Thanks for the review, I'm glad that PAS was able to get one into your hands to try out. I can address a couple of notes here though: 1. The foam pad has cutouts for the torx head screws, you just need to pull them out before putting the foam on. We're working on having that pre-done in the future so the customer doesn't have to do that. We don't apply it at packaging because not everyone wants it in place. 2. Cost is $170 for the base model, which supports PC/PS3/Switch/OG XBOX, and registers as XINPUT for PC usage on Steam, etc. Firmware updates improvements/compatibility are done very quickly. 2a. SOCD handling for Up Priority, True Neutral, and Last Input Wins is supported 3. The switches are Cherry MX Ultralow-Clicky type, the more familiar MX are usually linear so they have a very different feel to them, very ON/OFF rather than feeling the travel. It's a very different feel than any other hitbox style out there, and can be quite polarizing for people. 4. Customization won't stop at the finalize purchase page. When we're done with the next stage you'll be able to swap the entire panel of switches for less than a set of color caps that you currently purchase for other vendor options. 5. This also applies for broken switches, we don't expect anyone to rework an SMT switch, that would be silly. 6. The device is a platform under the hood, the Brook upgrade for the home panel is an obvious upgrade which can be completed very quickly and without soldering. There is also a GP2040 variant too. We want you to be able to dig in and change/update the Nano to meet your needs. You'll see pretty soon what we mean by 'platform'. 7. It's definitely a 'feeling is believing' device, we had many people at EVO who thought 'well ok i guess that's neat' until they picked it up, mirroring your experience. It's a lot more dense than people envision, the aluminum chassis is thick, and the PCB itself is aluminum. It's a very solid device. 8. Both Bryan and I work full time, so we've been fairly slow at the front end information on the webpage/help vids/etc. but we are working on it, it will just take some time.
My biggest surprise is how few of these companies are making actually customizable controllers. Or messing with the general form factor. We see Daigo making custom controllers. I know a couple pros who have special ones. So why isn't any company following suit? Have 2 buttons on the middle, one for each thumb. Have a button where your left pinky rests for DI. So many customization options, but everyone is making them with the exact same basic button layout as the hitbox from 15 years ago. Despite us being 2 game generations later, and player needs being very different. I don't care as much about customizing my buttons or my graphics. I want practical customization.
Jiyuna catchin' all the leverless controllers like it was pokemon lol. The Mpress Nano is slim af tho I didn't think it was gonna be slimmer than the snackbox like that.
You haven't done them all just yet. Flatbox and additional button variants, Slab-Mini, Mavercade KeebBrawler and KeebFighter variants, Zappa, Open_Core0, Snack Box Micro XL, FightBox, and full customs, etc. It's a great time to be alive if you're in the market for a leverless controller option. But I agree in regard to the Nano; I would have liked to see some easier switch and button cap customization since I also like to easily tweak my devices.
Not being able to replace the switches at will is a big no-no to me, I want to be able to fix it myself whenever it's needed. The original MPress design is probably the best for my needs, I'm waiting on a knock-off version so I don't have to import it.
The form factor of the controller is such a paradox for me. Small controllers = fun to play on top of the table, not fun on your lap (but their main selling point is that they're portable... but if you bring it outside, you'll most likely play it on your lap). Vice versa for the bigger controller. So far, I've been using Punk Workshop and it's working fine, but I wonder what's the good balance between small enough to be portable and big enough to be comfortable on your lap.
I picked up one of these at Evo and can confirm you do not want to take the caps off. The switches are very sensitive and held together by a tiny spring that will very likely pop off. I also think I’m a little heavy handed when I play and have taken a key cap off just by playing on it (I was practicing SPDs 😂). I appreciate the review Jiyuna for us new leverless users!
I got this evo. I wanted a leverless and I didn’t know this existed until I was at the history of arcade sticks booth and saw one. After handling one for about five minutes I decided I was gonna buy one. I think it’s a fine controller. I’m still trying to learn how to play leverless. I can’t wait to travel with this. It seems like it’ll be a lot easier to travel with than stick.
You cannot take the keycaps off once they assemble the Mpress Nano. When I was talking to them about it at Evo they did say they were gonna release a tool for you to be able to safely swap the keycaps.
They use cherry ulp switches which are near impossible to get. The nano is not easily repaired. Previously ulp switches were exclusive to Alienware laptops.
