Tekken's renowned producer and director, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick. Discover the story behind this controller, a long-time companion with deep sentimental value.
Tekken's Mastermind Favors a Classic PS3 Fightstick
Harada's "Fighting EDGE"
Katsuhiro Harada, the driving force behind the Tekken franchise, sparked curiosity after noticing a custom arcade stick used by an Olympic sharpshooter. This led fans to inquire about his personal preference. 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 special significance. This number, when pronounced in Japanese, sounds like "Namco," Tekken's parent company.
Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a gift, or it's a coincidental stroke of luck remains unknown. Regardless, the number is deeply meaningful to Harada, representing his company's legacy. His attachment is so strong that he even incorporates these numbers into his car's license plate.
With the availability of modern, high-tech fighting sticks like the Tekken 8 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick (used by Harada during his EVO 2024 match against LilyPichu), his choice is intriguing. While the Hori Fighting EDGE lacks the advanced features of newer models, its longevity and role as a faithful companion for years make it irreplaceable for Harada.
