The Link: Project to solve travel issues and storage problems with joystick tops Kickstarter campaign, stretch goal funded

I installed this before I deployed and it works like a charm. I can throw the arcade stick in my bag with my PS3 and stick the balltop in another pocket. My only problem is sometimes the balltop gets loss during play, but I haven't been able to test out other tops.

Anybody try this out on a Silent Sanwa? I'm thinking about giving it a shot, but I already have a bag for my other stick.

I use a link in my stick... its fantastic... highly recommended!

Good idea but need more improvement. I can see people hitting hard on the joystick, and the sticks may pop out of its socket during gameplay.

This is actually pretty cool, I'll pledge.

#3 - I'm SURE that's taken into consideration and engineered well enough to avoid accidentally problems during normal use. But the people who already have them could tell us more.

I did't back up any project in kickstarter because I didn't knew if they actually deserve by the lack of knowledge in the field.

But I'll back the Link, because I'm sure it deserves. It should be the industry default.

*Hint for Madcatz and Hori: Use it. Or Qanba will! =)

#3 As I said before, I have The Link and I can assure you that you'd really have to hit the joystick hard (to the point where'd you probably be damaging your stick) in order to knock the thing loose. I frequently let other players use my stick and the only issue I've had, as previously mentioned, is that the balltop loosens up. It has never come loose during gameplay.

#3 has analyzing problems... you can't "see" anyone hitting that hard... and why would anyone pull up that hard? genius

I often pull at the top, so it's of no use for me. It's a nice design for players that travel a lot tho.

I wonder if you could implement a slider-button at the side or top that would trigger a release mechanism to detach the stick instead. (kinda like a laptop battery works).

You'd have to be pulling really hard to yank the stick out. You can carry the stick by the link (although I don't think I'd recommend that for any stick, but that's just me.)

I've used one for months and it's great. I can't see any situation where someone could accidentally pop it off during normal game play.

I may pledge cause I was thinking about getting of these. I understand they work well, even for things like changing artwork. Just makes things easier from what I understand. I'm just hesitant to do any mods cause I haven't done anything yet :(

I can't pledge cause none of the payment methods are available for me =/ bummer

I bought a Link at Evo2012 and it was the best investment I've ever made for my fightstick. Clayton (the guy who runs Phreakmods) is an amazing engineering expert. The Link is an amazing product, and the only problem I've ever had was my own fault in losing the top half once removed, and it seems that the Kickstater's stretch goal makes up for this problem, even if it's a problem completely out of the designer's hands.

I'm so glad that there's finally a kickstarter worth putting into.

I never understood why they don't make a programmable joystick that can store preset button configurations. That way, you can leave the games using their default mappings and the stick can just override it. For example, "Joystick Button 1" = "Playstation Triangle Button" for one preset (say SF4). In another preset (like MvC), "Joystick Button 1" may equal "Playstation R1 Button". Then you can select your preset before you even sit down to play.

With that, you wouldn't have to do ANY button checks in ANY game at ANY tournament or at your buddy's house or whatnot. You're also not limited by the button mappings provided by the game (should any restrictions exist).

Of course, those NOT having a stick that supports this feature would still need to map buttons in-game and, therefore, screw up the defaults for everyone else. But I have a feeling this feature would catch on fast amongst the community and everyone would soon own one.

Just keep macros/turbo/etc. out of it. This is about skipping the button-map screen, not cheating/enhancing the game.

Another reason I'd like this: the factory shaft on my MadCatz Tournament Edition Fightstick RUSTED!

I got a couple of these last year some time, and they're great!

From my experience...if you get one, make sure you give it some time to get used to, and dedicate yourself to using your stick.
After a while...if you go to a casual jam, and you're using a stick that isn't yours...it does feel a little foreign when you go back to a normal stick.

Use a dust washer used for sticks that would normally have a shaft cover...and you're pretty sorted!

An excellent idea that I thought Razer would pick up for their stick, as you can open the top for storage.
(man...I really wanted one of those beta sticks...or even to know when they're releasing their final product).

Count me interested in this product, always looking for ways to improve my dual-modded fightstick! =D

Seems interesting, but at $26 can't you just add four bucks and get an actual stick bag from madcatz?

ummm...i dont mean to be a downer here...but how is this news? this is been known for a while now?

#19 If by "for a while now" do you mean a day before EventHubs posted the article? The article is about the KickStarter they started on the 15th of March not just the fact that The Link exists.

ukyo_rulz Please keep in mind that the kickstarter pricing INCLUDES US shipping, so right it's possible to pick up a link as "early bird" the least expensive it has ever been.

For a bag, also keep in mind that the madcatz messenger style bags have been known to tear/degrade fast, while the more expensive 50$ bags are the ones to spring for. I have one of the 30$ versions, it does indeed fall apart... still use it but it did.

@#3,#4, & #8: Pulling on the top will NOT disconnect the Link you have to physically pull up on the top and the collar at the same time for it to disconnect. Its a solid design and will only continune to get better.

@11: If you back it and when you get your Link, I'll do the mod for you for free. You pay send shipping and I'll pay return shipping.

@#16: I plan on adding the Link as standard (unless other wise requested) in all my customstick builds - hit me up anyone StiqEnvy11@gmail.com!!

SUPPORT PHREAKAZOID AND PHREAKMODS.com & BUY A LINK HELL BUY 2!!
I BOUGHT 4 - and may go up to 8 :-D!!!
ITS WORTH EVERY PENNY AND SHOWS THAT THE FGC WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT THEIR OWN!!!

UPDATE: STRETCH GOAL HAS BEEN REACHED!!!

READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE - http://goo.gl/nWFzJ

been seeing these for a while on focusattack.com. I use Seimitsu sticks though :(

I jusk received my qanba bag today. I thought about getting the madcatz one first but the design is just not good to protect a stick, and looks pretty cheap.But the qanba is very high quality! Very well made, and you can use it for a laptop too. The Link looks like a great product, nice alternative.

HitBox doesn't have this problem :D

#26
I own a stick to let others use when I'm overseas so I don't get the "if I were on stick" excuse when someone uses. I actually do 99% of my playing on my Hit Box. The first generation box is great for travel and it's easy to mod the artwork and buttons.

I got one as a gift about a year ago, and I regretted not buying more for my other sticks. I'm really glad to hear that the Link got the backing it so well deserves. It's one of those simple ideas that makes you wish you thought of it. Looking forward to the next production run.

this is a nice feature for fightsticks..but no need for it since i have a madcatz carrier bag..it protects the ball top just fine

They added another reward tier and it's pretty fantastic.

Hey @ForTheViolence guess what . . . . just for you!!!
Update #2: Seimitsu LS-32 joystick is now supported after passing $19K goal.

Also new tier added - Dual modded Madcatz custom SFxT VS (update sold out). New add-on - Add $5 to your pledge to rec'd an extra keychain/lanyard. Update info page here.