Tekken Director Harada's Go-To Fighting Stick Revealed

Tekken's mastermind, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick, a controller that's become an extension of himself. Let's delve into the story behind this cherished piece of gaming history.

Harada's Fighting Edge: A PlayStation 3 Relic

The Hori Fighting EDGE: More Than Just a Controller

Katsuhiro Harada, the producer and director of the Tekken series, sparked curiosity after observing a custom arcade stick at the Olympics. This led fans to inquire about his own preferred controller. Surprisingly, Harada confessed his unwavering loyalty to the Hori Fighting EDGE, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick that's been discontinued for years.

The Hori Fighting EDGE itself isn't extraordinary; it's a twelve-year-old controller. However, its serial number, "00765," holds a special significance. This number is a phonetic representation of "Namco," Tekken's parent company, in Japanese.

Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a gift, or it was pure chance, remains a mystery. Regardless, the number carries profound sentimental value, representing his deep connection to Namco's legacy. His attachment is so strong that he even incorporates these numbers into his car's license plate.

Considering the availability of modern, high-tech 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 the Hori Fighting EDGE lacks the advanced features of newer models, its long-standing companionship makes it irreplaceable for Harada.