The budget fight stick showdown: versatility vs official Sony polish

Display

Neither product includes a display or screen, so there is no winner on visual output quality in the usual sense. For buyers searching these products, the real question is not image quality but whether the stick will work cleanly with your display setup and target platform. On that front, the MAYFLASH F300 wins because its compatibility list is far broader, covering Switch/Switch 2, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, Xbox 360, macOS, Windows, Steam Deck and more. That wider support makes it much more likely to fit into a living room, desk, or travel setup without extra hardware headaches.

Performance

The Hori Fighting Stick Mini wins on straightforward plug-and-play simplicity for PS5, PS4, and PC users. As an officially licensed Sony accessory, it is the safer bet for buyers who want fewer compatibility surprises on PlayStation systems. That said, the MAYFLASH F300 is the more versatile performer overall because it works across many more systems, which matters more for most buyers in this price range. If you switch between console generations or also play on PC, Steam Deck, or older systems, the F300’s flexibility is a major practical advantage. For pure PlayStation-focused use, Hori’s official licensing gives it the edge in confidence and ease.

Build quality and design

Hori wins here. Hori has a strong reputation for compact arcade controllers, and the Fighting Stick Mini’s official Sony licensing suggests tighter integration with PS5/PS4 expectations. The smaller footprint can be a real benefit for travel, desk play, or younger players with limited space. The MAYFLASH F300 is still well-regarded, backed by a huge 4.5/5 rating from 6,673 reviews, which is excellent evidence of broad satisfaction. However, the F300’s design is more utilitarian than premium, and its very low price point suggests a focus on function over refinement. If you want the more polished-feeling brand choice, Hori takes this category.

Battery life

Neither product is a battery-powered wireless device, so battery life is not a meaningful differentiator. Both are wired arcade sticks, which is actually a plus for fighting games because it avoids latency concerns and charging management. Since there is no battery to maintain, this category is effectively a tie. In practice, both should deliver consistent, always-ready performance as long as the cable and port are in good condition.

Price and value for money

The Hori Fighting Stick Mini is cheaper at £53.40 versus £59.99 for the MAYFLASH F300, a difference of £6.59. On price alone, Hori wins. But value is not just about the sticker price; it’s about what you get for that money. The MAYFLASH F300’s much broader compatibility makes it the better value for anyone who owns multiple platforms or expects to upgrade hardware over time. Its review count is also dramatically higher: 6,673 reviews versus 543 for Hori, which is a strong signal that the F300 has proven itself with a much larger buyer base. For a small extra cost, you get far more flexibility and a much more established track record. That makes the F300 the better value overall.

Game library/features

The MAYFLASH F300 wins decisively on features and usable game library coverage because it supports more ecosystems. It spans Switch/Switch 2, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, Xbox 360, macOS, Windows, Steam Deck and more, which means it can follow you across a much larger library of fighting games and retro titles. The Hori Fighting Stick Mini is limited to PS5, PS4, and PC, which is fine if that is all you need, but it is much narrower. For players who enjoy arcade fighters on multiple platforms, emulation, or legacy systems, the F300’s reach is a major advantage. If your library is mostly on PlayStation and PC, Hori is sufficient, but it simply cannot match the F300’s breadth.

Overall user experience

The Hori Fighting Stick Mini is the better choice for buyers who want a compact, officially licensed, no-fuss stick for PS5, PS4, and PC. It should feel more immediately tailored to Sony users, and its smaller size makes it easier to store and transport. However, the MAYFLASH F300 delivers the better overall user experience for most shoppers because it removes platform anxiety. Its enormous review count, 4.5/5 rating, and huge compatibility list make it the safer long-term purchase, especially for anyone who plays on more than one device. Even though it costs £6.59 more, the extra flexibility is worth it for the majority of buyers. The Hori is the better niche pick; the MAYFLASH is the better all-around buy.

Overall summary: If you only care about PS5/PS4/PC and want the cheapest officially licensed option, choose Hori. If you want the best mix of value, compatibility, and proven user satisfaction, the MAYFLASH F300 is the clear winner.