’s no probability of utilizing it together with your different retro programs (the Mega Drive, for instance, used an off-the-shelf 9-pin connector that was additionally discovered on the Master System, Amiga, C64 and different programs).
Had Shika Arcades gone for a multi-plug connector – and even included a USB choice – then the Sozu.S1 could be extra interesting, however the firm has acknowledged its goal was to create the absolute best controller for the SNES. On the flip aspect, had extra programs been supported, then the price of buy would have risen dramatically.
Verdict
Usually, we’d scoff on the thought of spending £400 on a controller that may solely be used with a single (outdated) console, however the Sozu.S1 is far more than only a easy gaming interface. It’s an funding that won’t solely enhance in worth as time goes on, however it can additionally age superbly. In brief, it’s positive to grow to be the centerpiece of your classic gaming assortment.
Nevertheless, the price of entry is astronomical and it’s clear this isn’t going to be a product for everybody. If you’re fairly comfy experiencing the 16-bit golden period in your SNES Classic Edition, and don’t see the necessity to use authentic {hardware}, you’re unlikely to see the enchantment of a picket arcade stick that prices as a lot as a PS4 Pro.
However, retro gaming purists are prone to have positioned their preorder weeks in the past. The price could also be really formidable, however this actually is the very best controller you will get for the unique SNES – a distinct segment accolade if ever there was one.
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