Back when I was really into fighting games, I made a set for myself. They were awesome for fighting games, but not usable for any other games. Pretty much every other game at the time (late 90s) wanted the analog functionality from the joysticks, which a fighting game stick doesn't have (or didn't anyway, I admit I have not kept current).
I would add, at the time it was possible to find an arcade supply store and buy commercial parts direct. I don't think those sources exist anymore.