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We’re bringing you our top picks for the best fight sticks for Tekken 8 so you can play the game the way it was made to be played. We’ve made our choices based on a mixture of our own testing, experience within the competitive fighting game scene, and the price-to-performance on offer. The hotly anticipated fighter is out now so there’s no time to waste!
It’s important that you understand that even the best fight sticks for Tekken 8 aren’t necessarily going to make you better at the time. Instead, think of them as a more immersive way to play which matches the arcade feel without the sticky tables and overpriced drinks. We’ve included top options from trusted manufacturers that know a thing or two when it comes to perfecting peripherals, so you’re in good hands here.
What’s more, you’re wondering how your rig may run the game then we have you covered. We’ve got the best graphics settings for Tekken 8 sorted, and our guide can help you, too. We’re mere weeks away from the release of the full game so it definitely helps to be prepared. Get ready for the next battle!
1. Nacon Daija – Best overall fight stick for Tekken 8
Nacon Daija
Platform
PS5 / PS4 / PC / Xbox
Stick and Buttons
Sanwa
Features
Button mapping, lock, palm rest, stick heads, 3.5mm audio jack, faceplate options, customizable
- Versions for PS5 and Xbox
- Easy modification
- Comfortable on lap
- On the bulky side
The Nacon Daija takes the top spot as the best fight stick for Tekken 8 and for good reason. It all comes down to the premium feel and the decent pricing of the model which was constructed with the guidance of Kayane. She’s an Esports veteran who has been playing Tekken for years. We’ve had our hands on this stick for a while and appreciate the feel on the lap and the quality of the Sanwa Denshi buttons in action.
You’re essentially paying mid-range prices for a premium fight stick and that’s the biggest strength of the Nacon Daija. While it retails around the $250 / $250 price range, that’s still cheaper than some of its competition with no expense spared in the construction. What we can admit about this stick is that it’s on the bulkier side preferring function over form.
We like that this one can be popped open with two slide switches holding the lid down meaning you can swap out the stick and buttons and conduct maintenance without fuss. It’s far from a unique feature, but one that’s appreciated all the same. Considering the price and performance on offer, this is the stick we’re most confident recommending for Tekken 8.
- Read more: Nacon Daija review
PDP Victrix Pro FS
Platform
PS5 / PS4 / PC
Stick and Buttons
Sanwa Denshi
Features
Aluminum construction, wrist slope, quick-access mod hatch
- Single sheet construction
- Leading stick and buttons
- Officially licensed for PlayStation
- Not available for Xbox
- Pricier end of things
If you’re in the market for a more premium fight stick for Tekken 8 then the Victrix Pro FS ticks all the right boxes. Unlike its competitors, it’s an incredibly lightweight model which is formed of a single sheet of aluminium instead of the plastic boxes we typically see. Design aside, there’s all the top-end hardware you would hope to find from a high-end stick such as Sanwa Denshi stick and buttons, and even RGB lighting for an added flair.
The Victrix Pro FS doesn’t come cheap, however. You can expect to pay around $400 / £350 for the privilege of having the high-end hardware and design. We’ve tested this one extensively and can tell you that it lives up to its price point in terms of functionality, but if you aren’t fussed about its looks and feel then you can get a very similar user experience from the cheaper Nacon Daija which uses the same stick and buttons.
Unfortunately, Xbox users are left in the lurch here as there’s no version for Microsoft’s latest consoles. This fight stick is officially licensed for PS5 and PS4 with native PC support via X-input. This could change in the near future, however. That’s because Victrix announced an Xbox version of the Pro BFG gamepad around a year or after the PS5 version dropped, so this could change in due course.
3. Hori Fighting Stick Alpha – The best value fight stick for Tekken 8
Hori Fighting Stick Alpha
Platform
PS5 / PS4 / PC / Xbox
Sticks and Buttons
Hayabusa
Features
Assignable buttons, opening chassis, key lock mode
- Competitively priced
- Exchangeable faceplates
- Versions for Xbox and PS5
- Middling buttons
While there aren’t many budget fight sticks of high quality, that hasn’t stopped Hori from providing a good value option for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Enter the Hori Fighting Alpha which is a fight stick retailing just under the $200 / £150 mark. In our testing with this unit, we’ve found that it offers the essential feedback you need from a good stick and buttons setup, but the corners cut to keep the MSRP down become apparent. There’s now even an official Tekken 8 Edition for $229.99.
That’s because the Hori Fighting Alpha fight stick uses in-house Hayabusa buttons and a stick which are of cheaper feel and quality than what you’ll get from Sanwa Denshi. The buttons are matte instead of being the more accurate accurate glossy, which could be an advantage to some who want better grip. Regardless, we really like what this stick can do and it should be an optimal pick for the money if you want an authentic Tekken 8 experience that doesn’t break the bank too badly.
Best fight sticks for Tekken 8 – FAQs
A fight stick is a big investment so we want to make sure that you’re making an informed purchasing decision. We’re answering all your burning questions down below.
Is Tekken better with an arcade stick?
While you’re not guaranteed to play Tekken better with an arcade stick, having one will provide a much more authentic experience than going through with a gamepad.
Will there be a Tekken 8 fight stick?
Yes, there’s a Tekken 8 Edition of the Hori Fighting Alpha which is now available for purchase from Amazon and costs $229.99.
Is Tekken easier on controller?
No, Tekken is generally no easier or harder when playing either with a controller or a dedicated fight stick. A main advantage fight sticks have is their larger size and space for bigger inputs, which can be particularly important when pulling off specific motions reliably.
