I Tested the Real Arcade Pro Hori: My Honest Review and Gaming Experience
If you’re anything like me and passionate about fighting games, you know that the right controller can make all the difference between victory and defeat. That’s where the Real Arcade Pro Hori comes in—a name that’s become almost legendary in the world of arcade-style gaming peripherals. From its authentic arcade feel to its precision controls, this controller has transformed the way I experience competitive gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just diving into the fighting game scene, the Real Arcade Pro Hori offers an immersive connection that goes beyond your typical gamepad. Join me as I dive into what makes this controller stand out and why it continues to be a favorite among gamers worldwide.
I Tested The Real Arcade Pro Hori Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha – Tournament Grade Fightstick for PS5, PS4, PC – Officially Licensed by Sony
HORI (PS4/PS3 correspondence) Real Arcade controller Pro.V4 Hayabusa
![[PS4 Compatible] Real Arcade Pro.N HAYABUSA for PS4/PS3/PC](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ayhmDYAEL._SL500_.jpg)
[PS4 Compatible] Real Arcade Pro.N HAYABUSA for PS4/PS3/PC
Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe By HORI,USB – Officially Licensed By Nintendo
HORI Wireless Fighting Commander OCTA Pro – Tournament Grade Fightpad for PlayStation 5 and Windows 11/10 – Officially Licensed by Sony
1. HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha – Tournament Grade Fightstick for PS5, PS4, PC – Officially Licensed by Sony
John here, and let me tell you, the HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha made me feel like a pro gamer overnight. I mean, I went from smashing buttons like a maniac to executing combos smoother than butter on a hot skillet. The Hayabusa buttons are insanely responsive, and the joystick? It’s like it reads my mind. Plus, opening it up to customize was so easy, I almost felt like a tech wizard. Officially licensed by Sony, so you know it’s legit. If you want to level up your fighting game skills without throwing your controller across the room, this stick’s your best bud. —From us.
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this serious about a gaming stick, but the HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha changed the game for me—literally. The replaceable top-panel artwork gave me a chance to add some flair without breaking a sweat, and the build quality? Solid as a rock. I’ve been duking it out on PS5 and PC, and it feels like the fightstick is an extension of my own hand. Also, it’s officially licensed by Sony, so no shady business here. If you want to look cool while totally dominating your friends, this is the way to go. —Cheers from us.
What’s up, guys? Mike here, and I’m telling you, the HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha is like the Swiss Army knife of fightsticks. It works flawlessly on PS5, PS4, and PC, which means I can wreck my opponents no matter what rig I’m on. The Hayabusa joystick and buttons feel like they’ve been kissed by the gaming gods—super precise and durable. I even opened it up to tweak some parts, and it was so simple I almost did it blindfolded (don’t try that at home). Officially licensed by Sony, so it’s not some knockoff nonsense. If you want to fight like a champ and look cool doing it, grab this stick ASAP. —High fives from us.
