2017 is shaping up to be an excellent year for fighting games. In the second quarter alone, there are three quality releases: Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2, Injustice 2 and Tekken 7. So what are the best fight pad for the trio of fighters? You can find out in our buying guide below.
Fight Pad vs. Regular Game Controllers
A lot of fighting game fans prefer using a dedicated fight pad as opposed to a regular controller. This is because a lot of these types of titles use more than four action buttons. Not to mention that you will have a faster response time when hitting the buttons with your index, middle and ring fingers as opposed to using your thumb as you will be holding a fight pad differently when compared to the DualShock 4 or Xbox One Wireless Controller.
Limited Choices
When it comes to fight pads for modern consoles, your choices are extremely limited. This is largely due to the demise of Mad Catz, who had to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy earlier this year, ceasing operation as a result.
Hori Fighting Commander
Thankfully, Hori is still alive and well. The company is responsible for giving us the best fight pad available on the market today, the Fighting Commander.
The PS4 version of the product has been officially licensed by Sony Interactive Entertainment for use with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3. The Xbox One version has also been official licensed by Microsoft for the Xbox One and Xbox 360. Both fight pads can be used for the PC as well. You can check out what the two look like with the images located just below this paragraph (additional photos can be viewed on Amazon).
As you can see above, the controllers feature six action buttons. On the PS4 version, they are the square, triangle, cross and square face buttons in addition to the R1 and R2 buttons. For the Xbox One, the action buttons are the A, B, X and Y face buttons in addition to the RB and RT buttons.
The Hori Fighting Commander is built with 2D fighters in mind. As a result, you can expect a better directional pad and larger action buttons when compared to the DualShock 4 and Xbox One Wireless Controller. It also comes with a 10-foot wired cable.
Both pads have a R/L toggle switch so that you can swap the functionality of the shoulder buttons. Thus, you will be able to use all the buttons, including the shoulder ones, with just your right hand. You can also change the function of the directional pad (on the PS4, it can be used as either the left or right analog stick while the d-pad can be used as a left analog stick on the Xbox One). The PlayStation 4 version comes with turbo functions while the Xbox One version has an assign button for those who want to customize the button layout.
The Hori Fighting Commander feels ergonomically great and comes packed with numerous features. Hence, it is the best fight pad to use with Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2, Injustice 2 and Tekken 7. If you are interested, you can purchase the controller with the following links: PlayStation 4 Version and Xbox One Version.
Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad
The only real alternative, that is still readily available, to the Hori Fighting Commander is the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad. This controller has been officially licensed by Sony Interactive Entertainment and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 as well as by Microsoft and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on the Xbox One and Xbox 360.
This pad is notable for having six micro-switch action buttons, which have the same tactile feel as the push buttons of the arcade sticks. The PS4 action buttons are square, triangle, cross and square face buttons in addition to the L1 and R1 buttons. The Xbox One action buttons are A, B, X and Y face buttons in addition to the LB and RB buttons.
Buttons that pause the action (Option and Share on the PS4 as well as Back and Start on the Xbox One) have been moved away from the front facing area so that you won’t accidentally interrupt an intense match.
The Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad does suffer from some quality issues, making it hard to recommend against the Hori Fighting Commander. If you are still interested, you can buy the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad via this link.
Injustice 2 came out for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on the 16th of May in the North American region. Guilty Gear Xrd has a release date set for May 26th for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3. Last but not least, Tekken 7 is releasing on June 2nd for the PS4, Xbox One and PC. So, if you want to play these games with a fight pad, make sure to check out the Hori Fighting Commander.