BX Foundry
Joystick Archive (2018–2019)
The Story
BX Foundry began as a one-man joystick workshop run by Benj Edwards, technology journalist and historian. Every joystick was handcrafted using genuine Sanwa Denshi arcade parts—the same components found in modern Japanese arcade machines—paired with custom no-lag circuit boards designed specifically for each console.
The very first BX Foundry joystick was built in late 2016, when Benj wanted to beat his high score at Nibbler on the Atari 800. Using parts and tools from his late father's electronics workshop, he assembled a compact arcade stick from a Sanwa joystick, vintage plastic project boxes, and salvaged Atari cables. That prototype became the BX-80.
In August 2018, Benj took to Twitter to ask if anyone would like him to build a joystick for them. The response was overwhelming. Within three months, he had sold over 150 joysticks, and people kept challenging him to build sticks for new systems. In rapid succession, he created models for the NES, SNES, Genesis, Atari 7800, PC Engine, Sega Master System, and even the Virtual Boy.
"You'll be surprised and delighted at how your favorite classic systems play with such precise sticks. When you use a BX Foundry joystick, it's like lifting a 'controller fog' you didn't even know you'd been living through."
Each joystick was built at Benj's workbench with a drill press, hand tools, and a lot of plastic shavings. The production run concluded in mid-2019 after hundreds of joysticks had been shipped to retro gaming enthusiasts around the world. The BX-250 Virtual Man became the world's first commercial Virtual Boy arcade stick.
BX Foundry has since evolved into a software experiments lab, but these joysticks remain a proud part of its history.
The Joysticks
13 models, all handcrafted with genuine Sanwa arcade parts
Super Stick
Using genuine Sanwa arcade parts and custom-molded buttons, the BX-110 packed incredible accuracy into a compact fighting stick. With a layout that delighted Street Fighter II fans, it was perhaps the most potent compact SNES fighting stick available. Over 70 units were sold in the first production run alone.
Virtual Man
The world's first commercial Virtual Boy arcade stick. Dual Sanwa sticks and rear triggers allowed intuitive play in games like Teleroboxer and Red Alarm, while top-mounted buttons suited traditional control schemes. Duplicate L/R trigger buttons on the front face allowed thumb access during left-stick play. 9V AC adapter included to power the Virtual Boy through the controller.
Genesis Device
Of all the BX Foundry joysticks, the BX-95 got the strongest reaction when used for the first time. Its genuine Sanwa arcade controls brought unprecedented accuracy to Genesis games. Benj called the Genesis the system that benefited most from an arcade stick, since Sega's official D-pad design could be frustratingly inaccurate.
Precision Advantage
Your ultimate NES stick. Genuine Sanwa arcade parts let you experience NES games in a whole new way, helping rediscover favorites and reconsider games previously found difficult or unplayable. Works great with every genre, including platformers.
Micro Advantage
All the accuracy of the BX-90 squeezed into a smaller, BX-80-sized box. The same world-class Sanwa controls in a more compact form factor. Not just for arcade-style games—works well for every genre, including platformers and sports titles.
Precision Decimator
The original BX Foundry joystick—the one that started it all. Several users called it the greatest Atari/Commodore joystick ever made. Dual fire buttons and a compact design made it versatile enough for left- or right-handed use, and light enough to hand-hold but heavy enough to stay put on a table.
Thrustbuster
A fun twist on the BX-80 formula: a second action button wired to the "up" direction on the joystick. Perfect for C64 or Atari 800 platformers that use "up" for jump, or games like Asteroids that use "up" for thrust.
Micro Decimator
All the accuracy and power of the BX-80 in a smaller, lighter form factor. A satisfying, durable replacement for old standby joysticks like the Atari CX40. Available in right- or left-handed versions.
7800 Stick (Mark I)
Combined the versatility of the BX-80 design with an extra, smaller button for Atari 7800 games that support two buttons. Lightweight enough to hand-hold, hefty enough to stay put on a table.
7800 Stick (Mark II)
An arcade-style layout for Atari 7800 two-button games. Comfortable for lap or tabletop play, and compatible with any system that supports an Atari VCS-style controller.
Joy Engine
For PC Engine, Japanese TurboDuo, or SuperGrafx owners looking for accurate arcade controls. Available in color schemes matching the system of your choice, with turbo switches on the back for buttons I and II—perfect for shmups.
Master Blaster
Hurdling over jumps in Enduro Racer at breakneck speed or weaving through the dungeons of Wonder Boy III—with precision arcade controls, the BX-86 was your companion for every Sega Master System adventure.
Cyclops
A single arcade-quality pushbutton that makes a dramatic statement. When you need one button and one button only, the BX-10 filled that need quite nicely.
Press Coverage
Selected articles and interviews from 2018–2019