Joystick Labs
Joystick Labs services

// Services

Three Services,
One Clear Purpose

Focused work for studios and builders who want arcade design done carefully — controls, layouts, and documentation that hold up in practice.

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// What We Offer

Focused, not generalist

Each service covers a specific part of the arcade design and handoff process. They can be engaged independently or as a sequence — most full cabinet projects benefit from all three, but many studios come to us for one specific piece they need help with.

Pricing is listed clearly on each service. Scope is defined upfront. If your project sits outside what a service covers, we'll say so before work begins rather than after. No surprises in the invoice.

Control Scheme Design

SERVICE 01

Control Scheme Design

$280 USD

Maps out comfortable, intuitive controls for an arcade-style game — suited to teams designing for joystick-and-button setups who want the feel done thoughtfully. We discuss player ergonomics, draft a control diagram, and test responsiveness through a simple prototype. The approach stays grounded and considerate of real hands at a real cabinet.

What's included

  • Initial hardware and game brief conversation
  • Player ergonomics review and joystick-button spacing analysis
  • Labeled control diagram with input mapping
  • Simple responsiveness prototype for feel testing
  • Revision round based on team feedback
  • Final deliverable files organized for handoff
Full Details →

SERVICE 02

Cabinet Layout Package

$620 USD

Plans the on-screen and physical layout pairing for an arcade title — made for builders bridging software and hardware at a measured pace. It includes a screen layout guide, input mapping notes, and a tidy reference document for assembly. Everything is kept clear so your team can follow along comfortably.

What's included

  • Software-hardware alignment review
  • Screen layout guide with HUD and UI placement
  • Input mapping notes cross-referenced to physical controls
  • Cabinet assembly reference document
  • Two revision rounds
  • Final package in formats ready for your team's workflow
Full Details →
Cabinet Layout Package
Operator Handoff Kit

SERVICE 03

Operator Handoff Kit

$340 USD

Prepares clear, friendly materials for whoever will run or maintain the cabinet — intended for studios and venues who value smooth handovers. Work covers a setup guide, troubleshooting notes, and labeled diagrams written in plain language. We keep the tone calm and supportive throughout.

What's included

  • Setup guide written for non-specialist operators
  • Troubleshooting notes for common issues
  • Labeled component diagrams for maintenance reference
  • Plain-language component index
  • One revision round based on client review
  • Print-ready and digital formats included
Full Details →

// Pricing at a Glance

Clear numbers, no hidden scope

Service
Price
Details

Control Scheme Design

Joystick & button ergonomics, diagram, prototype

$280

USD

Cabinet Layout Package

Screen layout, input mapping, assembly reference

$620

USD

Operator Handoff Kit

Setup guide, troubleshooting, labeled diagrams

$340

USD

Prices listed are starting points for standard project scope. Complex or extended projects may be scoped individually. We discuss this before any work begins.

// Getting Started

How to move forward

Step 01

Send a brief note

Use the contact form on the home page. A few sentences about your project and which service you're considering is enough to start.

Step 02

We'll have a short call

A 20–30 minute conversation to understand the project in more detail. No commitment expected — it's just to make sure the fit is right on both sides.

Step 03

Work begins

Once scope and timeline are agreed on, work starts. You'll see early drafts quickly, and we'll keep the feedback loop short throughout.

// Common Questions

A few things people ask

Can I engage more than one service for the same project? +

Yes — most full cabinet builds benefit from all three. They're priced and scoped independently, but they work well as a sequence. Control scheme design first, then cabinet layout, then the operator kit once the hardware decisions are settled.

What if my project scope is larger than what's listed? +

We'll discuss it before committing to anything. If the scope extends beyond a standard engagement, we'll say so and talk through what makes sense. No work begins until both sides agree on what it covers.

How long does a typical project take? +

It varies with complexity and how quickly feedback comes in. Control scheme design typically runs 1–2 weeks. Cabinet layout packages usually take 2–3 weeks. Operator kits are often 1–2 weeks depending on how much documentation the project requires. We'll give you a specific estimate once we understand the project.

What file formats are deliverables in? +

We ask about your team's preferred formats early on. In general, diagrams come as vector files (SVG/PDF) and documents as PDF and editable formats. Operator kits include a print-ready version. If you have a specific toolchain, let us know and we'll work with it where we can.

// Ready to Start?

Let's look at your project

Send a message through the contact form on our home page and we'll get back to you within one business day. No sales process — just a straightforward conversation about what you're building.

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