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 legacy. Discover the story behind this cherished piece of equipment and its sentimental significance.
Tekken's Mastermind Favors a Classic PS3 Fightstick
Harada's Fighting EDGE: A Testament to 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 led to questions about his personal fighting stick preference. Much to everyone's surprise, Harada confessed his unwavering allegiance to the Hori Fighting EDGE, a now-discontinued 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 special meaning. This number is a phonetic representation of "Namco," the company behind the Tekken series, adding a layer of sentimental value for Harada. The connection runs so deep that he even incorporates these numbers into his car's license plate.
Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a gift, or it was a fortunate coincidence remains unknown. Regardless, the number symbolizes his deep-rooted connection to Namco.
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 intriguing. While the Hori Fighting EDGE may lack the advanced features of newer models, its long-standing companionship makes it irreplaceable to Harada.