The Best Arcade Sticks and Fight Pads for Ultra Street Fighter IV on PS4

With the release of Ultra Street Fighter IV on PlayStation 4, players gained access to the definitive version of the fighting game, complete with every character, stage, and DLC pack. The port also addressed the input lag that was present in the PlayStation 3 version. However, to get the most authentic and competitive experience, the standard DualShock 4 controller may not be the ideal choice.

Ultra Street Fighter IV utilizes a six-button control scheme: Light, Medium, and Heavy variants for both Punch and Kick. On a standard controller, this requires players to map two of these core attacks to the shoulder buttons. This can feel unnatural and inefficient for complex combos and high-level play. Specialized fight pads and arcade sticks are designed specifically for this layout, offering a more intuitive and responsive way to play.

Fight Pads vs. Arcade Sticks

Choosing between a fight pad and an arcade stick depends on player preference, background, and goals. Fight pads offer a middle ground, retaining the familiar feel of a traditional gamepad while providing a six-button face layout. This allows the thumb to remain on the directional pad while the fingers of the right hand can access all six attack buttons simultaneously. They are generally more portable and have a lower learning curve for players accustomed to console controllers.

Arcade sticks, on the other hand, replicate the experience of playing in an arcade. They consist of a joystick for movement and a panel of large buttons. This setup provides a high degree of precision for movement and special move inputs. The larger buttons are easier to press quickly and in combination, and the entire unit is typically built with durable, high-quality components designed to withstand intense gameplay. For players aiming for tournament-level performance or seeking maximum authenticity, an arcade stick is often the preferred tool.

Recommended PS4 Fight Pads

For those who prefer the form factor of a traditional controller, a few PS4-compatible fight pads were available. The primary advantage is the six-button layout on the face of the controller, eliminating the need to use shoulder buttons for primary attacks.

One of the strongest options was the Hori Fighting Commander 4 Controller. It was built more solidly than many of its competitors and featured the essential six-button face layout. It also included several unique features, such as a rotatable directional pad for ergonomic comfort and adjustable turbo settings. The D-pad could also be toggled to function as either the left or right analog stick, adding versatility for use with other game genres.

Another available option was the PDP Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad. While it also provided the necessary six face buttons (X, Triangle, Square, Circle, L1, and R1), there were some reports of quality issues with the controller. It served as an alternative, but the Hori model was generally considered the more reliable choice.

Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2

For players seeking a genuine arcade experience, the Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 was a leading contender. This stick was designed for serious fighting game enthusiasts and featured an eight-button layout, moving all primary attacks, including those mapped to L1, L2, R1, and R2, to the main button panel. The joystick could also be configured to function as a left or right analog stick for broader game compatibility.

Authenticity and durability were central to its design. The TE2 was constructed with genuine Sanwa Denshi parts, the same components found in many Japanese arcade cabinets, ensuring a responsive and reliable feel. The Vewlix-style design mimicked a popular arcade layout for comfortable hand placement. The stick also included practical features for traveling competitors, such as an internal storage compartment for its removable ProCable and metal posts for attaching a shoulder strap.

Mad Catz offered two versions of the TE2: a standard model and a special edition featuring artwork from Ultra Street Fighter IV.

Hori Real Arcade Pro Sticks

Hori offered another line of high-quality arcade sticks for the PlayStation 4. The Hori Real Arcade Pro series featured the same eight-button layout as the Mad Catz stick and was built with Hori’s proprietary arcade parts: the Hayabusa stick lever and Kuro buttons. These components were designed to offer a competitive alternative to Sanwa parts, with a focus on quick response times and smooth actuation.

Practicality was also a key element of the Hori sticks. They included a carry handle for easy transport and a large internal compartment for cable storage. Like the Mad Catz stick, the joystick could be switched to emulate the left or right analog sticks. A notable feature that gave the Hori Real Arcade sticks an edge over the Tournament Edition 2 was the inclusion of a turbo function.

Two compatible models were available at the time: the Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai and the Hori Real Arcade Pro V.5.

Ultra Street Fighter IV was released for the PS4 on May 26, 2015, exclusively as a digital download on the PlayStation Store.