Preventing button input overlap, often called "ghosting" or "blocking," is crucial for responsive arcade controls. The most common methods involve both hardware and software solutions. For hardware, using a diode with each microswitch is fundamental. Diodes prevent current from flowing back into the common ground line, ensuring that pressing multiple buttons simultaneously doesn't create false or missed inputs. This is the standard for professional arcade sticks and cabinets. Another hardware approach is utilizing an encoder board with built-in anti-ghosting or N-key rollover features, which are designed to correctly register many simultaneous key presses. For software, developers can implement a "debouncing" algorithm to filter out rapid, unintended electrical signal noise from the mechanical switches. Furthermore, programming a prioritized input system can help, where the game logic accepts only the first or most critical command within a very short window, reducing conflict. Proper wiring practices, like a well-designed switch matrix, also significantly minimize the risk of electrical interference causing input overlap. Ultimately, a combination of diodes on every switch and a quality encoder is the most reliable hardware method for preventing this issue.