Review of the latest 2022 arcade controller, MadCatz TE3!

MadCatz's latest arcade stick, the TE3, has finally arrived!
In the fighting game world, there was a lot of information about new releases, new characters, cross-play, and more, but there was almost no information about tools, parts, or the arcade stick itself.
The biggest new arcade stick was probably the SNACK BOX.

In the midst of all this, the TE3 was suddenly announced, causing excitement in the arcade stick community in 2022, and was finally released!
So this time, I was kindly provided with the TE3 by MadCatz, so I would like to do my best to review it.

What is an arcade stick in the first place?

This is a general term for controllers designed to reproduce the lever and button operations of the arcade arcade machines at home.
Home game consoles mainly use handheld controllers, with movement and command input done using a directional pad.
Even with the addition of the left and right sticks, the D-pad is still in use.

Shooting games and fighting games in particular were hugely popular in game centers, and arcade-style input devices are still popular when playing these games.
Homemade arcade sticks are also popular overseas, and this movement has now reached Japan, with a variety of arcade sticks appearing.

What is MadCatz TE3?

As the name suggests, this is an arcade stick made by MadCatz and is the third in the TE series.
Tournament Edition (TE)As the name suggests, this arcade stick was loved by many gamers for its construction and performance that could withstand use in tournaments.
I am also a MadCatz fanatic, using the original TE on XBOX360, Arcade FightStick PRO on PS3, and TE2 on PS4.

The latest version of this historic arcade controller went on sale in Japan in December 2022.

It is compatible with various next-generation home game consoles and PCs, making it the most powerful arcade stick that allows you to play games on any hardware with just one device.
Let's start with a thorough review of this arcade controller!

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MadCatz TE3 Unboxing

This time, the TE3 arrived in a secure package.
The packaging tape is also MadCatz-style and very fine. I can't bear to put a box cutter in it.

First, let's take it out of the cardboard box and take a look at the box art.
The body has a design reminiscent of the TE2, but it has basically been completely redesigned.

The levers and buttons are made by Sanwa Denshi!
It has a function that allows you to replace the internal storage and top plate.

The back of the box has an explanation of each part.

The box is two-layered, with the decorative box being removable from the outer packaging.
The packaging for the device is bright red with the TE3 logo in white.

When you open the box, you'll see the device and cable.

Other items included are the warranty card and manual.

A USB cable is also included in the storage compartment of the main unit, making a total of three connection cables included.

USBType is "A to A''C to C''C to micro" There are three types.

MadCatz TE3 Appearance Check

Take it out of the box and remove the plastic covering the main body.
There is a film on the top surface, which can be peeled off to reveal a glossy acrylic panel.


Since there is a black plate underneath, it feels more luxurious than just clear acrylic.

The TE3 logo sits on the top right of the device, and its sparkle will make you want to own it even more.

The L3R3 buttons and function buttons are located on the upper right side.

At the top center is a touchpad.

On the upper left side there is a home button, option buttons and a toggle switch.

The lever is made by Sanwa Denshi and the ball top is red.

The buttons are made by Sanwa Denshi and are black.

Since this is a multi-platform compatible model, there are two types of button labels clearly written on it.

The USB cable port is on the left side.
It is not an integrated arcade controller, but a plug-in type, so even if the cable breaks, you can continue playing by simply replacing it.
On the other hand, it is less likely to malfunction at the plug insertion point, but personally I prefer the detachable type.

It also comes equipped with a unit for hanging hooks, etc., and can be easily carried by using a shoulder strap, etc.
Another way to use it is to hang charms or straps on it to show your love for a character or favorite character.

Push button for internal access.
The nail logo is engraved firmly.

MadCatz TE3 Internal Check

You can access the internal system by pressing the MadCatz claw logo shown above.

This allows you to replace levers and buttons and store small items.
While we're at it, let's take a look at the levers and buttons.
It uses parts made by Sanwa Denshi, so this may look familiar to some people.


It's nice that the buttons are color-coded to indicate which corresponds to which button, so you don't make any mistakes when replacing them.

There is also storage inside the main unit where you can store the included hex driver, USB cable, and replacement buttons.

A hex driver can be used to remove the acrylic panel if you want to change the artwork on the top.

