In 1990, the Intelligent Controller Cyber Stick was introduced to the world – an analog/digital controller for the Sharp Corporation X68000 series of computers. Considered by many as the ultimate analog controller, it was compatible with a number of Japanese computers and consoles of the era: X68000, PC98 series, FM Towns, SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis and the PC Engine (using an adaptor).
The controller was co-developed by Sharp Corporation and Micomsoft, with each developing and marketing their own version of the controller: Sharp, with the Cyber Stick CZ-8NJ2 and Micomsoft with the XE-1AJ. The controllers were functionally the same, but each with a slightly different colour scheme.
The Controller
Analog controllers allow for continuous variable movement, unlike digital controllers which have a fixed number of positions (usually 8-way, so 8 positions). The Cyber Stick was an analog/digital game controller consisting of a throttle and a flight stick. The full list of capabilities is as follows:
- An analog flight stick that supports movement in 256 steps in both the forward/backward and left/right directions. By switching modes, it can function like a traditional joystick, allowing control in up to 8 directions including diagonals (Digital Mode).
- An analog throttle, also supporting 256-step movement in the forward/backward direction.
- Rapid-fire functionality with three settings: rapid-fire ON, OFF, and locked ON. The firing speed is also adjustable.
- Six trigger buttons: A, B, C, D, E1, and E2.
- Swappable stick and throttle, enabling use as a traditional joystick. For example, you can operate the stick with your left hand and trigger buttons with your right.
The controller makes most sense when you think of it from the point of view of a flying arcade game, where throttle adjusts your speed, and the flight stick moves your craft around in space. However, it found uses in many other styles of gameplay.
Re-release
In 2022, Micomsoft re-released the controller with USB-A input instead of the original 9-pin plug. This version used the Sharp CZ-8NJ2 colour scheme, and was compatible with the SEGA Mega Drive Mini 2 released at the same time.
In 2024, Micomsoft made another re-release, this time with the XE-1AJ colour scheme. This was announced as compatible with the latest game pack for the Taito Egret II Mini also announced at that time.
While in Japan this year I picked up one of the newer XE-1AJ-USB units. The following is my unboxing and review of the device.
Unboxing
I bought the controller as part of a bundle deal on Amazon Japan, with Taito Arcade Memories Vol.3 for the Egret II Mini. The controller is available to purchase separately on Amazon and in other places on the internet.
I won’t go into details on Arcade Memories Vol.3 in this post; I’ll concentrate only on the XE-1AJ-USB itself. But briefly, these are the contents of the Taito package.
Let’s look at the XE-1AJ-USB box itself.
Opening the box, there isn’t a lot inside.
The box contains a manual in Japanese.
As far as I can determine, there is no English translation of the manual online. So I have carefully created a complete English translation. If you are interested, you will find it later in this post.
The box also contains the controller itself.
The controller is quite solid. It is also quite heavy, with a metal bottom that ensures it stays place sitting on your gaming surface.
It has a single, annoyingly short, USB-A cable. Although the world has moved on to USB-C ports for many devices, video game controllers often still have USB-A, which seems to have become a retro-console standard for controllers.
Throttle
On the left of the controller is the throttle. It moves up and down only, and springs back to the centre when released.
Your left hand thumb comfortably can manipulate 3 triggers, labelled D, E1 and E2.
Flight Stick
To the right is the Flight Stick. At the top it has the A button, and a switch to the right of A that turns on Rapid-fire for the A button.
Button B is positioned at your trigger finger.
The flight stick springs back to the centre, and has a lot of movement, making it ideal for analog controls, though feels a little “mushy” as a digital controller.
Other Controls
Both the throttle and the flight stick have a small switch at the top of them. This allows the user to actually unlock and then swap (or replace if something was damaged) the sticks. The manual gives full instructions on how to do this; the process is very simple and is a welcome change from the usual “everything is sealed” manufacture of modern devices.
On the reverse of the device is a simple “reset” switch. Although it looks like you couldn’t press it with your finger, it is actually possible to do so. And it is something you may need, as performing certain actions with the controller requires you to hold the reset button.
In the centre of the controller are alternative triggers for A and B, plus an additional C button. And a host of other controls.
There is the self-explanatory Select and Start buttons. Then, moving top, left to right, we have:
- A switch to reverse A and B buttons on the flight stick.