Saw the thumbnail and thought it was huge, but slim. But nah, it's apparently tiny! I kind of like that they're laptop keys because I'm a keyboard player so maybe that'll translate better going from keyboard to a leverless controller. Soldered sucks though so I'm once again leaning back to snackbox. The extea thickness might make it more convenient anyway. Plus, I want something rather cheap and custom board doesn't equal cheap
The hitbox boom sure has sparked a lot of competition within the field. The other day I saw a bunch of Snackbox-size leverless controllers on Aliexpress going as low as $35. Definitely will be getting one of those since I just can't bring my stick or my hitbox with me for travel.
Have one of those. As well as I know two other people that own one. Zero issues so far. Hot swappable, programmable, different socd methods, inexpensive. Id recommend it
It's ridiculous how Hitbox, razor and other companies are charging $300-$400 for a box with buttons lol. Price is definitely much higher than it should due to not having any cheaper options in the market except for some unknown brands in China. Under $100 seems a lot more reasonable.
I used mine for like a week and put it away for now. The larger buttons were fucking me up pretty bad. I was constantly hitting two at once. Loved the way it felt in my hands though.
@@ANIMEILLUMINATI Yeah, the hitbox layout. I went from an og hitbox, to a snackbox and finally the micro. I could probably get used to it eventually but it's why I sold my og mpress too lol.
I was thinking about it. But if I have to recommend ONE right now it's the current version of Snackbox Micro with Brooks Board installed so it works on all systems.
Nano love! I love using mine with 2nd input priority. The Mpress is my fave still with the Nano 2nd. I have a ton. Got a Vic HB, multiple snackbox micros (the original ones and the newer style ones) got a ton of custom hitboxes too. I'm really excited for the SWORL coming soon from Snackbox
This must really be a personal preference kind of thing, cuz I hated the kitsune buttons but the nano's were great for me. I do agree that swappable caps would be great in the future. Can't hate that price tho, it's 170 bucks for the base product. If you need that brooke board tho... that's another 130. If you're playing on PC I think this is the one to go with.
Yeah I have the JFA snackbox micro xl for my Xbox series X and I really love it, but if I am playing on PC or switch I often times like going back to my normal Hitbox arcade for the sanwa buttons. I dig both pretty equally, but the Micro xl allows me to play on any platform I own and it has the R3 and L3 buttons which push it slightly above the Hitbox for me.
I dunno man... the Mpress EVO is amazing. The size and weight are exactly what I want for something on my lap. I don't regret even a penny of that purchase.
2 issues: First: "I want my controllers to be as thin as possible" Why? What benefit is it to you to save the ridiculously small difference between a snackbox and this? None. Realty is more weight helps it move less during use which is a good thing, and more size allows for more hand/arm resting options. It's why even pros using leverless still opt for chunky "sticks". Second: this old layout is not the future. We have seen how much better different custom layouts like those used by Kakeru, Leffen, etc, are compared to these old school stick style layouts. It's just blatantly inferior and it's insane to me that manufacturers haven't realized this yet.
@@ANIMEILLUMINATI I agree that leverless will likely be the most common controller type in the future. But as for this specific controller, or even paridise arcade as a brand being a dominant force or top competitor, I heavily doubt it. I think it's going to be a tight race between Razer, Hitbox, and Junkfood arcade, for the top spot for the foreseable future. I think what will devide them in the long run will depend on how their next versions with better layouts and options do, but we are unfortunately still years away from that in all likelihood.
The reason it feels like that is because the switches are membrane switches. They bounce back using a piece of silicone unlike mechanical switches which use a spring
I'm not bashing on this or any other hitbox style controller but for me, the appeal of a stick is the stick. I feel like I may as well just use a mechanical keyboard instead of a controller with no stick on it, which I have done, and it's not really my thing. I know the buttons are bigger but still...
Laptop buttons are garbage this is practically unusable for the kind of players these types of controllers are trying to attract (serious hobbyist and pros). Then it's impossible to change the switches? Garbage for anyone serious They better sell it cheap for the casuals then it will be a good product for that market
I think it is time you do a comparison video between all the hitboxes you have, and maybe a buying guide.
“I wasn’t excited until I touched it”. -Jiyuna (2023)
..........pause
Hold up
Thanks for the review, I'm glad that PAS was able to get one into your hands to try out. I can address a couple of notes here though:
1. The foam pad has cutouts for the torx head screws, you just need to pull them out before putting the foam on. We're working on having that pre-done in the future so the customer doesn't have to do that. We don't apply it at packaging because not everyone wants it in place.
