Tekken Director's Favorite Fighting Stick Unveiled

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

Tekken's Mastermind Favors a Classic PS3 Fightstick

Harada's Fighting EDGE: A Legacy of Loyalty

Following the recent Olympic Games, where Harada noticed an athlete using a custom arcade stick, fans inquired about his own fighting stick preference. Much to everyone's surprise, the Tekken 8 director confessed his unwavering allegiance 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. What sets it apart is its serial number: "00765." This seemingly unremarkable sequence represents the Japanese pronunciation of "Namco," Tekken's parent company.

Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a gift, or it was a chance occurrence remains unknown. However, the number holds immense sentimental value for him, symbolizing the company's heritage. His affection for "00765" extends beyond the fightstick; he's even incorporated it into his car's license plate.

Given the availability of modern, high-tech fighting sticks like the Tekken 8 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick (which Harada used during his EVO 2024 match against LilyPichu), his choice is particularly noteworthy. While the Hori Fighting EDGE may lack the advanced features of newer models, its long-standing companionship makes it irreplaceable to Harada.