Tekken series producer and director, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick, a controller that's become almost an extension of himself. Discover the story behind this sentimental piece of gaming history.
Tekken's Mastermind Still Favors a PS3 Fightstick
Harada's Fighting EDGE: A Legacy in His Hands
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 led to questions about his own preferred controller. Much to everyone's surprise, Harada confessed his unwavering loyalty to the Hori Fighting EDGE, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick that's no longer in production.
While the Hori Fighting EDGE might seem unremarkable—a twelve-year-old controller—its serial number, "00765," holds a special significance. These digits, when pronounced in Japanese, sound like "Namco," the very company behind the Tekken series.
Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a gift, or it was a chance occurrence remains a mystery. However, the number clearly holds deep sentimental value for him, representing the company's heritage. This fondness extends beyond the fightstick; Harada even incorporates the numbers 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 Twitch streamer LilyPichu), his preference for the older Hori Fighting EDGE is intriguing. While lacking the advanced features of newer models, its longevity and faithful service over the years have clearly earned it a cherished place in Harada's heart.