2. Cost is $170 for the base model, which supports PC/PS3/Switch/OG XBOX, and registers as XINPUT for PC usage on Steam, etc. Firmware updates improvements/compatibility are done very quickly.
2a. SOCD handling for Up Priority, True Neutral, and Last Input Wins is supported
3. The switches are Cherry MX Ultralow-Clicky type, the more familiar MX are usually linear so they have a very different feel to them, very ON/OFF rather than feeling the travel. It's a very different feel than any other hitbox style out there, and can be quite polarizing for people.
4. Customization won't stop at the finalize purchase page. When we're done with the next stage you'll be able to swap the entire panel of switches for less than a set of color caps that you currently purchase for other vendor options.
5. This also applies for broken switches, we don't expect anyone to rework an SMT switch, that would be silly.
6. The device is a platform under the hood, the Brook upgrade for the home panel is an obvious upgrade which can be completed very quickly and without soldering. There is also a GP2040 variant too. We want you to be able to dig in and change/update the Nano to meet your needs. You'll see pretty soon what we mean by 'platform'.
7. It's definitely a 'feeling is believing' device, we had many people at EVO who thought 'well ok i guess that's neat' until they picked it up, mirroring your experience. It's a lot more dense than people envision, the aluminum chassis is thick, and the PCB itself is aluminum. It's a very solid device.
8. Both Bryan and I work full time, so we've been fairly slow at the front end information on the webpage/help vids/etc. but we are working on it, it will just take some time.
Really excited to see it evolve!
having torx screws is incredibly based
My biggest surprise is how few of these companies are making actually customizable controllers. Or messing with the general form factor. We see Daigo making custom controllers. I know a couple pros who have special ones. So why isn't any company following suit? Have 2 buttons on the middle, one for each thumb. Have a button where your left pinky rests for DI. So many customization options, but everyone is making them with the exact same basic button layout as the hitbox from 15 years ago. Despite us being 2 game generations later, and player needs being very different. I don't care as much about customizing my buttons or my graphics. I want practical customization.
I think it's a scaling issue. If they are customizing the layout each time they won't be able to make as many.
Mavercade is one such company doing just this check out their KeebFighter03 and KeebBrawler04
Jiyuna catchin' all the leverless controllers like it was pokemon lol. The Mpress Nano is slim af tho I didn't think it was gonna be slimmer than the snackbox like that.
You haven't done them all just yet. Flatbox and additional button variants, Slab-Mini, Mavercade KeebBrawler and KeebFighter variants, Zappa, Open_Core0, Snack Box Micro XL, FightBox, and full customs, etc. It's a great time to be alive if you're in the market for a leverless controller option. But I agree in regard to the Nano; I would have liked to see some easier switch and button cap customization since I also like to easily tweak my devices.
Been using this for while. The weight and small form factor won me over. Easy to carry at events
Not being able to replace the switches at will is a big no-no to me, I want to be able to fix it myself whenever it's needed.
The original MPress design is probably the best for my needs, I'm waiting on a knock-off version so I don't have to import it.
The form factor of the controller is such a paradox for me. Small controllers = fun to play on top of the table, not fun on your lap (but their main selling point is that they're portable... but if you bring it outside, you'll most likely play it on your lap). Vice versa for the bigger controller. So far, I've been using Punk Workshop and it's working fine, but I wonder what's the good balance between small enough to be portable and big enough to be comfortable on your lap.
Also, the foam pads also have holes that pop out for where the screws go!
I picked up one of these at Evo and can confirm you do not want to take the caps off. The switches are very sensitive and held together by a tiny spring that will very likely pop off.
I also think I’m a little heavy handed when I play and have taken a key cap off just by playing on it (I was practicing SPDs 😂).
I appreciate the review Jiyuna for us new leverless users!
I really like the base, going to switch one I can customize it fully how I want.
The Brooks board nano has potential.
it was probably a grounding issue, get in touch with the manufacturers
Got this at EVO to try leverless, absurdly good entry point into the control type
Agreed, and just going to get better.
@@ANIMEILLUMINATI hope they have the clear top snack box micro at Frostys now, because I definitely wanna get one after getting used to this
Commenting on every video before Arakune BBCF combo trials, video 72.
