First off, we've got the Mad Catz Street Fighter pads.  These controllers, featuring some horrid character art, are definitely a step up from from the PS3's or 360's pad.  The raised D-pad is good but not great.  While most players won't notice or care too much, the D-pad is a little stiff - definitely a turn-off for the hardcore.  The button layout is close to perfection but not all the way there.  For me, at least, the six face buttons are a little too far to the left, so I have to stretch my thumb a bit to hit the "weak" buttons.  The buttons themselves are unfortunately stiff; a bit too much effort is needed to push them down.  For the most part, this isn't a huge issue, but if you're pulling off some lightning-quick strings, you might miss a command by not pushing a button in all the way.  The shoulder buttons are decent.  They have a satisfying click to them and are conveniently placed.  The housing of the controller took some getting used to.  The curves didn't contour to my hands and the thing just felt awkward.  All in all, if you can't afford a stick, I'd pick up one of these.  If, however, you can't get a stick and you're playing on the PS3, you will be definitely more satisfied with a USB Sega Saturn pad (which is incompatible with the 360).  The Saturn pad is, hands down, the best pad for fighters.  Plus, you can get one new in box on ebay for around the same price as the Mad Catz pad.

Now, if you're a big boy, you might scoff at the idea of using a pad to play Street Fighter - that shit's for scrubs, right?  Thankfully, you've got a few options for sticks - as long as your wallet is as thick as Chun-Li's thighs.

At the low end, there's the Hori Fighting Stick EX 2 which will cost you $60.  Though it's the cheapest of the arcade stick options, it shouldn't be underestimated.  I love this thing.  Hori makes some solid stuff and this stick is no different.  While it's not quite as good as something you'd find on an actual arcade cabinet, it's pretty damn close.  The space between the pole and the housing is only very slightly too large, but everything else is perfect, not to mention it looks great.  I just wish it was as easily modifiable as the top two sticks.

Similar to the EX 2 is the Mad Catz FightStick.  This seems to be the worst out of all these choices, which isn't to say it's terrible; it's just not as good as the others.  The pole is very loose and is too sensitive.  Sensitivity is a top priority for a good stick, but this one's a little too touchy.  The buttons on the other hand, are much better; they only need a light tap to be recognized by the console.  If you're thinking of picking up one of the low-end sticks, however, I'd recommend the EX 2, which has a better pole and is more aesthetically pleasing.

The next step up is Hori's Real Arcade Pro EX.  This thing is a beast - set it down on a table and it's not going anywhere while you play.  It looks similar to the EX 2, but has an extra pair of face buttons for 3X punch of kick commands.  The spacing between the pole and the chassis that I mentioned on the EX2 is now correct and the mic jack for chatting is in a much more manageable position.  While not as modifiable as the Mad Catz Fight Stick, it doesn't seem too difficult to swap out the buttons (I would kill for a stick with concave buttons).  The tank-like build and nearly arcade perfect pole and buttons make this stick a solid investment for the top tier players, as long as they have $130 to spare.

Finally, the most expensive choice of an arcade stick is the Mad Catz Street Fighter IV FighStick Tournament Edition - that stick is a mouthful!  I haven't personally played this one, so I'll just be reiterating what I've heard of the FightStick Tournament Edition.  Again, Mad Catz is lacking in the art department, so the thing isn't as pretty as it should be.  Other than that, though, this one seems to be the best stick made for consoles - ever.  Official Sanwa Denshi hardware make this the best choice for the most demanding players who can't stand anything other than a perfect recreation of an arcade cabinet.  It has a similar button layout to the Pro EX and is easily modded - just take off the back plate for easy access to plugs and wires, no soldering needed.  Unfortunately, the stick is both very expensive (it goes for a whopping $170) and very rare.  They are already sold out, but Mad Catz has promised another run of them, so there's still hope.

So here's the Sparknotes version: If you like to use a pad and own a 360, get one of the Mad Catz pads.  If you own a PS3, though, get a USB Saturn pad.  If you want a low end stick, get the Hori EX 2, and for a high end stick, the Mad Catz FightStick Tournament Edition is the best buy but is difficult to find, and the Pro EX comes in a close second.

As a final note, beware of price gaugers.  While perusing Amazon for prices, none of these products other than the Saturn pad were at a reasonable price.  Your best bet is to keep calling retail stores rather than try to snag something from eBay or Amazon.  Good luck and I'll see you online.

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