THE OFFICIAL Pop'N music controller thread!

[Tomo_kun]

Well, since we have this new forum, I guess I could post a guide about Pop'N controller buying, and what the differences are between the brands.

Unlike other controllers, where the rule is "If it doesn't say konami, dont buy it", there are two great brands out there of arcade style controllers. Before I get that far, I guess I should start with the mini controller.

The mini controller. This was put out when the game was released for the PS1 and the Dreamcast. Although it isn't the exact "arcade" feel, its still great for beginners who arn't exactly sure that they will get into this fun game. There are 2 brands, The Konami and the "Crazy Hit". The Konami controller ($70). Best small controller you can buy, try to get one that is used. Its slightly smaller then a IIDX controller. The crazy hit controller. Bemanistyle. Success-HK, need to search ($5). Yes, this controller is 5 dollars. Now, what does that mean? Well, you have to mod the thing for it to recognize with Pop'N Music. Unfortunaitly, the only instructions I have can be found at Bemanistyle. I heard that this controller works great, after you get it modded.

The arcade style controllers. This is where things get *really* fun. You have five options, The official ASC from Konami, The Ransai, the Kagura by Ransai, the Desktop Arcade, Or the controllica.
The official by konami. This thing is $400. Its made of plastic, and is quite loud. Yes, they use the Sanwa buttons, but, it isn't worth the cost. Unless your alergic to wood, or you only have the official konami products, this is for you. Play Asia official.

The ransai (And kagura). The Ransai controller is amazing. Made by Air Random and Redsai, They do custom paintjobs, and pre installed light up buttons! Well worth the $250. They take massive care with their controllers, and they do about four coats of paint per box! Their controllers can take a beating, its like the cobalt flux of the Pop'N controller. Their economy line controller, the Kagura (made of MDF partical board) is available for $150 dollars. You can't get the lights, and you only get one paint job (no custom artwork).

The Desktop Arcade. Like the ransai, this is a wooden controller. It features the "Bemani breifcase handle". They have amazing custom artwork, and they are $50 less then the ransai. The downside to their controllers is, is that they take forever for people to get. Desktop arcade ($200).

The Controllica controller. This is a metal controller, and, I havn't heard too much about them. They are quite expensive (Over $300) and they dont have custom paintjobs, nor do they light up. If you want a metal controller, go ahead and buy one. controllica's website


Now, some of you are thinking "what if I want to make my own?!". Well, I did, and their is one tip i should tell you. The measurements at dwi.kindlespine.com are *wrong*. It is about 5'7", to be exact, its 14.7cm. Otherwise, the instructions are fine.

Hopefully this will help you decide which controller to buy.
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[Larrikin]

The Konami ASC is loud but its not unbearable after a little modding (even without). The only problem ive had is the buttons are so sensitive and arent put in tightly so sometimes they register when you hit too hard.
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[Cutriss]

I used a Desktop Arcade last weekend when I first tried Pop'n. It has a great feel to it, and it seemed very durable to me. About the only quibble I can think of is that the green buttons should be a little bit darker, but that's more a problem with me than with the controller - Silly of Konami to put a light green and a white next to each other on the note chart...
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[Larrikin]

Oh yea by the way Ransai and Desktops feel EXACTLY the same. The only difference is cosmetics. Ransais are a little bit thinner also.
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[HitokiriX]

um.....is Pop'n the game where you use your hands and have like 10 buttons to play with while the arrows fall from the top of the screen to the bottom instead of to the top in ddr? if that's Pop'n i'd love to try it out somewhere but i can't find a place where they have it. if not then i'm a babbling idiot.

[Tomo_kun]

[CStarFlare]

[Tomo_kun]

[BULL3T B1LL]

http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=50987&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=771

My Kagura review. I've had it for ::counts:: exactly 1 week now. Want more details IM me.

[Aaron_Kwok]

Ok, I've been trying to find a website to give me instructions to build a Pop'n Music controller, but http://dwi.kindlespine.com isn't working. Are there any other websites that I can look at, or could someone post some instructions here? Thanks, I'd appreciate it.
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[Soren]

Hi everybody.

After a while with my new Controllica, Step'n Music, and Pop'n Music 10 - I would like to share my thoughts on this controller.

The way it looks: A+

Absolutely beautiful. If you want colorful art, or cases in the color of you choice - look elsewhere.
If you want a black metal controller with a very professional look - this is the controller for you.
The paint job on this thing looks incredible. It has a very raw almost dusted look that really make the buttons stand out. The cut corners on the controller look very cool, and the places where the sides have been connected look so professional that you would think it came right out of a factory. The build in lights just add to the great overall look of this thing - and if I should describe the look of the Controllica with just one word it would be: Professional

The way it feels: A+

I have never played Pop'n music at an arcade - and I have never played any type of home Pop'n controller. Therefore this grade is only based on my experience with this controller. The Controllica feels extremely sturdy and the buttons are very responsive. When my controller arrived from Canada one of the buttons seemed kind of wobbly at the edge, but it was very easy to tighten once I got the controller open. All 9 buttons work perfectly and the feel of the cold metal is great. The quality of the controller is simply wonderful, and it feels like it could never break even after years of abuse.

The way it sounds: B+

Again, I have no experience with the arcade, or any other Pop'n controller - so the first time I played, I was kind of surprised by sound it makes when you smack the buttons. I don´t believe it is any louder because the controller is made of metal - and it isn´t annoying by any means - but it does give a sharp pop when you smack the buttons hard.

The price it has: B+

OK, it did cost me 300 $ + shipping to Europe for the lighted version of the Controllica, and eventhough it is the normal price for the version without lights, it still is a lot of money. So is it worth it ? Yes it sure is. I use a Cobalt Flux V2 for DDR because I believe it is the best dance platform for me ( I ended up paying almost 600 $ for one ). Others might disagree. I chose a Controllica because I believe it is the best Pop'n controller for me. Others might disagree. I like the the look, and the fact that it is made of metal - and therefore I was willing to pay the extra cash. I do NOT think Desktop Arcade or Ransai are bad controllers because they are made of wood - far from it. I believe they are great controllers, and probably just as good as the Controllica when it comes to playing the game.

The way it is: A

As you can probably tell, I am very excited about my new lighted Controllica. It looks amazing, plays perfectly, and sounds like a Pop'n ASC should sound . If you want a solid ASC and don't mind paying the extra cash for the look and feel of the shape and metal, this is the controller to get. On top of this "pingu81" has been very quick and helpful in answering my questions and keeping me up to date after shipping my controller.

Soren

[Exotic Orion]

i got a ransai. several months ago. still works flawlessly. highly recomended
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