The sub count is going DOWN actually. The fabled Arakune video may never come to be...
@ANIMEILLUMINATI such a shame that people aren't as into the blazblue videos. I really like them
@@ANIMEILLUMINATI come on mann this is so sad
I just got the SGF Zappa and I'm really happy with it as my first leverless
Enjoy the journey! They’re fun.
I got this evo. I wanted a leverless and I didn’t know this existed until I was at the history of arcade sticks booth and saw one. After handling one for about five minutes I decided I was gonna buy one. I think it’s a fine controller. I’m still trying to learn how to play leverless. I can’t wait to travel with this. It seems like it’ll be a lot easier to travel with than stick.
Travel size is the best part. Stick will always lose in that aspect.
You cannot take the keycaps off once they assemble the Mpress Nano. When I was talking to them about it at Evo they did say they were gonna release a tool for you to be able to safely swap the keycaps.
They use cherry ulp switches which are near impossible to get.
The nano is not easily repaired. Previously ulp switches were exclusive to Alienware laptops.
Jiyuna on UA-cam recommendations? My man made it
I think SGF put out a flatbox relatively recently looks kinda like snackbox sized. Wouldn't mind you checking how it compares.
If they send me on, sure.
Saw the thumbnail and thought it was huge, but slim. But nah, it's apparently tiny!
I kind of like that they're laptop keys because I'm a keyboard player so maybe that'll translate better going from keyboard to a leverless controller.
Soldered sucks though so I'm once again leaning back to snackbox. The extea thickness might make it more convenient anyway. Plus, I want something rather cheap and custom board doesn't equal cheap
Slide onto CertainDead Arcade. Not the smallest one by any means but the customization looked crazy
The hitbox boom sure has sparked a lot of competition within the field. The other day I saw a bunch of Snackbox-size leverless controllers on Aliexpress going as low as $35. Definitely will be getting one of those since I just can't bring my stick or my hitbox with me for travel.
Scared to get anything off Aliexpress lol
Have one of those. As well as I know two other people that own one. Zero issues so far. Hot swappable, programmable, different socd methods, inexpensive. Id recommend it
It's ridiculous how Hitbox, razor and other companies are charging $300-$400 for a box with buttons lol. Price is definitely much higher than it should due to not having any cheaper options in the market except for some unknown brands in China. Under $100 seems a lot more reasonable.
I used mine for like a week and put it away for now. The larger buttons were fucking me up pretty bad. I was constantly hitting two at once. Loved the way it felt in my hands though.
Larger buttons compared to what? The original Hitxbox?
@@ANIMEILLUMINATI Yeah, the hitbox layout. I went from an og hitbox, to a snackbox and finally the micro. I could probably get used to it eventually but it's why I sold my og mpress too lol.
Mavercade Keebrawler might be interesting to checkout if only because of the wider up button
I use the -01 format and its honestly fine. Would definitely reccomend given how cheap it is compared to others.
Thank you for your continuous efforts, and for keeping us updated.
Please do a buying guide on what you think are the best boxes!
I was thinking about it. But if I have to recommend ONE right now it's the current version of Snackbox Micro with Brooks Board installed so it works on all systems.
My worry about it is whether it’s at risk of just snapping in half. But I’m hoping that metal body is strong enough to prevent that.
It's very solid. But should be using a case when traveling anyway.
Felt the same "Slow to come back" in the sound
Hopefully can swap them in the future.
I just watched your vid on the first Mpress. Still hype for my Snackbox
Snackbox is the way.
All these leverless..... might need a tier list.
The pause was A1
Local man is addicted to leverless
I can appreciate the smooth thin decks, but I prefer my big...meaty...fightbox
I'm trending towards smaller is better for controllers.
Oh no…when you said laptop buttons I think of scissors switches…
The Furin FRS? would be worth reviewing I think
Tell them to ship me one!
Nano love! I love using mine with 2nd input priority. The Mpress is my fave still with the Nano 2nd. I have a ton. Got a Vic HB, multiple snackbox micros (the original ones and the newer style ones) got a ton of custom hitboxes too. I'm really excited for the SWORL coming soon from Snackbox
SWORL is too much for me lol
Nah id hate for it to break in the bag.
Need a carrying case for all your leverless controllers!
Can u make a video on reviewing the practicality of using L3 and R3 buttons for actual fights in SF6 .like mapping L3 R3 to parry of DI
On this thing it wouldn't work. I can't imagine it being useful on Pad either? Just use the shoulder buttons.
