20 Arcade Control Designs That Redefined How We Played

Sega’s After Burner immersed players in high-speed aerial combat with a dedicated flight stick paired with a throttle control that simulated the experience of piloting a military jet. The joystick handled climbing, diving, and banking with smooth responsiveness, while the throttle let players accelerate or slow down depending on the situation. This combination added an extra layer of strategy that went beyond simply avoiding enemy fire. Deluxe cabinets amplified the excitement by moving and tilting along with the action on screen, making every dogfight feel even more convincing. The physical controls helped players forget they were standing in an arcade and instead imagine themselves inside the cockpit of a supersonic fighter. Few flight games of the era matched its sense of speed and immersion.