- A switch to hold the A button down (continuous fire). This requires you to have turned on (on the flight stick) rapid-fire.
- Two dials to adjust the trigger speed when using rapid-fire for A and B.
- Rapid-fire controls for the B trigger; “Auto” enables rapid-fire for B, and “Hold” does continuous rapid-fire.
- A switch to set the controller to Analog or Digital mode.
Special Modes
The controller also has what it calls “Special Modes”. These modes allow you to:
- Double the movement range of the throttle and stick.
- Invert the up/down direction of the throttle and stick.
This is where you really need the manual (and my English version of it). For example, if the game you are playing requires up to actually be up, not down (the default, as in flying a plane), and the game has no ability to swap directions, then you will need the special mode to swap them.
Manual
The manual is available online and also comes with the controller. However, I could find no English translation of the manual. So I made my own and you will find it below. Hopefully it will come in handy for someone out there.
Compatibility
The manufacturer lists compatibility with the following consoles and games:
Mega Drive Mini 2 / Genesis Mini 2
- Compatible games include “After Burner II”, “Night Striker”, “Starblade”, “Space Harrier” and “Space Harrier II”.
- All other games are compatible in Digital mode.
Egret II Mini
- Arcade Memories Vol.2 compatible games include “Operation Wolf” and “Night Striker”.
- Arcade Memories Vol.3 compatible games include “Top Landing”, “Aqua Jack”, “Galactic Storm”.
- All other games are compatible in Digital mode
PC (Windows 10 and 11)
- New compatible game called “Operation Night Strikers” is coming to Steam this year.
However, I have tested with other machines and results are listed below. But let’s start with known compatibility.
Mega Drive Mini 2 / Genesis Mini 2
The controller needs to be plugged into port 2 on the Mega Drive Mini 2 for operation as an analog controller. Once it is plugged in, it can operate menus just like the standard controller for that console.
I’ll briefly look at every game that supports the analog function of the controller.
After Burner II
After Burner II is the perfect game for this controller. The arcade machine itself had a throttle and 2-button-flight stick, in pretty much the same layout as the Cyber Stick.
The Mega Drive port is excellent, and playing with this controller provides a real “arcade” feel to the game.
Night Striker
Night Striker makes use of a simple 2-button flight stick, so perfectly matches the controller.
You need to tell the game you are using an analog controller in the game options before play. Unfortunately the Mega Drive version of this game is a little too blocky and difficult to play as a result. The Egret II Mini version (the arcade version) is perfect however.
Starblade
Starbade is a rail shooter, where you control the crosshairs with a flight Yoke, and fire (single button) at enemies. This maps directly to the flight stick of the controller.
Unfortunately I couldn’t test this game, as the game is only on the Japanese version of the Mega Drive Mini 2. I own the non-Japanese release.
Space Harrier
Space Harrier has a similar Flight Stick to the Cyber Stick. It doesn’t make use of the Throttle.
Once again, this gives a much more faithful “arcade” feel.
Space Harrier II
Space Harrier II uses the same controls as the original Space Harrier.
Once again, it is a perfect fit for the analog controller.
Egret II Mini
The Cyber Stick works in all games on the Egret II Mini that use a standard stick. However, only the supported games use the Analog capability (based on arcade machines that had analog controls).
When starting a game that will make use of the analog capability, the instructions on screen will show the Cyber Stick layout. This is a nice touch.
Aqua Jack
Aqua Jack (also known as Aquaattack) in the arcade had a stick controller that not only allowed the user to move their craft left and right, but was also used it for targeting. The stick had 3 buttons, 2 for firing your weapons and 1 for jumping. It also used an accelerator pedal.
On the Cyber Stick, the accelerator is mapped to button D of the throttle. This is a workable alternative for play, given a normal controller would also lack a pedal. The arcade stick had three buttons (gun, missile and jump). The Cyber Stick only has 2 triggers on the flight stick, so jump is relegated to the C button. It works, but is not very convenient.
I feel having accelerate when you push up on the throttle, and D being jump would have made this game perfect. Alternatively, putting jump on E1 or E2. Maybe Taito can fix this in a future firmware update?
Galactic Storm
A perfect fit for the analog flight stick, as Galactic Storm has 2 fire buttons and a flight stick.
A really great game.
Night Striker
As with the Mega Drive Mini 2 version, this controller works nicely with the game.
