If they’re going to have space for storing parts inside the stick, I think it should be for different shaped gates. That’s the only part I realistically see being swapped as players hand off the stick. (And the hinged lid should make it really easy to swap gates.)
I could imagine using the button storage if you swapped an 8-panel top (like the default one) for a 6-button one (MK maybe), but since there’s no storage in the stick for the panel, it doesn’t much matter that you can put the buttons in there.
Oh, and maybe storage space for a small screwdriver. Since you’re not going to be putting that bat top on securely without one.
Maybe if the bottom of the stick is as wide as, or wider than, the top, the replacement faceplate could bolt onto the bottom via some screws (perhaps in the rubber feet) that line up with screws on the top? Like how you can get Tek Innovations plexis for artwork on the bottom, only it’s a faceplate that sits there til you swap it in. Then you can bolt the old faceplate to the bottom for safekeeping, until you switch it again.
I actually like the idea of the extra two buttons + battop holder in the bottom-right part. If you’ve ever had a button break on you during gameplay (I have, twice, in different sessions), a spare button on the fly is a nice way to go. The battop, not my personal pref, but I can see some users wanting that.
Work with Phreakmods to get a mass production of these things out. Add the Link to the stock joystick, and give enough space to store it when you open that mug up, as well as a little cover (with the Razer logo!) for the hole.
For the matter of allowing people to customize things, they should include a little tool (hex or otherwise) for accessing whatever screws/parts they use and a spot to store it. A little snap-in groove/holster in the usb compartment at the bottom/under the usb cable perhaps? I like the idea of a removable/custom bottom-right storage area. Or heck, the entire bottom could be customizable so that you can store the cable to the right and whatever to the left. Simple removable partitions perhaps?
As for the top being customizable… Perhaps the bottom and top plates can be the same size and have the same screw ports/holes. Need to swap out your Vewlix setup for the MK panel? Yeah, it’s at the bottom. 5 minute swap later, you have it! For that matter, add some button identification tags to the wires or something to make it easier to plug back in after you’re done. Also, for F’s sake, if you’re going to allow people to move things around, use WAY higher quality screws than Madcatz uses. This will probably be a premium over the TE anyhow, you might as well make sure the screws last a lot longer.
Edit: As for “allowing” pcb (dual/multimodding) modification, perhaps outbound pins for a ribbon cable? I’m sure Toodles or others would have a good/better idea for that. Just something less prone to the mass people at hand frying it, should they get a 3rd party pcb with a ribbon cable connector is all.
I like the removable inserts idea, because it would be so easy to just carve out a Link “slot” out of some foam, with some velcro straps or something to hold it in place during transport. I’m already looking at throwing something like this into a design for a stick I’m working on now.
The storage compartments, while novel, seem pointless. If you’re in your house those parts are in a drawer, if you’re at a tournament they’re in the bag you brought the stick in.
I think the biggest plus to this stick (from what i can see) is the push button entry if you want to make changes to the stick on the go. The biggest downfall is the sanwa only harness. The storage compartments are not a complete waste. Storage for a bat top is cool; however I would rather have storage for a different gate as opposed to extra buttons, as your buttons rarely fail, however you may have different people with different preferences using your stick or may prefer different settings for different games. On another note anybody know what the approximate weight of this thing is and what the underside looks like as I have not seen pics of the bottom of this thing
SODC please? In any shape or form. I see a lot of TEs converted into hitboxes on the “check out my new arcade stick” thread and it would suck for this to not be tournament legal after all this appeal to the modding community.
