Tekken's leading figure, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick, a controller that's become an integral part of his gaming journey. 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

Katsuhiro Harada, the driving force behind the Tekken franchise, sparked curiosity among fans after noticing a custom arcade stick used by an Olympic sharpshooter. This prompted inquiries about his own preferred controller. Surprisingly, Harada 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 a special significance. This number is a phonetic equivalent of "Namco" in Japanese, 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 unknown. Nevertheless, the number carries deep sentimental value for Harada, symbolizing his connection to Namco's heritage. His affection for the number extends beyond the fightstick; he even incorporates 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 intriguing. While the Hori Fighting EDGE may lack the advanced features of newer models, its long-standing companionship makes it irreplaceable to Harada.