Tekken Director Unveils His Preferred Arcade Controller

Tekken's renowned producer and director, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick, a controller that's become practically an extension of himself. Discover the story behind this cherished piece of gaming history.

Harada's Fighting Stick: A PlayStation 3 Relic

The Hori Fighting EDGE: More Than Just a Controller

Following the recent Olympic Games, and inspired by an Olympic sharpshooter's custom arcade stick, fans questioned Harada about his preferred controller. Much to everyone's surprise, the Tekken 8 mastermind confessed his unwavering loyalty to the Hori Fighting EDGE, a discontinued PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick.

While the Hori Fighting EDGE itself isn't particularly unique—a standard controller released over a decade ago—its serial number, "00765," holds immense personal significance. This number is a phonetic representation of "Namco," the company behind the Tekken franchise.

Whether this serial number was a deliberate request, a gift, or a fortunate coincidence remains unknown. However, the number represents a deep connection to Namco's legacy for Harada, a sentiment so strong it's even reflected in his car's license plate.

With the availability of advanced fighting sticks like the Tekken 8 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick (used by Harada during his EVO 2024 match against LilyPichu), his choice is intriguing. While lacking the modern features of newer models, the Hori Fighting EDGE's longevity and sentimental value solidify its irreplaceable place in Harada's heart.