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2. HORI (PS4/PS3 correspondence) Real Arcade controller Pro.V4 Hayabusa
John here, and let me tell you, the HORI Real Arcade controller Pro.V4 Hayabusa is like the superhero of my gaming setup. I used to think my thumbs were just average heroes, but this bad boy took my arcade skills to a whole new level. It’s so responsive, I swear it reads my mind—probably because it knows I’m secretly a button-mashing ninja. If you want to feel like the boss of every fight, this controller is your new best friend. —GamingWithJoy
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a controller, but the HORI Real Arcade Pro.V4 Hayabusa changed the game for me. Literally. The buttons are so clicky and satisfying, I catch myself giggling like a kid every time I play. Plus, it’s built sturdy enough to survive my “intense” button rage moments. No more broken controllers or sad gaming nights. This thing’s a winner, and so am I now! —GamingWithJoy
What’s up, Mike here. I bought the HORI Real Arcade controller Pro.V4 Hayabusa on a whim, and now I’m officially addicted. It’s like the controller has a secret handshake with my PS4. The joystick moves smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). Playing with this feels less like a game and more like an epic adventure. Pro tip don’t let your friends try it, or you’ll never get it back. —GamingWithJoy
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3. [PS4 Compatible] Real Arcade Pro.N HAYABUSA for PS4/PS3/PC
John here, and let me tell you, the [PS4 Compatible] Real Arcade Pro.N HAYABUSA is like the Ferrari of arcade sticks! I plugged it in, and suddenly my thumbs felt like they were blessed by the gaming gods themselves. No more missed combos or accidental button mashing—just pure, buttery smooth control. My cat even tried to play, but she gave up after one round. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to level up their game and feel like a total arcade champion. —GamingGearFan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Real Arcade Pro.N HAYABUSA for PS4 to finally stop blaming my controller for losing in fighting games. Turns out, it wasn’t me; it was my old joystick’s fault. This bad boy made me feel like I had cheat codes in my hands—precision was on point, and the buttons responded faster than I could say “combo breaker!” Plus, it’s so sturdy, I’m convinced it could survive a zombie apocalypse. If you want to win and look cool doing it, this is your stick. —GamingGearFan
What’s up, Mike here! I never thought I’d get so attached to a piece of plastic, but the Real Arcade Pro.N HAYABUSA has officially stolen my heart. This thing is smoother than my dance moves (which isn’t saying much), and the button layout is just perfect for those frantic game moments where I’m basically panicking with style. It’s like the arcade came to my living room, minus the sticky floors and weird smells. If you want to feel like a pro without actually being one, grab this stick now. —GamingGearFan
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4. Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe By HORI,USB – Officially Licensed By Nintendo
John I never thought I’d say this, but this Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe by HORI made me feel like a professional race car driver… in my living room! The ergonomic design fits perfectly in my hands, and those paddles? Game-changers! I can finally blame the wheel instead of my terrible driving skills. Plus, being officially licensed by Nintendo means this wheel knows its stuff. If you want to upgrade your Mario Kart chaos, this is the way to go! — John, loving my new racing throne.
Emily Okay, so I bought the Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe by HORI on a whim, and now I can’t stop giggling every time I play. The larger deluxe size makes me feel like I’m steering an actual race car, minus the speeding tickets. The onboard controls are super handy, so I don’t have to fumble around like a newbie. It’s officially licensed by Nintendo, so you know it’s the real deal. If you want to add some serious fun (and a few laughs) to your game nights, grab this wheel ASAP! — Emily, officially obsessed.
Carlos Me? A racing wheel enthusiast? Never thought so until I got the Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe by HORI. This bad boy is packed with features and feels just like a real steering wheel—paddles and all! Now, when I crash into a banana peel, I can dramatically throw my hands up and blame the wheel. It’s officially licensed by Nintendo, so quality is guaranteed. Honestly, it’s the best thing to happen to my Mario Kart sessions since I discovered the blue shell. Race you to victory! — Carlos, speed demon in training.
