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PREMIUM BAMBOO ARCADE STICK FOR SNES

Whilst playing Pocky & Rocky one day I became increasingly frustrated with the controller experience. I wanted the control accuracy and responsiveness as when playing the arcade version KiKi KaiKai on my 90's arcade cabinet. With a huge array of titles being conceived, first for the arcades before being released on SNES, I began my mission to create an unparalleled arcade controller for the SNES purist. Providing a unique 90s Japanese arcade experience at home and then some...

My aim was a highly tactile, beautiful controller, incomparable in form, function and quality from what predated it. With months of design, research and revision, SOZU has been born, a controller that could be of the period and definitely one for the connoisseur.

 

SOZU.S1 is the most uncompromising controller ever created for SNES & SFC consoles. Made from the finest materials, custom-made components such as the 'piston head' aluminium turbo control, superior Sanwa parts from Japan and vintage high quality switchgear. Each unit is produced by me, so you can be sure my eye for detail and care is carried through from design, manufacture to dispatch.

 

I sincerely hope you enjoy our products and that they can take pride of place in your collection.  

 

Ed Taylor

 

Shika Arcades Ltd.

Please note: Due to the time consuming manufacturing process and to ensure the highest quality, the First Edition units of SOZU.S1 will be released in small batches of around 20 until I have completed the 100 units. Please subscribe to the mailing list to be first notified when stock is available and for further updates. Specification subject to change without prior notice.

SOZU.S1 Video

THE PROCESS

Sozu has subtle influences from traditional Japanese design. The recess around the Start & Select buttons are profiled and inspired by the karahafu gables often seen on Japanese castles & shrines. 

In particular, transience as regarded in wabi-sabi aesthetics and the reflection of mono-no-aware has played a part in Sozu. Materials have been chosen that will display a beautiful patina with age, from the solid brass inlayed token to the raw machined aluminium components.

Like a fine musical instrument, each one will acquire its own distinct character over time...

LIMITED FIRST EDITION PACKAGE

£395

SOLD OUT

100 FIRST EDITION UNITS TO BE MADE

  • First Edition Bamboo Presentation Case

  • Numbered First Edition Serial Plate

  • First Edition Marked Braided Cable 

  • Certificate of Authenticity

  • Shika Arcades First Edition Brass Token

  • Limited Edition T-Shirt 

MICROSWITCHED HEAVEN

The legendary JLF joystick by Sanwa has been used in some of the best Japanese candy cabs from the early 90's to present day. The JLF is the first choice for serious arcade enthusiasts everywhere.

We have paired it with what we believe are the highest quality buttons on the market, the Sanwa OBS-30B & 24B (not to be confused with the lower range OBSN/OBSF series). Giving Sozu a supreme balanced microswitched feel. 

COLUMN SWITCHES

Column switching allows you to instantly remap your button layout, so you can play your games how you want. When changing characters, levels or carts get your preferred setup on the fly!

 

On Sozu the highest class vintage switches have been used. Often found in high end classic cars, they are tactile pieces of engineering beauty that you'll love everytime you hear that solid click. 

MASTER TURBO

Master Turbo gives you punishing rapid fire across the six main buttons - Y B A L X & R.

Control the rate of rapid fire from 0 - 100% by rotating the "piston head" inspired CNC lathed aluminium control. It's deeply grooved channels give you a solid grip to dial in speed accurately.

PREMIUM BAMBOO

Extremely beautiful architectural-grade bamboo, CNC machined with perfect precision. Each arcade stick body goes through a meticulous hand finishing process including sanding to an ultra fine P800 for a silk-like finish. Sozu has a surface like no other.

 

Available in either Natural or the contrasting Duotone finish using carbonised bamboo for a striking look. Both display an astonishing edge finish. With no two pieces the same, each arcade stick has its own signature grain.

CUSTOM BILLET ALUMINIUM PARTS

CNC turned and milled custom parts, born from high quality 6061 billet aluminium. The custom "piston head"  inspired turbo speed control and matching grooved dustwasher add bespoke highlights to the piece.

 

The deep grooves of the speed control allow instant traction during the intensity of 16-bit battles. 

INBUILT STABILITY

In the heat of racking up your high-score, a stable playing surface is crucial. The feet have been designed so they are pushed out to the extremities of the body and recessed inside for the lowest centre of gravity possible and to be unobtrusive if you're using it on your knee.

Control panels on arcade machines aren't cramped, nor should your arcade stick be. The large form factor has been designed to give you a  tactile and solid arcade feel. 

FEATURE RICH

UNIBODY DESIGN

SMOOTH SATIN FINISH

BRAIDED CABLE

ANALOGUE CIRCUITRY

Beautifully smooth oiled hard-wax satin finish. Resistant to water and perspiration. 

CNC precision machined unibody design. Uncompromising quality. 

Thick red braided cable with end support to stop wear and tear to the joint.

Analogue circuitry, high quality reliable components. Made in the UK. 

PAL & NTSC COMPATIBLE

Compatible on PAL & NTSC region SNES & SFC consoles

100 FIRST EDITION UNITS

First Edition limited to just 100 special packages, individually numbered.

SHIKA ARCADES TOKEN

Solid brass Shika Arcades token inlayed in the surface.

SEAL OF APPROVAL

Each Sozu.S1 arcade stick comes with an inlayed solid brass Shika Arcades Token.

 

It is partly inspired from the iconic 100 Yen coin (arcade denomination of choice) being the exact diameter. It carries our ancient xiaozhuan style  seal.  

 

As well as the inlayed token there is an additional token in your presentation package as a keepsake.

The first 100 units come with specially marked First Edition "1初版" (shohan) tokens.  

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