Tekken Director Harada's Go-To Fighting Stick Revealed

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

Tekken's Mastermind Favors a Classic PS3 Fightstick

Harada's Fighting EDGE: A Legacy of Loyalty

Katsuhiro Harada, the driving force behind the Tekken franchise, sparked curiosity after noticing a custom arcade stick used by an Olympic sharpshooter. This led fans to inquire about his own preferred controller. Much to everyone's surprise, Harada confessed his unwavering allegiance to the now-discontinued Hori Fighting EDGE, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick.

The Hori Fighting EDGE itself isn't extraordinary; it's a twelve-year-old controller. However, its serial number, "00765," holds immense significance. This number, when pronounced in Japanese, sounds remarkably like "Namco," the company behind the Tekken series.

Whether this serial number was a deliberate request, a thoughtful gift, or a happy coincidence remains unknown. Regardless, the number carries profound sentimental value for Harada, symbolizing the company's heritage. His attachment is so deep that he's even incorporated the numbers into his car's license plate.

Given the plethora of modern, high-performance fighting sticks available—including the Tekken 8 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick, which Harada used during his EVO 2024 match against LilyPichu—his choice is intriguing. While the Hori Fighting EDGE may lack the advanced features of newer models, its enduring companionship over countless years makes it irreplaceable to Harada.