@@ANIMEILLUMINATI i meant on razer kitsune..becoz it has small L3 R3 just above the main buttons
I need myself a leverless controller with an easy ability to add other buttons and change SOCD standards. Guess the only way to do it is custom 😔
Snackbox Micro does both.
@@ANIMEILLUMINATI Ight looks like I found my controller
This must really be a personal preference kind of thing, cuz I hated the kitsune buttons but the nano's were great for me. I do agree that swappable caps would be great in the future. Can't hate that price tho, it's 170 bucks for the base product. If you need that brooke board tho... that's another 130. If you're playing on PC I think this is the one to go with.
Absolutely personal preference. There is no "best" button.
Yeah I have the JFA snackbox micro xl for my Xbox series X and I really love it, but if I am playing on PC or switch I often times like going back to my normal Hitbox arcade for the sanwa buttons. I dig both pretty equally, but the Micro xl allows me to play on any platform I own and it has the R3 and L3 buttons which push it slightly above the Hitbox for me.
I have the evo version and love it. No interest in customizing, and the buttons feel great. A+ from me
Yup, it's a great entry level controller if you have no desire to customize.
@@ANIMEILLUMINATI excuse me young man, I'll have you know I'm an 09er thank you very much
this thing is thinner than my wallet, and i'm broke
Anyone know how to socd cleanse this product?
I dunno man... the Mpress EVO is amazing. The size and weight are exactly what I want for something on my lap. I don't regret even a penny of that purchase.
I agree it’s amazing, but it’s going to be even better real soon.
Anyone know the name of the song playing at the end of the video?
MBTL - Waiting Room
What kind of switches do you use on the snackbox?
Kaihl Low Profile White switches. They are very clicky and I like that, but it's all preference.
@@ANIMEILLUMINATIthank you, i kinda fell in love with the sound of yours lol
how do you guys feel about playing MK on hitboxes?
I heard Pad/Hitbox is good for MK
I play MK1 on a leverless and it's awesome
just subbed like your reviews
Welcome aboard! I need more controllers to review now.
What song is being used in this video? Thanks
MBTL - Waiting Room
2 issues: First: "I want my controllers to be as thin as possible" Why? What benefit is it to you to save the ridiculously small difference between a snackbox and this? None. Realty is more weight helps it move less during use which is a good thing, and more size allows for more hand/arm resting options. It's why even pros using leverless still opt for chunky "sticks".
Second: this old layout is not the future. We have seen how much better different custom layouts like those used by Kakeru, Leffen, etc, are compared to these old school stick style layouts. It's just blatantly inferior and it's insane to me that manufacturers haven't realized this yet.
It's the future as in this will be the most common controller.
@@ANIMEILLUMINATI I agree that leverless will likely be the most common controller type in the future. But as for this specific controller, or even paridise arcade as a brand being a dominant force or top competitor, I heavily doubt it.
I think it's going to be a tight race between Razer, Hitbox, and Junkfood arcade, for the top spot for the foreseable future. I think what will devide them in the long run will depend on how their next versions with better layouts and options do, but we are unfortunately still years away from that in all likelihood.
The reason it feels like that is because the switches are membrane switches. They bounce back using a piece of silicone unlike mechanical switches which use a spring
not membrane, cherry ultra low profile scissor switches
I might be wrong but Cherry MX Ultra Lows don't use membrane keys
@@KittensAreDope oh oops he said laptop so i just assumed they have to be membrane switches
Confidently incorrect.
I like heft to my sticks.
Super Keyboard
I'm not bashing on this or any other hitbox style controller but for me, the appeal of a stick is the stick. I feel like I may as well just use a mechanical keyboard instead of a controller with no stick on it, which I have done, and it's not really my thing. I know the buttons are bigger but still...
Stick is fun to use for sure. But so are leverless controllers! The precision is unmatched.
Leverless controllers feel a TON better to play on than a keyboard.
You t-touched it? 😳
A PS3 controller? Damn. Lemme play some elder scrolls oblivion I guess
Talladega Nights
M-gawk
Laptop buttons are garbage this is practically unusable for the kind of players these types of controllers are trying to attract (serious hobbyist and pros). Then it's impossible to change the switches? Garbage for anyone serious
They better sell it cheap for the casuals then it will be a good product for that market