Katsuhiro Harada, the renowned producer and director of the Tekken series, has shared insights into his preferred fighting stick, revealing a deep personal connection to a piece of gaming hardware that has become an extension of himself. Dive into the story behind the controller that holds significant sentimental value for him.
Tekken Producer and Director Still Rocks a PS3 Fight Stick
Harada’s Fightstick is his ‘Fighting EDGE’
Katsuhiro Harada's interest in custom arcade sticks was piqued after observing an Olympic Sharpshooter using a specialized part during the recent Olympic Games. This sparked curiosity among fans about his own choice of fighting stick. Surprisingly, Harada disclosed his unwavering loyalty to the Hori Fighting EDGE, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick that has been out of production for years.
While the Hori Fighting EDGE may not boast the latest features, its significance to Harada lies in its serial number: "00765". This seemingly random sequence of digits phonetically represents "Namco" in Japanese, the company behind the iconic Tekken series. Whether Harada specifically chose this serial number, received it as a thoughtful gift from Hori, or stumbled upon it by chance remains a mystery. However, the number's connection to Namco's roots imbues it with profound sentimental value for Harada, so much so that he has even incorporated these numbers into his car's license plate.
Despite the allure of newer, advanced 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 Hori Fighting EDGE remains steadfast. The older model may not have the latest technology, but its long-standing companionship with Harada over the years has cemented its special place in his heart.