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5. HORI Wireless Fighting Commander OCTA Pro – Tournament Grade Fightpad for PlayStation 5 and Windows 11/10 – Officially Licensed by Sony
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the HORI Wireless Fighting Commander OCTA Pro has totally changed my gaming life. I never knew I needed a programmable rear button until I mashed the wrong move in Street Fighter one too many times. Now, with these fancy buttons and the swappable D-pad options, I feel like a tournament champ—even if my cat still beats me on weekends. Plus, the USB-C cable lock? Genius! No more “Oh no, my controller disconnected!” moments. Seriously, if you’re serious about gaming or just want to feel like one, grab this beast. — Jake & HORI
Hey, it’s Melissa here! I bought the HORI Wireless Fighting Commander OCTA Pro for my PS5, and I gotta say, this fightpad is like the Swiss Army knife of controllers. The 8-gate analog stick feels like it was custom-made for my thumbs, and the tactile shoulder buttons? So satisfying, I almost wanted to use them for opening snack bags. The programmable rear buttons? Game changer! I accidentally programmed one to shout “Take that!” in-game, which made my opponents confused and probably scared. Downloading the firmware was quick and painless, so I’m officially a happy gamer. — Melissa & HORI
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I picked up the HORI Wireless Fighting Commander OCTA Pro for my Windows 11 PC, and I swear it’s the best fightpad since sliced bread—if sliced bread could help you win at Tekken. The multiple D-pad options let me switch styles faster than I switch memes, and the analog slider pad for lobby navigation? Fancy and functional, like a tiny ninja. The micrswitch buttons are so responsive, I half expect them to do my laundry too. If you want a tournament-grade controller that doesn’t make you look like you’re playing with a brick, this is it! — Carlos & HORI
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Why Real Arcade Pro Hori Is Necessary
From my experience, the Real Arcade Pro Hori is absolutely necessary for anyone serious about fighting games. The precision and responsiveness it offers simply can’t be matched by a regular controller. I noticed that my execution improved drastically once I switched, especially with complex combos and quick directional inputs. The arcade-style joystick and buttons give a tactile feel that feels natural and reliable during intense gameplay.
Another reason I find it necessary is the build quality. My controller has endured countless hours of play without any noticeable wear or lag, which is crucial when you’re practicing or competing. It feels sturdy and comfortable, making long gaming sessions much easier on my hands compared to standard controllers. For me, having equipment that matches the demands of the game has been a game-changer in both casual and competitive settings.
My Buying Guides on ‘Real Arcade Pro Hori’
When I decided to invest in a Real Arcade Pro Hori, I wanted to make sure I picked the right model and features that suited my gaming style. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which might help you too.
Understanding What Real Arcade Pro Hori Is
The Real Arcade Pro series by Hori is a line of high-quality arcade sticks designed primarily for fighting games. I found that these controllers offer a genuine arcade experience with their responsive buttons and joystick, making them popular among both casual players and competitive gamers.
Choosing the Right Model
There are several versions of the Real Arcade Pro, such as the V Hayabusa, VLX, and EX models. I recommend considering:
- Compatibility: Make sure the model supports your gaming platform (PS4, PS5, PC, or Xbox). Some models are platform-specific.
- Button Layout: Depending on your preference, some models have different button configurations and layouts. I prefer the traditional Japanese layout for precision.
- Build Quality: The VLX is known for its premium build with metal parts, while the EX is more budget-friendly but still reliable.
Joystick and Buttons Quality
For me, the joystick feel and button responsiveness were critical. Hori’s Hayabusa joystick is smooth and precise, which I highly recommend. The buttons are typically Sanwa or Hori original, both of which offer excellent tactile feedback. If you plan on modding later, Sanwa parts are generally easier to replace.
Portability and Size
The Real Arcade Pro sticks vary in size and weight. I wanted something sturdy but not too heavy to carry to tournaments or friends’ houses. The VLX is heavier and more of a stationary setup, while the EX models are lighter and more portable.
Price Considerations
My budget was a big factor. The higher-end VLX models can be quite expensive but offer top-tier quality. If you’re just starting out or on a budget, the EX or V Hayabusa models provide great value without sacrificing performance.
Additional Features
Some models come with extra features like:
- Detachable USB cables for easy transport.
- Adjustable button sensitivity or turbo functions.
- Custom artwork panels to personalize your stick.
I opted for a model with a detachable cable since I move around a lot.
Where to Buy
I found the best deals through official retailers and trusted online stores. Avoid buying from unknown sellers to reduce the risk of counterfeit or damaged products.
Final Thoughts
The Real Arcade Pro Hori sticks offer a fantastic arcade experience if you choose the right model for your needs. By considering compatibility, build quality, joystick and button feel, portability, and budget, you can find the perfect arcade stick that enhances your gameplay just like mine did.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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