The release of Tekken 8 is around the corner and if you’re looking to become the next king of the iron fist, you’re probably looking for the perfect way to play the game. Using arcade controllers is one of the many ways to enjoy Tekken 8.
Different arcade controllers cater to different playstyles – some players prefer fight sticks while others prefer pressing buttons on leverless controllers.
Regardless of your preferences, here are 10 recommendations to prepare for your next battle. Be mindful of the platform the arcade controller is compatible with as Tekken 8 will only be released on PC and current-gen consoles.
1) HORI Fighting Stick Mini (S$59)
Compatibility: PC
The HORI Fighting Stick Mini is the cheapest PC-compatible stick you can use for Tekken 8. It is also extremely portable and much smaller than conventional arcade controllers at approximately 21cm by 16cm. For such a small form factor, it is quite impressive that the machine can accommodate the standard 8-button arcade layout and a lever.
The stick sets you back about S$59, which is perfect if you’re new and are looking to get a feel of using a fight stick. The downside, though, is the small form factor has no room for your palm to rest comfortably on the body, which limits specific playstyles.
2) PXN X8 (S$101)
Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S & PC
Some players prefer having arcade and directional buttons easily accessible for games like Tekken 8. The PXN X8 offers such an experience for around S$101. At its price point, this arcade controller makes for a great entry piece for players looking to jump into Tekken 8 with leverless controls.
The PXN X8 is fitted with tactile blue mechanical switches – that are non-hot-swappable – like a gaming keyboard, leaving PC players feeling right at home. Those playing Tekken 8 on the Xbox Series X|S can also use this arcade controller.
3) 8BitDo Retro Arcade Stick (S$120)
Compatibility: PC
If you’re looking to go full retro, the 8BitDo Arcade Stick is an appropriate option. There are many commendable characteristics of the 8BitDo Arcade Stick, one of which is that it is moddable. This arcade controller has a universal mounting plate that supports Sanwa sticks. It can also be used wireless through Bluetooth and the provided 2.4G receiver. If using a wired connection is your thing, the USB-C cable is also available.
Buttons on the 8BitDo Arcade Stick can be mapped while macros can also be created. For about S$120 and its functionality, the stick is a steal.
4) MAYFLASH F300 Elite (S$190)
Compatibility: Xbox Series X & PC. (PlayStation 5 with Adaptor)
May Flash is known for creating arcade sticks that occupy the sweet spot between value and quality. If you are playing Tekken 8 on the PC or Xbox Series X, their F300 Elite Arcade Stick will suffice. The controller has a precision 4-way joystick and nine highly responsive buttons from Sanwa – industry standard components for fighting sticks. At around S$190, the stick provides a solid build quality even though it is not moddable.
The brand also provides avenues to widen the compatibility of its arcade sticks for other platforms. PlayStation 5 users can purchase the additional Magic-S Ultimate adaptor for around S$56 to play Tekken 8 using the F300 Elite. They can also go for the F700 if they would prefer native PlayStation 5 compatibility.
5) Qanba N3 Drone 2 (S$228)
Compatibility: PlayStation 5 & PC
Qanba is another brand that provides reliable arcade sticks for those looking to go pro in games like Tekken 8. Although most of their sticks come at a premium, their N3 Drone 2 Wired Joystick is fairly affordable in the realm of fighting sticks at around S$228.
The Qanba N3 Drone 2 is an officially licensed PlayStation peripheral compatible with PC. It comes with their authentic and top-quality 30mm B-30 Qanba buttons and Qanba OV7 OMRON lever along with a full control panel and touchpad.
These parts are easily moddable. All users have to do is remove the six screws at the bottom of the controller and pop out the buttons they would like replaced.
6) Hori Fighting Stick Alpha (S$230)
Compatibility: PlayStation 5, PC, & Xbox Series X|S
The HORI Fighting Stick Alpha is the most common contemporary arcade stick for fighting games. The stick accommodates every platform Tekken 8 is being released with their respective variants for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC – bonus fact: PC users can use either controller. HORI has even collaborated with Bandai Namco for an official tournament-grade Tekken 8 fighting stick, officially licensed by Sony.
