Tekken Director Harada's Go-To Fighting Stick Revealed

Tekken's visionary producer and director, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick, a testament to his dedication and a piece of gaming history. Discover the story behind this controller, a true extension of Harada himself, and the sentimental value it holds.

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 preferred controller. Much to everyone's surprise, the Tekken 8 mastermind confessed his unwavering loyalty to the 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 is a phonetic representation of "Namco," the very company behind the Tekken series.

Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a gift, or it was a fortunate coincidence remains a mystery. Regardless, the number carries deep sentimental value for Harada, symbolizing the company's heritage. His attachment is so strong that he's even incorporated these numbers into his car's license plate.

Given the availability of modern, high-tech fighting sticks, such as 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 lacks the advanced features of newer models, its long-standing companionship makes it irreplaceable for Harada.