The easy plug-and-play pick beats the DIY budget build

Display

Neither product includes a display or screen, so there is no meaningful winner here. This category is not applicable to either item. If you were hoping for an all-in-one arcade solution, neither unit provides visual output; you will need to connect them to a TV, monitor, or handheld docked setup separately.

Performance

Winner: MAYFLASH F300. The F300 is a complete fight stick built for immediate use across Switch/Switch 2, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, Xbox 360, macOS, Windows, and Steam Deck, which means its performance advantage is about reliability and compatibility rather than raw speed. The EG STARTS bundle uses a zero-delay USB encoder, which is fine for basic inputs on PC and Raspberry Pi, but it is fundamentally a DIY controller platform rather than a polished, multi-system peripheral. In practical terms, the MAYFLASH is the safer choice if you want consistent plug-and-play behavior on modern consoles and PC without troubleshooting wiring, mappings, or enclosure issues.

Build quality and design

Winner: MAYFLASH F300. The F300 is an integrated arcade fight stick, so the case, joystick, and controls are designed to work as one finished product. That matters because the user gets a stable, portable, purpose-built unit with a known layout and a brand with 6,673 reviews averaging 4.5/5, suggesting broad real-world acceptance. By contrast, the EG STARTS package is a parts kit: one red joystick, 10 LED illuminated 5V buttons, and a zero-delay encoder. It can be perfectly serviceable, but the final build quality depends on the buyer’s panel, wiring, mounting, and enclosure skills. If you want something that feels like a product rather than a project, the MAYFLASH wins decisively.

Battery life

Winner: Tie. Neither product is battery powered, so battery life is not a differentiator. Both are wired arcade solutions, which is normal and preferable for low-latency play. If anything, the lack of batteries is a plus for both, because you avoid charging, battery degradation, and wireless latency concerns.

Price and value for money

Winner: EG STARTS Zero Delay USB Encoder kit, but only for the right buyer. At £24.99, it is £35 cheaper than the £59.99 MAYFLASH F300, which is a huge gap. If you already have an enclosure, know how to wire controls, and want a low-cost way to build a custom arcade stick for PC or Raspberry Pi, the EG STARTS kit offers strong value. However, value is not just the sticker price: the F300 includes the entire controller, broader platform support, and far less setup risk. For most buyers, the extra £35 buys convenience, compatibility, and a finished product that is easier to trust long term.

Game library/features

Winner: MAYFLASH F300. The F300’s biggest advantage is system coverage. It supports Switch/Switch 2, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, Xbox 360, macOS, Windows, Steam Deck and more, which makes it far more versatile for fighting games, retro collections, and arcade ports across modern and legacy platforms. The EG STARTS kit is aimed at PC games, MAME, and Raspberry Pi 2/3/3B builds, so its feature set is narrower and more dependent on the software and hardware you pair it with. If you want to play across multiple ecosystems without buying adapters or building extra compatibility layers, the MAYFLASH is the clear winner.

Overall user experience

Winner: MAYFLASH F300. The F300 is the better experience for nearly everyone because it is simple: unbox it, connect it, and play. Its 4.5/5 rating from 6,673 reviews is especially persuasive because it shows both popularity and consistency at scale. The EG STARTS kit can be rewarding, but that reward comes with assembly time, potential wiring mistakes, and the need for a suitable case or panel. Its 4.5/5 rating is respectable, but with only 404 reviews and a narrower use case, it is not as proven as the MAYFLASH. Overall, the F300 is the better buy for most people because it delivers a finished, cross-platform arcade controller with much less effort and much less risk.

Overall summary: Buy the MAYFLASH F300 if you want the best all-around arcade stick, especially for console and PC gaming. Buy the EG STARTS kit only if you specifically want a DIY build and are comfortable assembling your own arcade controller. The F300 wins on performance consistency, build quality, features, and user experience, while the EG STARTS kit wins only on upfront price and customization potential.