The advantage here is the game is so much better on the Egret II Mini, being the original arcade game with higher resolution and better overall graphic presentation. A joy to play with this controller.
Operation Wolf
Operation wolf is a light gun shooter. If you don’t have a light gun, your best bet is an analog controller, so you can move quickly around the screen (as you would if you had a gun) rather than a slow move with a digital controller. So, although the controllers differ, this works well with the Cyber Stick.
Though not as good as having a light gun, this makes the game far more playable than the digital controllers the Egret II Mini comes with.
Top Landing
Top Landing is a perfect game for the Cyber Stick. It’s basically a flight simulator. In the arcades it consisted of a yoke and throttle control. The controls are reversed compared to the default Cyber Stick, with the throttle on the right. If you are serious about getting a closer arcade experience you can actually swap the throttle and flight stick on the Cyber Stick to match.
Personally, I prefer the default configuration, even if it is the opposite of the arcade machine. And although you can swap the controls, it isn’t something you do super quickly (see manual).
PC (Windows 10 and 11)
Windows recognises the controller in Game Controllers, where you can test all the functionality.
Micomsoft also say the controller works in a future game coming to Steam called “Operation Night Strikers”.
Mac (macOS)
MacOS does not recognise the controller in System Settings under Game Controllers. But the controller does work with the Mac. I downloaded Joystick Monitor (amazing free software from the Mac App Store), and it instantly recognised the Cyber Stick, and you could test all functionality.
I tested the Cyber Stick on RetroArch running on macOS, and it worked fine as a digital controller. I haven’t worked out how to use it as an analog controller, but I suspect it is quite possible.
I also tested the Cyber Stick on Stella (the Atari 2600 emulator). It worked fine as a digital controller, and the flight stick could also be used as an analog controller, behaving like a paddle. This was an unexpected bonus.
The 400 Mini
The Cyber Stick works as a digital controller on The 400 Mini. The 400 Mini also lets you configure external controllers, so you can assign the buttons as you wish (see the instructions online).
Given The 400 Mini can run Atari 5200 ROMS, and the 5200 had an analog controller, it might be possible to use it as an analog controller. In my limited testing I couldn’t find a 5200 ROM that would run, so I can’t be sure. I’ll update this article when I find out more.
Batocera
Batocera recognises the controller immediately and allows you to map the buttons for use in the system. Further, since Batocera uses Retroarch, and as noted above Retroarch works with the controller, Batocera is compatible. I have yet to confirm if it is compatible as an analog controller.
Atari VCS (2021)
The Atari VCS (2021 model) does not recognise the controller. But, standalone Atari 2600 games on the VCS use Stella, and as Stella works with the controller, there is some compatibility.
Of course, the VCS can run in PC Mode, and can run things like Batocera Linux, so it is also compatible when not running the host operating system.
Incompatibility
I tested out other consoles and machines I had to report on compatibility. These are the ones that failed miserably.
Mega Drive Mini / Genesis Mini
Not surprisingly, the Mega Drive Mini is not compatible – the original Mega Drive Mini was released before this device was created, and SEGA have shown no interest in releasing upgraded firmware.
NEOGEO Mini
Similarly, the NEOGEO Mini is not compatible.
The C64
The C64 does not recognise the Cyber Stick even in digital mode. As Retro Games does update the firmware there is a slim chance they could add it in a future update, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
PC Engine Mini / TurboGrafx-16 Mini
The PC Engine Mini did recognise some button clicks, but nothing else.
Astro City Mini V
The Astro City Mini V (and I would assume the Astro City Mini) showed no recognition. Given these devices work with almost no controllers beyond the incredibly expensive one SEGA produced (and sold out of) this is not surprising.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 does not recognise the controller. I have read online reports that there is unofficial support on certain PlayStation 4 games (that may also run on the PlayStation 5). I currently have no list of these games.
Conclusion
The Cyber Stick is a solid, well-made video game controller. It’s a joy to use on the games that it works with. It’s also very expensive, so it is not for everyone. If you have one I’d recommend getting a USB-A extension cable, given the short cable it comes with.
Overall, it’s a lot of fun and adds more life to games that really could do with that different controller experience. For arcade games, it feels more like you are playing in the arcade, without the cigarette smoke. So you can write off the expense as it being good for your health.