Clear Plexi Cover for Qanba Obsidian (Standard)

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 Standard Arcade Stick: Description and History

The Qanba Obsidian Standard Arcade Stick is a premium, high-performance arcade stick designed for competitive fighting game players. Renowned for its sleek aesthetic, robust build quality, and customizable features, the Obsidian is one of the top choices for players who demand precision, durability, and style. Manufactured by Qanba, a company well-regarded in the fighting game community (FGC) for producing high-quality controllers, the Obsidian stands out as a versatile and attractive option for both casual and professional players.

Design & Features:

• Premium Components: The Qanba Obsidian Standard comes equipped with Sanwa Denshi buttons and a Sanwa JLF joystick, both of which are considered top-tier components in the FGC. The use of these high-end parts ensures that the stick provides precise, responsive inputs that are essential for competitive gameplay. The Sanwa joystick and buttons are known for their reliability, tactile feedback, and durability, making the Obsidian a standout choice for tournament-level players.

• Elegant Aesthetic: One of the defining features of the Obsidian is its striking, premium design. The stick’s casing is made from high-quality metal and tempered glass, giving it a sleek, polished look reminiscent of the precious stone it’s named after. The black, glossy surface with a reflective glass panel exudes a sophisticated and high-end appearance, making it a visually appealing choice for gamers who appreciate aesthetics in addition to functionality.

• Customizable Artwork: The Qanba Obsidian Standard allows players to personalize the appearance of the stick with custom artwork. The top panel of the arcade stick is equipped with a removable acrylic panel, which can be swapped out with custom prints. This feature appeals to those who want to create a unique, personalized look for their controller, whether it’s showcasing personal artwork or representing a specific gaming franchise.

• Ergonomics and Comfort: The Obsidian Standard is designed with ergonomics in mind, offering a comfortable layout for extended gaming sessions. The joystick is positioned at a natural angle, and the buttons are arranged for easy access, ensuring that players can execute commands quickly without straining their hands. The solid, stable construction of the stick also helps it stay securely in place during intense gaming moments.

• Build Quality: The Obsidian Standard features a heavy-duty metal frame with a tempered glass top, giving it a premium feel while ensuring durability. The stick’s weight provides a stable base that prevents unwanted movement during play, which is especially important in high-stakes competitive environments. The sturdy construction ensures that the Obsidian can withstand the rigors of tournament play while maintaining a sleek and attractive appearance.

• Compatibility: The Qanba Obsidian Standard is compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC through its USB connection. This wide platform compatibility makes the Obsidian an excellent choice for players who participate in various tournaments across different systems. The stick is plug-and-play, meaning no additional drivers or configurations are required, which enhances its convenience for tournament use.

• Additional Features: The Obsidian also features a removable USB cable, which makes transportation easier and ensures the cable is less likely to be damaged. Additionally, it comes equipped with L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons, providing full functionality for the latest fighting games and ensuring that all inputs are covered.

History & Legacy:

The Qanba Obsidian Standard was introduced in 2015 as part of Qanba's lineup of premium arcade sticks. The Obsidian quickly gained recognition for its high-end build quality, stylish design, and professional-level performance. It was released during a time when the fighting game community was seeing an increasing demand for tournament-grade controllers that offered both performance and aesthetic appeal.

• Initial Reception: Upon its release, the Obsidian Standard received praise for its exceptional build quality, ergonomic design, and the use of Sanwa Denshi components. It quickly became a popular choice among competitive players who wanted a reliable and customizable controller that also stood out for its premium appearance. The use of tempered glass in its design was especially unique at the time and added an element of sophistication to the controller.

• Rising Popularity in the FGC: As fighting games like Street Fighter V, Tekken 7, and Guilty Gear Strive began to gain traction in the competitive gaming scene, the Qanba Obsidian became a go-to option for top-level players. Its versatility, with compatibility across multiple platforms (PS4, PS3, and PC), made it a perfect fit for the growing esports tournaments and the competitive FGC at large.

• Customization and Personalization: The Obsidian’s ability to easily swap out artwork became one of its signature features, allowing players to create a controller that reflected their personality or gaming identity. This customization option helped the Obsidian stand out among other arcade sticks, as it offered not only superior performance but also the ability to express creativity and individuality.

• Legacy and Influence: Today, the Qanba Obsidian continues to be a respected and trusted option for players seeking a high-performance arcade stick with a premium design. It helped to set a standard for what players expect from modern arcade sticks, influencing the designs of future controllers in the FGC. The Obsidian's combination of style, durability, and performance has solidified its place as one of the most popular and well-regarded sticks in the competitive scene.

Why It's Popular:

• Premium Components: The use of Sanwa Denshi components (buttons and joystick) provides unparalleled precision, durability, and tactile feedback, which are crucial for competitive gameplay. These premium parts make the Obsidian a top-tier choice for professional players.

• Elegant and Stylish Design: The tempered glass panel and metal frame give the Obsidian an elegant, premium look. Its high-end aesthetic has made it a favorite among players who appreciate both form and function.

• Customization Options: The removable acrylic top panel allows for personalized artwork, enabling players to customize their arcade stick’s look to match their style, favorite games, or personal designs.

• Sturdy Build: The metal frame and heavyweight design of the Obsidian provide excellent stability during gameplay, which is especially important for intense sessions where stability and durability matter most.

• Tournament-Ready Performance: The Qanba Obsidian Standard is built with tournament play in mind, offering a combination of precise controls, reliability, and style. It’s been a popular choice among competitive players at major fighting game tournaments worldwide.

• Platform Compatibility: The multi-platform compatibility (PS4, PS3, and PC) ensures that the Obsidian can be used across different systems, making it a versatile controller for various gaming platforms.

Conclusion

The Qanba Obsidian Standard Arcade Stick is a high-end, customizable controller that offers both aesthetic appeal and tournament-grade performance. With Sanwa Denshi components, a premium build, and the ability to personalize its look with custom artwork, the Obsidian has become a favorite in the fighting game community. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive tournament participant, the Obsidian delivers precision, durability, and style, making it a standout choice in the world of arcade sticks.