Artwork Print and Cut for MadCatz TE

Often, you will have several options to personalize your control panel. Note: Not every option will apply to your Fightstick model.

CUT BUTTON INSERTS | HOLOGRAPHIC PATTERNS

Layout Configuration

Each Fightstick has its own characteristics, with some sharing similar elements, such as the popular Vewlix button layout. We will specify what options are available for each Fightstick. Below are the most common button layout configurations:

8 Button Vewlix

First 6 Buttons

Last 6 Buttons

7 Button Vewlix

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Removing Default Elements 

Some Fightsticks, such as the popular MadCatz TE, offer additional personalization options by removing default elements such as control panel, start button, or screws.  Cut options are defaulted to their authentic counterpart, displayed as [YES (default)] in the options list.  For example, a MadCatz TE, the default configuration is to have the turbo/guide portion of the control panel cut, so that the control panel can fit properly.  You have the option to select [NO] to prevent cutting these areas.  

Cut Control Panel? [NO]

Cut Start Button? [NO]

Cut Middle and/or Bottom Screws? [NO]

Cut Control Panel? [NO] - If you own a MadCatz TE, and installed a PS360+, you may no longer need the Turbo/Guide area of the control panel, located at top left.  This option allows you to remove the Turbo/Guide portion.  Please note that you MUST remove the actual control panel on the TE by unscrewing it before applying the plexi, or you risk damaging the plexi.  Also, please make certain to select this option if you are also choosing to have artwork printed, or the plexi and artwork won't match.

Cut Start Button? [NO] - On some joysticks - such as the Qanba Q4 - the start button is directly on the panel.  You can select to have this removed.  You can also select this should you desire a panel similar to the Eightarc Fusion or Synthesis series Fightstick, as the start button is moved elsewhere.  Again, this option is available on specific joysticks.

Cut Middle and/or Bottom Screws? [NO] - Selecting "no" on this option allows you to remove the middle top and bottom screw holes on specific joysticks, either for a cleaner appearance or to avoid rubbing your wrist against the screw.  Please reconsider this option if you intend to have a full panel etch on your plexi, as etching physically changes portions of the plexi due to heat.  In this case, it is best to leave the screw holes in place in order to keep the panel securely positioned.

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Cut Button Inserts

Pushbutton manufacturers such as Sanwa, Seimitsu, Crown and GamerFinger have each produced specific models with a clear or translucent plastic cap and flat plunger.  These are often used to display a graphical insert, allowing you to enhance the button's appearance.  That said, each button manufacturer has designed the artwork cap with a different diameter than their competitors. For example, GamerFinger's artwork cap has a diameter that is slightly larger than Seimitsu or Sanwa.  An insert cut for a Sanwa artwork cap will fit loosely when inserted into the GamerFinger artwork cap.  This is an undesirable result that can produce a white or colored ring around the insert. 

Now, you can choose the button insert cut to match the pushbutton you intend to use.  This allows the insert to fit snugly within the cap.

Brands and Model with Artwork Caps

• Sanwa - OBSC (30mm) | OBSC (24mm)
• Seimitsu - PS-14-GN-C (30mm) | PS-14-DN-C (24mm) | PS-14-K (30mm) | PS-14-KN (30mm) | PS-14-DN-K (24mm)
• Seimitsu - ALUTIMO SSPS MX 24mm and 30mm
• Crown - SDB-201-C, SDB-202 MX (30mm) | SDB-202-MX (24mm)
• Qanba - GRAVITY 24 and 30mm
• GamerFinger - HBFS30 (30mm) |HBFS24 (24mm)

In some instances, a button brand or model does not have a 24mm equivalent with art cap.  In this case, we will cut to the default size of Sanwa 24mm insert.

Please note that if you later intend to purchase a different button, you may need to get new button inserts or new artwork. If you are uncertain which button you may choose, Sanwa is chosen by default.

Button Cut for Qanba Q2 Glow

Qanba Crystal and Q2 Glow feature buttons manufactured by Qanba.  These buttons have a smaller cap diameter, and thus require a smaller artwork insert. If you plan to keep the Qanba Crystal or Q2 Glow buttons installed when updating your artwork, please choose the option "Crystal/Q2 Glow".

