The Best PS4 Fight Pad Controllers for Street Fighter V

With the release of Street Fighter V on February 16, 2016, players evaluated the best tools for competition. While the standard DualShock 4 is a capable controller, many in the fighting game community prefer specialized hardware. Arcade sticks offer the most authentic experience but come with a high price and a steep learning curve. Fight pads present a compelling middle ground, combining the familiar form factor of a console controller with features tailored specifically for fighting games.

A fight pad’s primary advantage is its six-button face layout, which mirrors the classic arcade cabinet configuration. This allows players to map all three punch and three kick strengths to the face of the controller, enabling faster and more intuitive access to a character’s full moveset without relying on shoulder buttons for primary attacks. Several officially licensed options were available for the PlayStation 4 at the time, each with a unique design philosophy.

Mad Catz Street Fighter V FightPad Pro

The Mad Catz Street Fighter V FightPad Pro was a feature-rich, officially licensed controller designed specifically for the game’s launch. Its asymmetrical design placed an analog stick in the lower-left position, similar to a PlayStation controller, but its main directional input was a circular d-pad. This floating, eight-way pad was engineered to make circular and multi-directional inputs, such as quarter-circle motions for fireballs or Z-motions for uppercuts, feel smoother and more natural. This design choice catered to players who find traditional cross-shaped d-pads restrictive for complex special moves.

The controller’s most prominent feature was its six-button face layout. Mad Catz moved the R1 and R2 buttons from the shoulder to the face, placing them to the right of the standard Square, Triangle, Cross, and Circle buttons. This created the classic two-rows-of-three layout that fighting game veterans prefer. For customization, a utility switch allowed players to swap the functions of the shoulder and trigger buttons, letting them assign actions according to their comfort and play style.

To ensure full compatibility with the PlayStation 4 system, the FightPad Pro also included a functional touchpad, mimicking the one on the DualShock 4. This was essential for navigating system menus and for any in-game functions that might require it. The inclusion of a left analog stick provided an alternative for movement, appealing to players accustomed to modern controllers.

The FightPad Pro was released in several character-themed color variations, including a Ryu White, Ken Red, Chun-Li Blue, and M. Bison Black model. While it was often priced higher than its competitors, its comprehensive feature set and official Street Fighter V branding made it a premium option for serious players.

Hori Fighting Commander 4

Hori offered a more affordable but equally compelling alternative with its officially licensed Fighting Commander 4. This controller also featured an asymmetrical shape and a six-button face layout, moving the R1 and R2 buttons alongside the primary four. A toggle switch was included to swap the functions of the left and right shoulder buttons, providing a degree of layout customization.

The key difference between the Hori and Mad Catz pads was the directional pad. The Fighting Commander 4 used a traditional, cross-shaped d-pad, which many players prefer for its precise and distinct directional inputs. This design provides clear tactile feedback for each of the cardinal directions, which can help reduce input errors for players who rely on exact directional presses. Hori added a unique feature to its d-pad: it was rotatable, allowing the user to adjust its angle to better suit their grip.

Beyond the d-pad, the Hori pad offered deeper customization options not found on the Mad Catz controller. It included a switch to adjust the sensitivity of the diagonal inputs, a pro-level feature that helps players fine-tune the controller to their execution style and avoid accidental inputs like an unintended jump. The controller also came with assignable turbo functionality, which could be set for any of the face buttons. While not always tournament-legal, turbo is a useful feature for certain game modes or for reducing strain during repetitive actions.

For players who prioritized a traditional d-pad feel and valued technical customization features like input sensitivity and turbo, the Hori Fighting Commander 4 was an excellent choice. Its lower price point also made it a more accessible entry into the world of specialized fighting game controllers.

PDP Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad

Another option on the market was the PDP Fight Pad, originally released and branded for Mortal Kombat X. This officially licensed controller was also compatible with the PS4 and offered a distinct experience from the Mad Catz and Hori pads. Like the others, it featured a six-button face layout, moving the L1 and R1 buttons to the face for easy access.

Its standout feature was the use of micro-switches for its d-pad and face buttons. Instead of the soft, rubber membrane found in most controllers, the PDP pad’s buttons provided a crisp, tactile, and audible click upon activation. This design was intended to replicate the feel of the high-quality Sanwa and Seimitsu buttons used in Japanese arcade cabinets. For players who wanted the responsive, clicky feedback of an arcade stick without committing to the large form factor, this controller was unique.

The controller’s d-pad was also built with micro-switches, offering a very different feel from either the circular Mad Catz pad or the traditional Hori pad. Each direction provided a distinct click, ensuring clear input registration.

However, the PDP Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad was noted to have potential durability issues. Some users reported problems with the controller’s longevity, making it a riskier purchase compared to the more robustly built options from Mad Catz and Hori. Despite its innovative button design, this potential for a shorter lifespan meant that for most players preparing for Street Fighter V, the other two pads were considered safer investments.