/vr/ - Retro Games

>>8621628
Because fighting games were hugely popular and the idea was an arcade stick was the proper way to play them.
As to why cheap out and release shitty rubber membrane sticks instead of real arcade controls?
Mostly betting western consumers wouldn't know the difference or just not giving a shit.
In Japan most arcade sticks at least had a mechanical joystick, and often had arcade-style switches for the buttons.

But then there are companies like Pelican that would release products that make you ask "Has anyone there ever actually played a video game?"