Both HORI Fighting Stick Alpha variants come with stock HAYABUSA buttons and lever, with the possibility of easy and accessible modding just by lifting the top half of the arcade controller’s casing. The top clear plastic panel of the arcade controller can also be easily lifted for players to incorporate their custom arcade controller designs.
The HORI Fighting Stick Alpha is priced at S$230.
7) Snackbox MICRO (S$352)
Compatibility: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, & PC
Leverless controllers have been rising in trend for fighting games like Tekken 8. The hitBOX was one of the first few leverless arcade controllers to grace the market. The Snackbox MICRO, meanwhile, is just a more compact version of the hitBOX.
Unlike the hitBOX, the Snackbox MICRO is compatible with the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It also comes in a clean and cool-looking transparent case where players can integrate their favourite artwork.
The Snackbox MICRO comes with Kailh Red Low Profile mechanical switches. The switches are hot-swappable, which means players can find their own collection of low-profile switches to meet their gaming needs. The controller also comes with a 6ft right-angle USB-C cable that neatly runs to the console of their choice.
If players are keen on purchasing the Snackbox MICRO, they’ll need to act fast. The arcade controller is only purchasable as a limited pre-order through the Junk Food Arcades website at US$265 (around S$352). These controllers come in batches, so who knows when the next release window will be?
8) hitBOX (S$360)
Compatibility: PC
The hitBOX is the household name for leverless arcade controllers. Ever since its introduction into the realm of fighting games, the hitBOX has been generating heated discussion on whether it gives players lever-age (pun intended) in their playstyles. Arcade controllers with levers require players to overcome a difficulty curve for character movement. The hitBOX, a leverless controller, eliminates this curve. Regardless, the hitBOX has been a favourite arcade stick for many Tekken players both casual and professional.
Priced at around S$360, the hitBOX uses Sanwa arcade buttons and comes with a durable metal case and plexiglass. So far, the hitBOX is only compatible with PCs.
9) Razer Kitsune All-Button Arcade Controller (S$478)
Compatibility: PlayStation 5 & PC
If you like LEDs that go with your PC or PlayStation 5 while virtually punching other players in the face leverless style, then the Razer Kitsune would be your go-to arcade controller.
This premium leverless arcade controller comes with hot-swappable low-profile linear optical switches that minimise input actuation. It also comes with a touchpad, an aluminum top plate for custom Razer vinyl wraps, and a built-in lock to fasten the USB-C cable, preventing unintended or unwanted disconnections.
Be ready to burn a hole in your wallet if you would like to buy this premium arcade controller though: it costs approximately S$478.
10) Qanba Obsidian 2 (S$480)
Compatibility: PlayStation 5 & PC
Qanba takes pride in the Obsidian 2 for its premium quality that is “tested by e-athletes”. The Qanba Obsidian 2 boasts tournament-grade parts like the Sanwa Denki 30mm OBSF-30 buttons and Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT-SK joystick lever. The levers, lever ball, and buttons can also be easily changed and customised. To help players prevent whiffs and slip-ups in Tekken 8, the Qanba Obsidian 2 has a palm rest and anti-slip bottom so that the controller would sit securely on the surface you are using, even on your lap..
The premium Qanba Obsidian 2 comes with a touchpad, accommodating for PlayStation 5 and PC users. The arcade controller has a USB cable that neatly runs through the left side of the controller, allowing for easy tabletop cable management.
The Qanba Obsidian is considered to be one of the most expensive levered arcade controllers in the industry, setting you back at nearly S$480.
Arcade controllers have been around for a long time, and are generally moddable if you know what you’re doing. It may seem daunting to consider modding an arcade stick to “maximise” your skills in Tekken 8, but you don’t need a fully customised arcade controller to enjoy the game.
Although it may look like every Tekken player on YouTube and Twitch is using an arcade controller to play the game, it takes a while to get used to one. Ultimately, the right controller for you is what you are comfortable with and what you can afford.
Tekken 8 is set for a 26 January 2024 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Crack open a cold one with Joey, because the moment you approach him, he will start talking about film and video games for days. He spends his waking moments during the weekends meditating on how the latest movie he’s watched or game he’s played has impacted his worldview.
Kevin Low
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