Harada's Preferred Fighting Stick Unveiled

Katsuhiro Harada, the renowned producer and director of the Tekken series, has shared insights into his preferred fighting stick, revealing a deep personal connection to his choice of controller.

Tekken Producer and Director Still Rocks a PS3 Fight Stick

Harada’s Fightstick is his ‘Fighting EDGE’

Inspired by an Olympic Sharpshooter's use of a custom arcade stick part during the recent Olympic Games, fans were curious about Harada's go-to fighting stick. Surprisingly, the Tekken 8 producer remains loyal to the Hori Fighting EDGE, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick that's no longer in production.

The Hori Fighting EDGE might not boast the latest technology, being a controller released twelve years ago. However, its unique appeal lies in its serial number: "00765". These digits, when pronounced in Japanese, sound like "Namco", the company behind the Tekken series.

Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a thoughtful gift from Hori, or if it was merely a lucky coincidence, the number holds deep sentimental value for him. It symbolizes the roots of the company he cherishes. His affection for these numbers is so strong that he's even incorporated them into his car’s license plate.

Despite the allure of newer, advanced fighting sticks such as the Tekken 8 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick, which Harada used in his EVO 2024 match against Twitch streamer LilyPichu, his allegiance to the Hori Fighting EDGE speaks volumes. While it may not have the latest features, its long-standing companionship with Harada makes it irreplaceable in his heart.