Unlock the Winning Advantage with the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha – Solid Mid-Range Performance with Competitive Pricing
Hori Fighting Stick Alpha: A Solid Option for Fighting Game Enthusiasts
The Hori Fighting Stick Alpha is a great choice for those already familiar with fight sticks and prefer them for fighting games over regular gamepads. However, with a price tag of $200 / £200, it may not be the best option for newcomers to the world of fight sticks.
Comfort and Customization
One of the standout features of the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha is its impressive lightness, making it easy to rest on your lap during extended gaming sessions. The clamshell design also allows for easy swapping out of Hori’s components for alternatives, giving you the freedom to customize your stick to your heart’s content. The faceplate can also be replaced with your own unique design, adding a touch of personality to your gaming setup.
Button Layout and Performance
The Hori Fighting Stick Alpha uses the Noir layout, which may take some getting used to for those accustomed to the more modern Vewlix layout. However, the Noir layout is well-suited for four-button games like Tekken 8, and I found it to be a comfortable choice. The stick itself is responsive and accurate, making it a great choice for those who prioritize precision in their fighting games.
Comparison to Other Options
While the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha is a solid option, it’s worth considering other options like the 8BitDo Arcade Stick, which can be had for $119.99 / £99. The Victrix Pro FS is also a great choice, but at a significantly higher price point of $399.99 / £349.99.
Specifications
Here’s a breakdown of the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha’s specifications:
- Price: $200 / £200
- Dimensions: 16.1in x 11.8in x 4.7in / 410mm x 300mm x 120mm
- Weight: 5.95lbs / 2.7kg
- Compatibility: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation and Xbox units are separate)
- Connection type: Wired (USB Type-C)
- Layout: Noir
- Software: Hori Device Manager (Xbox, PC)
How I Tested the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha
I tested the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha over a period of two weeks, playing a variety of fighting games including Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive, Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. I’ve been playing fighting games all my life, and while I’m typically a controller player, I’ve owned a number of fight sticks and thus have been able to channel my experience there into this review. Key things I looked out for during my testing included button responsiveness, the durability of the product, its aptitude to differing fighting game button layouts, and its comfort over longer gaming sessions.
Conclusion
The Hori Fighting Stick Alpha is a solid option for those already familiar with fight sticks and prefer them for fighting games over regular gamepads. While it may not be the best option for newcomers to the world of fight sticks, its impressive lightness, customization options, and responsive stick make it a great choice for those who prioritize precision in their fighting games.
