I know most joysticks can go from 4-8 way with the swap of the plastic thing on the stick shaft, but do they make a joystick where I don't have to lift the CP to swap it from one to the other?
Mag-Stik Plus
Worlds only Magnetically Centered Joystick!
4-8 Way Switchable from top of the panel.
Our newest joystick. The Mag-Stik is not centered by a spring but using an internal magnet. A light action gives the ultimate in joystick feel and sensitivity.
Also switches from 4 to 8 way mode from the top of the panel!
This is the only joystick in the world which can be switched over from 4 to 8 way from the top with no lever or other unsightly intrusion. Keeps the panel arcade-real but still gives the ability to play all 4 or 8 way games with the true feel of the correct mechanically-limited stick.
To switch: Pull out the stick against the spring pressure, continue pulling while rotating, until the mechanism engages, then turn anticlockwise for 8-way, or clockwise for 4-way. The stick clicks into position when turned 45 degrees. The mechanism actually rotates an internal restrictor plate and also rotates the microswitch actuator for a perfect 4-8 way transition.
it is a cool feature, but the "playability" of this joystick has been debated quite a bit.
I thought it was ok, though it is big, bulky and clicky. I can't see playing on a 60 in1 without the ability to go 8 way though. Scramble, time pilot, shao lin's road, and a few others are unplayable 4 way. Much like pac man is unplayable 8 way.
Congo Bongo is impossible too. I don't live the Ultimarc, but it serves the purpose. I don't play my 60:1 much anyway...I built it for friends that come over.