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ThunderStick LED Arcade trackball (TS-UTB01)
ThunderStick

ThunderStick LED Arcade trackball (TS-UTB01)

Bottom line: The ThunderStick LED Arcade trackball ($39.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Drop-in Arcade1Up replacement with no soldering or wire cutting; main trade-off: not compatible with the Arcade1Up Centipede Legacy unit (needs TS-UTB-PRO).

$39.95

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Buy on Amazon — $39.95 Compare to similar joysticks & game port

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Drop-in Arcade1Up replacement with no soldering or wire cutting
  • ✓ USB interface board runs on PC, Mac and Raspberry Pi, not just cabinets
  • ✓ Adjustable RGB lighting with 7 selectable colors
  • ✓ Industrial-grade high-precision ball for Centipede-style play

Cons

  • ✗ Not compatible with the Arcade1Up Centipede Legacy unit (needs TS-UTB-PRO)
  • ✗ Requires removing an internal jumper for Arcade1Up Legacy cabinets
  • ✗ Needs the USB interface board for PC, Mac or Raspberry Pi use
  • ✗ Manual read required before use to avoid jumper and wiring mistakes

Manufacturer description

GRS Trackball V2NOT COMPATIBLE WITH A1UP CENTIPEDE LEGACY UNITPLEASE READ INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE USEPLEASE REMOVE THE JUMPER INSIDE THE TRACKBALL IF YOU ARE INTENT TO USE ON ARCADE1UP LEGACY CABINETCompatible for Arcade1Up Atari 12 in 1 Unit, Centipede Unit and PC, Mac, RaspberryPi via USB interface board1. 100% plug and play2. No soldering and wire cutting3. Adjustable RGB colors(7 colors available)4. Simple installation5. Industrial quality6. High precision7. Installation video:https://youtu.be/OFqO6s2Fx3M

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored ThunderStick LED Arcade trackball using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the joysticks & game port category. ThunderStick's joysticks & game port lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for joysticks & game port of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • NOT COMPATIBLE WITH A1UP CENTIPEDE LEGACY UNIT(TS-UTB-PRO on our website is compatible with LEGACY CENTIPEDE)
  • Compatible for Arcade1Up Atari 12 in 1 Unit, Centipede Unit and PC, Mac, RaspberryPi via USB interface board
  • Simplest way to upgrade your arcade1up stock trackball to an industrial quality arcade trackball
  • Drop in replacement for Arcade1up cabinet

Full Specifications

BrandThunderStick
ColorTs-utb01
Range10.0 meters
ThemeVideo Game
Model NameTS UTB01
Style NameModern
Unit Count1.0 Count
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberTS-UTB01
Power SourceBattery Powered
CompatibilityPC, Mac
Button Quantity11
Mfr Part NumberTS-UTB01
Special FeatureVersatility
Antenna LocationArcade Gaming, Computer Use
Hand OrientationAmbidextrous
Hardware PlatformPC
Compatible DevicesMac, Personal Computer
Enclosure MaterialAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Movement DetectionTrackball

Ready to buy?

ThunderStick LED Arcade trackball (TS-UTB01) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $39.95

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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ThunderStick LED Arcade trackball (TS-UTB01)
$39.95
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