Arcade gaming is defined by its unique and tactile control interface. The two primary components are the joystick and the buttons, each coming in several common varieties.

The most prevalent types of joysticks are distinguished by their handle design. The Ball-Top Joystick, with its spherical handle, is iconic in Japanese arcade cabinets and is the standard for fighting games due to its ease of executing circular motions. Conversely, the Bat-Top Joystick, featuring a flatted handle resembling a baseball bat, is common in American classics and is often preferred for four-way games like Pac-Man. Beyond the handle, joysticks are also categorized by their gate—the restrictor that defines movement. A square gate allows for smooth diagonal movements, ideal for fighting games, while a circular gate offers a continuous motion, and a four-way or eight-way gate restricts movement to specific directions for classic arcade accuracy.

For buttons, the primary differentiation lies in their shape and the switch mechanism. Concave Buttons have a dipped surface that naturally guides the player's finger, making them a popular choice for action and rapid-fire buttons. Convex Buttons, which curve outward, are less common but found on some classic machines. The responsiveness of a button is determined by its microswitch. These switches provide the satisfying audible "click" and tactile feedback. The force required to activate the switch, measured in grams, can vary, allowing players to choose between lighter switches for faster tapping or heavier ones to prevent accidental presses.

Together, the combination of a joystick type and a set of buttons forms the core of a modern "fight stick" or arcade control panel, allowing players to customize their experience for precision, comfort, and authenticity.