Clear Plexi Cover for Qanba Obsidian 1 Stickless

To gain access to your Artwork or Plexi please be careful as the original panel has artwork permanently attached to it, the 6 black stickers will need removing before gaining access to the screws.

Qanba Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless Arcade Stick: Description and History:

The Qanba Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless Arcade Stick represents an innovative and cutting-edge approach to arcade controllers. Part of Qanba’s prestigious Obsidian series, the Stickless Leveless model takes a bold departure from the traditional arcade stick design. Instead of featuring a traditional joystick (the "stick"), it features a button-based control system, which provides a more dynamic and customizable experience for fighting game players, as well as offering a unique solution for those who struggle with traditional joystick input. The Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless is the embodiment experimentation with different input methods while maintaining the premium quality and performance the Obsidian series is known for.

Design & Features:
Stickless Control System: The standout feature of the Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless is its stickless design, which eliminates the traditional joystick in favor of a leverless input system. Instead of the usual joystick that moves in Eight directions, the Leveless system replaces the stick with multiple buttons  to control movement. This alternative control scheme is designed to make execution of complex movements easier and more customizable. The absence of a joystick means that players can use their thumbs or fingers more freely to execute combos and commands.

Button Control: In place of the traditional joystick, the Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless incorporates a an all button system for movement control. This is paired with a set of buttons to facilitate all the necessary directional commands and action buttons. The buttons allows for precise and smooth input for motion, while the button control system is configured to allow the player to map moves and attacks just like on traditional arcade sticks. This unique approach creates an interesting blend of arcade and keyboard-style controls, appealing to both fighting game enthusiasts and players looking for a new input method.

Premium Sanwa Components: Despite the unique stickless design, the Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless maintains Qanba's reputation for quality with Sanwa Denshi parts, such as Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons. These high-quality buttons offer the same excellent responsiveness and durability seen in other Qanba Obsidian models, ensuring that players can count on precision and reliability. The button mechanism, designed for smooth and fluid movement, further enhances the gaming experience by providing better control than a traditional joystick.

Aesthetic Design: The Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless retains the premium look that the Obsidian series is known for. Featuring a sleek black metal casing and a glossy tempered glass top, the stick maintains the high-end aesthetic of its Obsidian siblings. The glass top showcases the bold design choices and lets players enjoy an elegant visual experience while maintaining the same level of durability and robustness that the Obsidian series is known for.

Customization Options: Much like other Obsidian models, the Leveless version allows for customizable artwork via a removable acrylic top panel. Players can personalize the look of the arcade stick, swapping out the artwork to reflect their own style or represent their favorite characters or game franchises. This feature appeals to a wide variety of users, especially those who enjoy expressing their personality through their gaming gear.

Platform Compatibility: The Qanba Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless is compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC. This ensures it can be used for a variety of fighting games across different platforms, making it a versatile choice for gamers who play on multiple systems. Whether you’re participating in online competitions or practicing in the comfort of your own home, the stickless design ensures a unique and adaptable experience across different setups.

Innovative Input for Competitive Play: Although the stickless design may initially seem unconventional, the Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless brings an innovative approach to fighting games. Players who have mastered the  button-based control can benefit from improved precision and quicker reactions, as the lack of a joystick allows for greater flexibility in control. The absence of the joystick also addresses concerns such as joystick wear and tear, giving players a different kind of control experience that may be better suited to their playstyle.

History & Legacy:
The Qanba Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless was part of a broader effort to push the boundaries of arcade stick design and offer a unique alternative to the standard joystick-based controllers. Released in the early 2020s, the Leveless model aimed to innovate within the realm of arcade sticks by providing players with an alternative input system for those who found traditional joysticks challenging or limiting.

A Unique Solution to Traditional Controls: The Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless was developed as a direct response to the growing demand for more customizable control schemes in the fighting game community. Some players struggle with the traditional joystick movement system, particularly in games requiring precise directional inputs. system on the Leveless offers a solution by providing an alternative that can offer more fluid movement, potentially improving the accuracy and comfort for some users. This model caters to players looking for a new kind of input device, whether they’re veterans of the fighting game scene or newcomers exploring alternative controller options.

Reception in the FGC: The introduction of the Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless met mixed but generally positive feedback. While many players were initially skeptical about the new design, particularly because of the radical departure from the traditional joystick layout, others welcomed the innovative approach. For players who felt constrained by traditional sticks, the Leveless model provided a refreshing alternative. Those willing to experiment with new input methods found that the all button system could offer smoother, more precise movements in certain fighting game titles.

Why It's Popular:
Innovative Stickless Design: The Leveless design offers a fresh alternative for gamers who are looking for a different kind of arcade controller. The button input allows for smoother, more fluid movement than a traditional joystick, offering increased comfort for some players.

Premium Sanwa Components: Despite its unconventional design, the Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless retains the high-quality Sanwa components that fighting game players expect from a Qanba controller. The use of Sanwa buttons ensures that the control response remains fast, accurate, and durable.

Customization: The ability to customize the arcade stick’s appearance with removable artwork allows players to express their style, just like the original Obsidian models.

Comfort and Flexibility: The Button input system and button layout can potentially offer greater flexibility and comfort for players who have issues with traditional joysticks. The stickless design reduces hand strain, while providing players with an alternative way to execute complex movements and attacks.

Aesthetic Appeal: Like the other Obsidian series models, the Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless has a sleek, premium design that fits the high standards of Qanba’s arcade stick aesthetics. Its glossy tempered glass top and metal frame make it both a visually striking and durable choice for players who care about both form and function.

Conclusion
The Qanba Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless Arcade Stick represents a bold step forward in arcade stick design. By eliminating the traditional joystick and offering a button-based input system, Qanba has created a controller that caters to players who seek greater flexibility, precision, and comfort in their controls. Though unconventional, the Leveless model stands out as an innovative solution for players looking for an alternative to the standard arcade stick design, maintaining the premium quality and customizable features that the Obsidian series is known for. For those ready to embrace a new way of playing fighting games, the Qanba Obsidian 1 Stickless Leveless offers a unique and exciting option.