Tekken Director Harada's Go-To Fighting Stick Revealed

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

Tekken's Mastermind Still Uses a PS3 Fightstick

Harada's Fighting EDGE: More Than Just a Controller

Katsuhiro Harada, the creative force behind the Tekken franchise, sparked curiosity among fans after noticing a custom arcade stick used by an Olympic sharpshooter. This led to questions about his own preferred controller. Much to everyone's surprise, Harada confessed his unwavering loyalty to the Hori Fighting EDGE, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick that's no longer in production.

While the Hori Fighting EDGE itself is unremarkable—a twelve-year-old controller—its serial number, "00765," holds a special significance. 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 gift, or it was a lucky coincidence remains a mystery. Regardless, the number carries immense sentimental value for Harada, representing the company's heritage. This fondness extends beyond the fightstick; he even incorporates the numbers into his car's license plate.

Given the availability of modern, high-end fighting sticks like the Tekken 8 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick (which Harada used during his EVO 2024 match against Twitch streamer LilyPichu), his preference for the older model is intriguing. While the Hori Fighting EDGE may lack the advanced features of newer controllers, its long-standing companionship makes it irreplaceable for Harada.