Stick arrived! Impressions here: http://d.hatena.ne.jp/elixir68k/20100427
Very easy to open and mod. I think I’ll go ahead and order that LS-56-01 now.
Cool pics! I thought VX-SA stood for “Vewlix Xbox-Special Addition” since the PS3 version’s called the V3-SA (Vewlix PS3-Special Addition). On the HRAP3 SA box, it says, “Hori Real Arcade Pro 3 Special Addition”.
Hah, whoops, I should’ve clarified that most of my experience with the LS-56 is with an octo gate, though I’ve used it both ways. Unlike the JLF octo, the LS-56 octagonal gate actually reduces the throw. The measurements there are for the square gate and are probably correct.
Even with the square gate, the stick feels tighter though, since the engage is noticeably shorter and the spring is a lot stiffer. Whether this is what you want or not is really personal preference. I usually recommend the LS-56 to people who are looking for a Happ-like feel in a Japanese stick (LS-56 w/bat top and octo gate).
You do need the MS mounting plate to match the JLF’s mount.
bump. would like to know this as well.
UPDATE! sony has updated the bc ps3 so now the hori v3 sa works with ps2 games
I picked up a VX-SA today and gave it a few quick aesthetic mods…
I was actually kind of digging the 360 button colors, so I just gave 'em black rims. Capped buttons 7 and 8, rewired LT/RT to LB/RB, meshball.
It’s a really nice stick. Lighter than most, but not too light to be distracting. I haven’t hit the start button by accident yet. It’s super mod friendly, easy to open, quick disconnects, the whole deal. Definitely Hori’s answer to the TE. The Vewlix style sloped wrist rest is very nice, but I think I prefer the TE overall. Then again, maybe I’m just used to it.
My only complaint is that replacing the art will not be easy… I want to tear off the stock laminate to see the screws, but I’m afraid I’ll wreck it 
I hope someone takes the measurements and makes a .psd or .ai soon. I’d do it myself, but I have not the measuring tools…
has anybody ordered one of these from renchi and received notification that it’s been shipped? I ordered one 4 days ago (26 April) and it’s still ‘processing’, they are not responsive to emails either it seems.
Are you able to take a closer pic of the PCB? I’m guessing they are common ground?
If so, I’m definitely down for a daul mod 
This hori V3 SA can used it on Intel latest P55 chipset mobo ?
Can someone confirm about this ?
Wowwww I’m legitimately jealous you have the V3 and VX haha. You get a thumbs up :tup:. I’m hoping to one day get the V3 to replace my TE with SE PCB cause the original PCB shafted me after less than a year.
Have used it for a week now & compared to both the TE “S” & MvC2 sticks sitting right next to it, I like this one better. It feels more comfortable w/the slant/angled wrist area. And no, I don’t have issues w/the TE “S” edges, LOL! It doesn’t feel as sturdy as the TE sticks (read: TE sticks are just a bit less hollow) yet compared to the HRAP3 SA, it feels much more sturdier since that was my main complaint w/the HRAP3 SA. IMO, it’s easier to replace buttons in the V3-SA but then again the TE’s pretty easy as well. I know some peeps are complaining about how tedious it’ll be to replace the artwork but it doesn’t bother me b/c I’m really not into replacing the artwork. This is my main stick currently (until the HRAP 3 Premium VLX arrives on U.S. shores officially) so now I gotta decide which of the other 2 TE sticks I wanna sell (love the metallic comic book cover art of the MvC2 yet I prefer the overall design of the TE “S” better). FWIW, I tried out Seimitsu’s for the 1st time w/this stick & wasn’t feeling it (they’re for sale in the trading outlet now).
Hope this helps potential owners that are deciding between this, HRAP3 SA & a TE.
I’m wondering if this stick will be brought to the US now that the announcement about the Hori VLX American edition has been made…
I’ll say this for Hori —
They sure stole the thunder from Mad Catz this year design-wise (unless MC has something up its sleeve for later in the year).
The new Hori cases are far more attractive to my eyes than the 3rd generation TE-S cases.
Just wish it was possible now to get the new Hori designs without paying an arm and a leg for them in import surcharges!
Has anyone heard anything about more availability? I want this stick but not 200$ bad.
You have to import it… 
$200 is cheap compared to what import costs will range for the original version and the variants. Shipping alone will drive costs past $200 (excepting the Blaz Blu variant).
Domestic (US) production is still up in the air… Hori hasn’t announced anything officially other than the much larger VLX being produced for the US. The VLX is probably shipping in the fall, late summer at earliest.
The VA S3 already has 3 variants announced (Japan-only). The original, sold-out black version, the blue Amazon.com version, and now the Blaz Blu Continuum version (also blue). Frankly, I don’t care for the latter two versions of the VA S3. The original black stick and the white 360 version look much better IMHO.
FWIW, I emailed Hori USA & inquired about when/if the V3-SA & VLX would be available in the states & they said V3-SA NO SOUP FO U!!!..& yes, regarding the VLX.
Can anyone explain what is going on here? http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/seimitsu-joystick/article?mid=35&prev=88&next=34
It looks like this guy bolted an LS-32-01 into the V3-SA without any problems. Can any of you V3-SA or VX-SA owners see what he did. I’ll be all over the VX-SA if I can get an LS-32 in there!
Looks like he just pop it on like you said.
We didn’t know how the Mounting Bracket looks like until now.
Where are guys ordering your VX-SAs? Is it from Renchi? I see that NCSX also sells it, and it comes out to $200 shipped. I don’t know if the site is legit, or if they even have it in stock.
Anyway, let me know where you guys are finding the VX-SA, because it’s time for me to buy one. Thanks.
Someone with the HRAP VLX confirm if it has the same mounting bracket. People would be overjoyed if they can put at least a LS-32 on there.