Please note that this cannot be used for the bolts used inside the main body. It is for use on the top plate.

Phillips screws are used for the hinges.
You probably won't need to touch it much, but if you want to tighten it further, be sure to have a Phillips screwdriver ready.

How to connect MadCatz TE3

The TE3 supports connection to various home game consoles and PCs.
Please also refer to the manual for instructions on how to connect.

Use only the included USB cable.
At the moment, I don't have an XBOX on hand, so I will not go into details on how to connect it.

How to connect to a PC

Connecting to a PC is easy.
A to ASimply plug the cable into the side of the device and connect it to your PC.

The input method isxinputSo, you shouldn't have any problems using it with Windows PC games, including Steam.

How to connect to PS4/5

①Connect the A to A cable to the PS4/5.
②Turn on the PS4/5 and make sure it is powered on.

③Press and hold KEY LOCK until the second LED from the left starts flashing.

4. Connect the C to micro or C to C cable to the PS4/5 controller during the 30 seconds the LED is flashing.
*The connection cable is included with the main unit.


⑤When the blinking LED changes to a steady light, the connection is complete.
Press the home button and select the account you want to use.

How to connect to Switch

①Press and hold the "A button" and "X button" on the arcade stick at the same time.
※Be careful not to confuse "ex" with "batsu"
*These are the A and X buttons that are compatible with arcade controllers.

②While holding down the button, insert the USB cable into the dock of the Switch console.
The connection is now complete.

What I particularly want to highlight about MadCatz TE3

①Easy internal access and spacious interior
When purchasing an arcade controller, if it has the same performance and ease of use (or so I feel), I choose the one with good internal access.
We also replace buttons and levers, and perform maintenance work including cleaning the arcade controller, so I personally give high marks to products that allow easy internal access.

The hinges are large and sturdy, so you don't have to worry about rattling or anything like that.
In the case of arcade controllers that are firmly screwed on from the bottom, opening the controller to change buttons etc. can void the warranty...
The built-in internal accessibility is a standard feature, making it easy to replace buttons and perform maintenance, making it ideal for people who want to use one arcade controller for a long time.

②The distance between the lever and buttons is different from any other arcade controller.
The names of arcade controllers change depending on the button layout.
I won't go into detail here, but the MadCatz TE3 uses a Viewlix layout, so it won't affect operability in any game.
Speaking of the Viewlix layout, it is famous for having a shorter distance between the lever and the button compared to the Noir layout.
I like the button layout, but I felt that the narrowness or crampedness was one of the downsides of the Viewlix layout.
But look at the top of the MadCatz TE3!

Isn't it kind of spacious?
So I tried to measure it...

The distance from the center of the lever to the button was approximately 10cm!!
With normal Viewlix placement, the distance is about 5cm... so that's double the difference!
Some people may think that it's too wide, but I thought the Noir layout was a bit narrow, and I personally think that it's better that it's so open.
When using it on your lap, while previous arcade controllers required you to hunch over with your arms, with the MadCatz TE3 your left hand is now directly in front of your eyes, clearly changing your position to something more like you're operating a shift lever.
Personally, I feel like the axis of my arm and hand becomes straighter, so I'm hoping that once I get used to it, the command system will become even better than it is now.

3. First of all, it is compatible with other models
It's really powerful that this one device can be used with any hardware.
Whether or not new competitive games will be able to cross-play is a big focus, and some people are switching to platforms with a larger population because they want to play seriously.
Or you won't find yourself wanting to play arcade retro games with the feel of the arcades back then, but not having the right arcade controller for that model.
I think that the idea of ​​one device having multiple functions might give off a relatively negative image, but when I played it I didn't encounter any particular issues, so I think the MadCatz TE3 will dispel that negative image.

The MadCatz TE3 has the potential to compete with mainstream arcade sticks

Easy to operate, sturdy, no wire breakage issues, easy to carry, and easy to maintain...
The MadCatz TE3 has all the features I've ever wanted.
I think this is a controller that will make those who feel the same way as me, "I wish there was an arcade controller that had all of these functions..." come true.
It can be purchased at various electronics retailers and online shopping sites, so if you're interested, why not check out the official website first?
Apparently it's now available in Akihabara too?