HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha - Tournament Grade Fightstick for PS5, PS4, PC - Officially Licensed by Sony
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AI Verdict
A 3.31-pound, officially licensed PS5, PS4, and PC fightstick with Hayabusa parts and a clamshell design for easy internal access.
This fightstick is a strong fit for serious fighting game players due to its official PS5 licensing and highly moddable design, allowing for component swaps and artwork changes. Its 3.31-pound weight makes it suitable for both desk and lap play, and for transport to events.
If you need a more premium feel and don't mind a heavier chassis, look for fightsticks with metal construction and detachable cables.
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Pros
- Clamshell design allows easy access for customization and maintenance of internal components.
- Hori Hayabusa joystick offers precise input, with some users finding it more precise than Sanwa joysticks.
- Hayabusa buttons have a short travel time, enabling quick and responsive inputs.
- Lightweight at 3.31 pounds, making it portable for travel to local tournaments.
- Provides ample palm and wrist space, contributing to comfortable use during extended sessions.
- Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio connectivity during gameplay.
Cons
- Hayabusa buttons can feel shallow or too sensitive for users accustomed to Sanwa buttons.
- Cable management is not elegant, and the 10ft cable is not detachable.
- The all-plastic construction, while sturdy, doesn't feel as premium as some higher-priced fightsticks.
- L3, R3, and Select button placement is awkward, requiring users to feel around for them.
- The R1/R2 and L1/L2 button mapping is reversed from typical controller layouts, causing confusion for some users.
Dimension Scores
The fightstick offers ample palm and wrist space and a beveled angle for comfortable hand placement during play.
Despite its all-plastic body, the chassis is sturdy and resists bending or flexing, though some users find it less premium than metal alternatives.
The clamshell design allows for exceptionally easy access to internal components for customization and maintenance, and the top-panel artwork is replaceable.
It features Hori's own Hayabusa joystick and buttons, which are responsive, but the buttons' shallow feel might not suit all preferences compared to Sanwa parts.
Best For
- Players who frequently modify or maintain their fightstick components.
- Competitive players needing a PS5-compatible stick for tournaments.
- Users who prefer a lighter fightstick for lap play or portability.
- Individuals seeking a precise joystick for fighting games.
Not Recommended For
- First-time fightstick buyers on a strict budget who might find the $150-$299 price band steep.
- Players who strongly prefer the feel of Sanwa buttons without planning to swap them out.
- Users who prioritize a heavy, metal-constructed fightstick for maximum desk stability.
Watch Out For
- The Hayabusa buttons' short travel distance and sensitivity can feel 'shallow' or 'loose' to users accustomed to other button types, potentially leading to accidental inputs until muscle memory adjusts.
- The internal cable management is described as 'clunky,' and the 10ft cable is permanently attached, which can be inconvenient for storage or transport.
- The L3, R3, and Select buttons are positioned in a way that makes them difficult to locate without looking, interrupting gameplay flow.
- The R1/R2 buttons are on the left side and L1/L2 on the right, which is an inverted layout compared to standard controllers and can be frustrating for new users.
- The square gate on the joystick can make quarter-circle motions more challenging for some players, requiring a longer adjustment period.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09RQV4786 |
| Language | English |
| Department | Unisex (13+) |
| Item Weight | 3.31 pounds |
| Manufacturer | HORI |
| Release date | August 4, 2022 |
| Type of item | Accessory |
| Item model number | SPF-013U |
| Product Dimensions | 18.9 x 6.5 x 14.37 inches; 3.31 Pounds |
What Buyers Say
What surprised me most is how many users highlight the Hayabusa joystick as being more precise than Sanwa, which is a big deal in the fightstick community. The easy-open clamshell design is a massive win for anyone who likes to tinker or swap parts, making customization a breeze. However, the non-detachable 10ft cable and its clunky storage are a recurring annoyance. Also, the placement of the L3/R3/Select buttons and the inverted R1/R2, L1/L2 mapping consistently throws people off.
