Hori released this in Japan some days ago.
More pictures here. It seems like the EX is US exclusive. Japan didn’t get it, but an additional blue model instead.
Play-Asia lists both US models and the blue JP model.
Hori FS Mini EX $39.99
Hori FS Mini 3 $39.99
Hori FS Mini 3 JP $59.99
Amazon got both listed, but not available for pre-order just yet.
Looks like a too tight of a fit to do any reasonable modding
Looks cute. I wonder if those button holes are 24mm… But outside of potentially fitting in 24mm buttons, and probably replacing the microswitches on the stick, there doesn’t look like there is much to be done in there without too much work.
At least it’s not too expensive. I’d consider getting one just for kicks, with the presumption that Amazon would list them cheaper than Play-Asia.
It is the same size as their FS Mini released on PS2 some time back.
24mm buttons should work fine, and there is just enough space to take out the button pcb’s and replace with something usable. A PS360+ will be a tight fit.
Replacing the joystick is even more problematic. When I last looked at the PS2 Mini I don’t think I could get even a LS-33 to fit.
I’m disappointed that Hori have gone back to their EX2 roots when designing the pcb’s for this PS3 version. Boards all over the place connected by ribbon cables. Messy. Oh yeah, the stick itself is a pain to operate if you are used to bigger sticks. You have to completely readjust your hand positions and strength at which you press the buttons & joystick (because the whole things weighs next to nothing).
Being ninny here.
PlayStation 2 time, it was not called mini.
The released was HORI Compact Joystick.
Before the mini 3/EX name, HORI named this Compact also.
HORI Compact Joystick 3/EX.
Now though, you see the new name.
HORI Fighting Stick mini 3/EX.
^ Noted.
IMO, if you wanted a stick for that price, there are other options out there that are more moddable.
I also want to add that there is a reason I tell people to stay away from sticks that retails for less than $50
cute. kinda want. but in blue/violet. not for 60 though. jebus. period.
I’d get one for my sister.
Looks like a decent loaner stick.
FWIW, these go for around $55 shipped on eBay.
Just got one. Holes are a lot smaller than 24mm. It seems to use switches that are the same form factor as sw-68’s. You have to desolder the board. Seems way to thin for any joystick swap mod. Sanwa and Seimitsu 24mm button plungers are the right diameter to use without the rims, but the snap in tabs are oriented 90 degrees the wrong way.Possible to change colors on the buttons if you cut the button plungers to the right depth, and maybe some super glue too.
^interesting. anything to note about the stick?
Not really. Joystick feels a little too stiff for the small base. This causes the case to move around in your lap because it is so light. Might want to try getting low resistance microswitches from paradise arcade. It is more stable on a coffee table.
Case looks to be 1.25 inches so no joystick swapping looks feasable.
I don’t really like it much as a game play stick.
It looks like the pcb is common ground.
Cool stick to dick around with one of those stick just to have as a conversation peice. No need to complain about the design obviously no one should recommend it to someone who doesn’t already own a few sticks already.
Is there a difference between FS Mini 3 and FS Mini Ex besides the PS3/360 difference? I need this for 360.
ill probly get one or two for when those damn niece and nephews come over, so they’ll stop touching my crap
quick query, seems like the ball top is smaller than standard size? is the shaft mounted shorter too?
Wondering about the buttons:
Ball is smaller than a standard 35 mm ball top, and slightly larger than a 30mm ball. Probably 32 mm. Didn’t measure the shaft. The pivot of it sits really high.