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.
Tekken's Maestro Favors a Classic PS3 Fightstick
Harada's Fighting EDGE: A Legacy of Loyalty
Inspired by an Olympic sharpshooter's custom arcade stick, fans inquired about Harada's own fighting controller preference. The Tekken 8 mastermind 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. However, its serial number, "00765," holds profound significance. This number mirrors the Japanese pronunciation of "Namco," Tekken's parent company.
Whether this serial number was a deliberate choice, a gift, or pure chance remains unknown. Nevertheless, the number carries deep sentimental value for Harada, symbolizing Namco's legacy. His affection for "00765" extends beyond the fightstick; he even incorporates it into his car's license plate.
Given the prevalence of modern, high-tech fighting sticks, such as the Tekken 8 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick (used by Harada during his EVO 2024 match against LilyPichu), his choice is intriguing. While lacking the advanced features of newer models, the Hori Fighting EDGE's enduring companionship over countless years makes it irreplaceable to Harada.
