Baton Top for Arcade Joystick (Red)

How to replace microswitches and actuators on Sanwa and Seimitsu style arcade joysticks. This guide shows how to change microswitches for soldered PCB board style joysticks or bladed non-board mounted microswitch style joysticks.

This video compares the design and customisation methods for Sanwa, Seimitsu and generic brand arcade joysticks stocked at Highway Entertainment. The video outlines how to switch joystick tops and change the allowed directional movements the joystick may make (e.g. 8-way, 4-way or 2-way movements).
Some people prefer Seimitsu joysticks as it is easy to visualise how they may be disassembled, as it is held together by phillips head screws. Sanwa parts may be replaced without removing tools as lugs hold the assembly together and may be disassembled by squeezing and twisting lugs and catches.