Clear Plexi Cover for Qanba Obsidian Pearl

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 Pearl Arcade Stick: Description and History

The Qanba Obsidian Pearl Arcade Stick is a premium, visually striking, and high-performance arcade controller designed for serious fighting game enthusiasts. As a part of the Qanba Obsidian series, the Pearl model takes the already impressive design and features of the original Obsidian stick and adds a luxurious touch with its mother-of-pearl finish. The result is a controller that combines elegant aesthetics with exceptional performance, making it a popular choice for competitive players, casual gamers, and collectors alike.

Design & Features:

• Luxurious Aesthetic Design: One of the standout features of the Qanba Obsidian Pearl is its stunning appearance. The Pearl edition takes the already premium design of the original Obsidian and enhances it with a beautiful mother-of-pearl finish on the top panel. This gives the stick a glossy, reflective surface that radiates an elegant, high-end feel. The shimmering surface creates a visually appealing, dynamic effect depending on the lighting, making it one of the most eye-catching arcade sticks available.

• Sanwa Denshi Components: Like the Qanba Obsidian Standard, the Obsidian Pearl is built with Sanwa Denshi components, including the Sanwa JLF joystick and Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons. These components are the gold standard in the fighting game community (FGC) and offer unmatched responsiveness, precision, and durability. The high-quality parts ensure that players get the best performance, whether they are casually playing or competing at a high level.

• Customizable Artwork: The Obsidian Pearl features a removable acrylic top panel, allowing players to easily replace the artwork with their own custom design. This customization feature appeals to players who want a personalized look for their arcade stick, whether it's showcasing a favorite character, artwork, or branding. The interchangeable art panel allows for full customization, making it easy to tailor the stick to a player's personal style or preferences.

• Ergonomic Layout: The Qanba Obsidian Pearl offers an ergonomic layout that prioritizes comfort during extended gaming sessions. The joystick is positioned at an optimal angle, and the action buttons are arranged in a familiar, easy-to-reach configuration. This ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue, allowing players to execute commands swiftly and comfortably during intense matches.

• Build Quality: The Obsidian Pearl features a sturdy metal frame with a premium tempered glass top. The tempered glass not only enhances the controller’s luxurious aesthetic but also contributes to its durability. The heavy-duty build provides a stable base, preventing the stick from sliding during gameplay, even during the most intense fighting game sessions.

• Platform Compatibility: Like its predecessor, the Obsidian Pearl is compatible with PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 3 (PS3), and PC via a USB connection. This broad compatibility makes the stick a versatile choice for players who enjoy playing across different platforms or who participate in tournaments on various systems.

• Removable USB Cable: The Obsidian Pearl features a removable USB cable, making it easy to transport and store. This feature also ensures that the cable won’t get damaged during travel or storage. The detachable cable enhances the stick's portability and ensures that it remains functional for long-term use.

History & Legacy:

The Qanba Obsidian Pearl was introduced as a premium variant of the original Qanba Obsidian Arcade Stick, which was released to critical acclaim in 2015. The original Obsidian was praised for its sleek design, tournament-ready features, and premium components. Building on the success of the Obsidian, Qanba decided to release the Obsidian Pearl to offer players a more refined and luxurious alternative.

• Introduction of the Pearl Edition: The Obsidian Pearl was designed to appeal to players who wanted something even more visually striking and premium. The mother-of-pearl finish added an element of sophistication and exclusivity to the controller, attracting players who wanted a unique and eye-catching arcade stick. While it retained all the features of the original Obsidian, the Pearl was marketed as a higher-end version, suitable for collectors and those who appreciated both aesthetics and performance.

• Success in the FGC: Just like the Obsidian, the Obsidian Pearl gained popularity in the fighting game community (FGC). Its combination of luxury aesthetics and top-tier performance quickly made it a favorite among competitive players, casual enthusiasts, and those seeking a standout arcade stick. The use of Sanwa Denshi components, coupled with its premium build and customizable options, solidified its reputation as one of the best arcade sticks available.

• Customization and Personalization: The removable artwork panel in the Obsidian Pearl continued to be one of the standout features of the Obsidian series. Many players in the FGC enjoy personalizing their arcade sticks to match their unique tastes, whether it's through custom art, button modifications, or other customizations. This made the Obsidian Pearl not just a controller, but a statement piece for fighting game players.

• Impact on the FGC and Modern Arcade Stick Design: The Obsidian Pearl built upon Qanba's reputation for producing premium arcade sticks, influencing the design of future controllers in the market. Its success showed that there was demand for arcade sticks that combined high-performance parts, unique aesthetics, and customization options. The Obsidian Pearl and its predecessor helped raise the bar for quality in the FGC, showing that performance and luxury could coexist in one package.

Why It's Popular:

• Premium Components: Like other high-end arcade sticks, the Qanba Obsidian Pearl uses Sanwa Denshi parts, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability. These parts provide excellent responsiveness, smooth controls, and durability, all of which are essential for competitive play.

• Stunning Aesthetic Design: The mother-of-pearl finish is a key highlight of the Obsidian Pearl, making it a visually appealing choice for gamers who value style. Its shiny, reflective surface sets it apart from other arcade sticks, making it not just a tool for gaming but also a work of art that players can proudly display.

• Customization Options: The removable acrylic top panel allows players to replace the artwork, offering a high level of personalization. This feature allows owners to make their arcade stick unique, whether it’s through fan art, personal designs, or branding.

• Ergonomics and Comfort: The Obsidian Pearl is designed for comfort, with an easy-to-reach button layout and a joystick that’s positioned for optimal gameplay. Its solid construction ensures it stays in place during intense gaming sessions, while the ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue.

• Durability and Build Quality: The metal frame and tempered glass panel make the Obsidian Pearl a durable and long-lasting controller. Its build quality makes it a reliable choice for competitive players who need an arcade stick that can withstand the rigors of tournament play.

• Platform Compatibility: The PS4, PS3, and PC compatibility ensures that the Obsidian Pearl can be used across various platforms, making it a versatile option for a wide range of players.

Conclusion

The Qanba Obsidian Pearl Arcade Stick represents the pinnacle of premium arcade stick design, blending luxury aesthetics with high-performance functionality. Its mother-of-pearl finish, Sanwa Denshi components, and customizable artwork panel make it a standout choice for competitive and casual players alike. With a focus on both style and performance, the Obsidian Pearl continues to be a popular option in the fighting game community. Whether you're looking for a controller that offers tournament-grade reliability or simply want an elegant, personalized gaming experience, the Qanba Obsidian Pearl stands as one of the finest arcade sticks available on the market.