The Best Fight Pads for Dragon Ball FighterZ

The Demands of Dragon Ball FighterZ Controls

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a fast-paced 2D fighting game built on a 3v3 tag-team system. Success requires not just quick reflexes but also precise inputs to execute everything from basic combos to complex character-switching maneuvers. A standard console controller, like the DualShock 4 or Xbox One Wireless Controller, can be a functional tool, but for players looking to perform at a higher level, a specialized fight pad offers a distinct advantage.

The game’s control scheme is deep. Core commands include Light, Medium, and Heavy Attacks, which form the foundation of all combos. Beyond those are character-specific Special Attacks, a Super Dash for closing distances, and a Ki Charge to build meter. The tag system introduces Assist 1 and Assist 2, allowing a player to call in their benched characters for a quick attack. Other essential actions include Dragon Rush (a throw), Vanish (a teleporting attack), and Sparking Blast (a temporary power-up).

Advanced techniques demand even greater precision. A player must master maneuvers like the Auto Combo, Character Switches during combos, Snap Backs to force an opponent’s character out, Deflects to parry attacks, and Guard Cancel Tags to escape pressure. Many of these actions require clean, rapid directional inputs combined with simultaneous button presses, a task that can be cumbersome on a controller not explicitly designed for the genre.

Why a Fight Pad Excels

A fight pad is a hybrid controller that combines the form factor of a traditional gamepad with the button layout and directional input of an arcade cabinet. Its design philosophy directly addresses the shortcomings of standard controllers for 2D fighters.

The most significant feature is the directional pad. Unlike the D-pads on most standard controllers, which are often secondary to the analog sticks, a fight pad’s D-pad is its primary focus. It is typically larger, more responsive, and engineered for the rolling thumb motions required for classic fighting game inputs like quarter-circles and half-circles. This results in fewer missed special moves and more consistent combo execution.

The second key element is the six-button face layout. This design mimics the classic arcade setup, providing access to more primary commands without needing to reach for shoulder buttons. For Dragon Ball FighterZ, this means a player can map Light, Medium, Heavy, and Special attacks, along with both Assists, directly to their right thumb and fingers. This ergonomic efficiency allows for faster reactions and more intuitive control, as the most frequently used attacks are all in one place. On a standard four-button controller, at least two of these core actions must be relegated to the shoulders, which can feel less immediate in the heat of a match.

Compared to a full-sized arcade stick, a fight pad offers a compelling middle ground. It provides the superior D-pad and button layout needed for competitive play but in a familiar, portable, and more affordable package. It does not require the same adaptation period as learning to use a joystick, making it an excellent upgrade for players comfortable with a standard gamepad.

Hori Fighting Commander: A Detailed Breakdown

The Hori Fighting Commander stood out as the best option for a dedicated fight pad. Officially licensed by both Sony and Microsoft for their respective platforms, this controller was specifically built for 2D fighting games and delivers on every key design principle.

Its high-quality directional pad provides the tactile feedback and accuracy needed for Dragon Ball FighterZ. The six-button face layout features larger buttons than those on the DualShock 4 or Xbox One controller, making them easier to hit accurately during rapid sequences. While the focus is on the face buttons, the controller still includes four shoulder buttons to ensure full compatibility and access to any secondary game functions or system menus.

PlayStation Version (PS4/PS3/PC)

The PlayStation model of the Fighting Commander included several unique features. A prominent R/L toggle switch allowed the R1 and R2 buttons to be swapped with L1 and L2. This meant a player could have access to all four shoulder button commands (L1, L2, R1, R2) in addition to the four main face buttons (X, Square, Triangle, Circle) all on the right side of the controller. This level of customization is invaluable for mapping complex control schemes.

This version also came with turbo functions and the ability to have the D-pad emulate either the left or right analog stick. Its compatibility extended across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC, making it a versatile choice.

Xbox Version (Xbox One/Xbox 360/PC)

The Xbox version offered a different set of features tailored to its ecosystem. Instead of a toggle switch, it featured an assign button that allowed for input customization. Like its PlayStation counterpart, the D-pad could be used to emulate the left analog stick, ensuring functionality in games or menus that require it. The Xbox Fighting Commander was compatible with Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC.

For players on PlayStation 4 or PC, the PlayStation Fighting Commander was often the recommended choice due to its more extensive feature set, particularly the R/L toggle switch. For those playing on Xbox One, the Xbox version was the clear and excellent choice.

Other Fight Pads on the Market

While the Hori Fighting Commander was a top-tier option, it was not the only fight pad available. Other peripherals, such as the Mad Catz Street Fighter V FightPad Pro and the PDP Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad, also catered to the fighting game community. These controllers similarly adopted the six-button layout and emphasized the D-pad, offering alternatives from companies with a long history of producing third-party gaming accessories.

However, the Hori Fighting Commander consistently earned praise for its build quality, responsive D-pad, and thoughtful features. For players invested in mastering the intricate systems of Dragon Ball FighterZ, it represented the most effective and optimized tool for the job, surpassing both standard gamepads and other specialized pads on the market at the time.