Tekken's director and producer, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick, a controller that's become almost an extension of himself. Let's delve into the story behind this sentimental piece of gaming history.
Harada's Fighting Edge: A PS3 Relic
The "Fighting EDGE" that Defines a Legend
Katsuhiro Harada, the mastermind behind the Tekken series, sparked curiosity after observing an Olympic sharpshooter using a custom arcade stick. This prompted fan inquiries about his own preferred controller. Surprisingly, Harada confessed his unwavering loyalty to the Hori Fighting EDGE, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick that's been discontinued for years.
The Hori Fighting EDGE itself isn't extraordinary; it's a twelve-year-old controller. However, its serial number, "00765," adds a unique layer of significance. This number is a phonetic representation of "Namco" in Japanese, the very company behind the Tekken franchise.
Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a gift, or it was a lucky coincidence remains a mystery. Regardless, the number holds deep sentimental value for Harada, symbolizing his connection to Namco's legacy. His fondness extends beyond the fightstick; he even incorporates the numbers 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 enduring companionship over the years makes it irreplaceable to Harada.
