Tekken's renowned producer and director, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick, a controller that's become an extension of himself. Discover the story behind this sentimental favorite.

Tekken's Mastermind Favors a Classic PS3 Fightstick

Harada's "Fighting EDGE"

Katsuhiro Harada, the driving force behind the Tekken series, sparked curiosity about his preferred fighting stick after noticing a custom arcade stick used by an Olympic sharpshooter. Much to everyone's surprise, he 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 profound 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 a lucky coincidence remains unknown. Nevertheless, the number carries immense sentimental value for Harada, symbolizing his company's legacy. His affection for "00765" extends beyond the fightstick; he's even incorporated it into his car's license plate.

Considering 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 years of faithful service have earned it a special place in Harada's heart.