“Okay, so the stick itself is actually really good, like, way more precise than I thought, but seriously, who put the R1 buttons on the left? My brain just can't handle it, I keep messing up my combos!”
Common Praise
- The clamshell opening makes swapping out parts or artwork incredibly simple.
- Hayabusa joystick feels precise and responsive, with some preferring it over Sanwa.
- Lightweight design (3.31 pounds) makes it comfortable for lap play and easy to transport.
- Plenty of space for wrists and palms, contributing to comfort during long sessions.
- Sturdy plastic construction holds up well, even if it doesn't feel 'premium'.
- Officially licensed for PS5, PS4, and PC, ensuring broad compatibility.
Common Complaints
- Hayabusa buttons can feel too sensitive or shallow, lacking the tactile feedback some prefer.
- The 10ft cable is not detachable and its internal storage is awkward.
- The placement of L3, R3, and Select buttons is inconvenient and hard to access quickly.
- The R1/R2 and L1/L2 button mapping is reversed from standard controllers, causing muscle memory issues.
- The square gate on the joystick can make certain inputs, like quarter-circles, more difficult for some players.
- The all-plastic build, while durable, doesn't convey a premium feel for its price point.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, the Hayabusa buttons' sensitivity becomes less of an issue as you adapt, but some still swap them for a different feel.
- The non-detachable cable is a constant minor annoyance, especially when packing it up for travel.
- The ease of opening the stick means you'll probably end up customizing it more than you initially planned.
- The light weight is genuinely appreciated for lap play, it doesn't slide around like heavier sticks can.
- The Noir button layout feels comfortable for most, but the awkward L3/R3/Select placement never quite feels natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha compatible with Xbox consoles?
No, the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha is officially licensed for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC. It is not compatible with Xbox Series X out of the box and would require a wired stick converter for use.
Can I change the joystick and buttons on this fightstick?
Yes, the fightstick features a clamshell design that opens easily, allowing for straightforward customization and maintenance of both the joystick and buttons. Many users swap out the stock Hayabusa parts for other brands like Sanwa.
Does the fightstick have a headphone jack?
Yes, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack on the left side, which is useful for in-game audio and party chat.
Is the artwork on the top panel replaceable?
Yes, the top panel artwork is replaceable, allowing users to personalize the aesthetic of their fightstick.
How long is the cable and is it detachable?
The fightstick comes with a 10ft cable. However, the cable is not detachable, and while it can be hidden inside the stick, its management is described as clunky.
Is the Hayabusa joystick a square gate or octagonal gate?
The Hayabusa joystick included with the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha uses a square gate, which is standard for many fightsticks.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at fightsticks, don't just focus on compatibility. Think about how easy it is to open up and change parts, because you'll probably want to customize the joystick and buttons to your exact preference. Also, consider the weight; a lighter stick is better for lap play and carrying around, but a heavier one might feel more planted on a desk. The button layout, like Noir or Vewlix, can also affect your comfort and input speed.
Hayabusa Buttons and Joystick
These are HORI's proprietary components. The joystick is known for precision, and the buttons for their short travel distance. This means your inputs register very quickly, which is crucial for fighting games, but some players might prefer a different tactile feel.
Clamshell Design
This refers to how the fightstick opens up. A clamshell design means you can easily access the internal wiring and components without needing tools or complex disassembly. This is a huge plus if you plan to swap out buttons, joysticks, or even the top artwork.
Weight (3.31 pounds)
The weight impacts portability and how stable the stick feels during use. At 3.31 pounds, this stick is relatively light, making it easy to carry to tournaments and comfortable for playing on your lap without feeling cumbersome. Heavier sticks might feel more 'premium' but are less portable.
Alternatives
If this stick doesn't quite fit, look for options with detachable USB-C cables and a heavier chassis for a more planted feel, or models that explicitly use Sanwa parts if you prefer that button and joystick feel.
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