24 vs 30mm

When processing orders, a frequent mistake we found among new players is choosing the wrong size for action buttons, such as punch and kick.

Within the fighting game genre, Japanese arcade buttons commonly consist of two diameter sizes: 24 millimeter and 30 milllimeter (mm). In most configurations, 30mm represents your action button.  These are front facing, appearing most prominent on your Fightstick control panel.  Option button, such as "Start", "Select", or more recently "Option", "Touch", or "Share" are usually 24mm.

UPDATE: Owners of Neo Geo AES Joysticks will need 24mm pushbuttons instead of 30mm (Thanks SRK's DEZALB)

Below is a visual representation of a common Fightstick control panel.  Throughout this article, we will mark 24mm in green, and 30mm in Orange.

Checking the Proper Size

Another way that players can misinterpret the pushbutton size is by measuring the pushbutton plunger.  Have a look at the diagram at right.

The plunger - the part that you press down to represent an input - is 25mm or a bit smaller in most 30mm pushbuttons.  Often this leads to the conclusion that one needs a 24mm button and not 30mm.

Similarly measuring the button rim can lead to confusion, as it is intentionally larger than the button hole it is placed in.  You don't want to use these measurements.  Instead, review the button housing diameter, or the hole the button will be placed in.  You can do this with a caliper - a digital caliper is often quite helpful for this and other arcade-related projects.

Control Panel Configuration

Most Fightsticks from MadCatz, Hori, Qanba, and similar will use these two sizes.  How the buttons are used will depend on the model joystick that you own. Over time, we'll provide example configurations for specific popular Fightstick models and arcade cabinets using the color key for 24mm (green) and 30mm (orange).  We'll also expand the key for future models if another size is introduced, and we offer for sale.

Holograph Patterns

The following patterns are available. Artwork is printed atop the pattern and its color changing effects will appear underneath.

No Pattern (Rainbow)

Dots: Donuts

Dots: Dots Lite

Dots: Space Dots

Dots: Little Boxes

Diagonal: Static Storm

Diagonal: Thatched

Horizontal: Pillars of Light

Vertical: Tinsel

Texture: Texture 2

Texture: Magnetic Fur

Theme: Cannabis

Theme: Vortex

Wavy: Moon Lava

Wavy: Swirl 3

If you would like to use a free, online Photoshop-like app to check out whether your artwork will work with a layout we offer, I highly recommend Photopea  This amazing app works with our PSD templates and is a great way to preview your artwork or create new art files. It also exports to PSD, which is the format we recommend for submitting artwork.

Visit Photopea 

New to FA Plexworks?

Click the "Options" tab for a detailed explanation of each customization option available to you. Using a mobile device?  Click here to scroll to the descriptions.

Artwork templates

We offer a photoshop template for each custom artwork or custom plexi etch. Click the "Description" tab (or scroll up if on mobile device) to display the template and download. You can also click here to access our repository and download artwork and etch templates (in Photoshop PSD format) for your desired model and others.

Important: Using templates outside of the ones we provide may produce unwanted output.  We are not responsible for output generated from unsupported templates.  More information here.

Warranty and Support for FA Plexworks Custom Order

Custom orders cannot be returned for refund, or exchanged for another custom order. Orders damaged upon arrival are subject to special terms within our return policy. Please see our FA Plexworks FAQ for more information about our Plexworks return policy and related Q&A.

If you have not used our Plexworks custom services before, we recommend that you visit our support section for updated information, helpful tips, and resources to get the best output.

Some useful sections to review before making your purchase (will open in new browser window or tab):

• Learn about our  Custom Job Tracker to keep tabs on your custom order while staff processes it from start to finish.
• Save time getting answers by visiting our FAQ.
• Learn more about the personalization options available to you.
• Hire a skilled artist from the Fightstick Artists Network to visualize your idea.
• Handling the artwork yourself? Review our requirements and get tips to optimize your laser etch or artwork submission.
• Learn about additional products and services we offer under FA Plexworks.