The Best Fight Pads and Arcade Sticks for Mortal Kombat X on PS4 and Xbox One
A guide to the best specialized fight pads and arcade sticks available for Mortal Kombat X on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One at the time of its release.
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With its release on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, Mortal Kombat X became one of the first major fighting games for that console generation. The game controlled well on the standard DualShock 4 and Xbox One Wireless Controller, but many players sought out peripherals designed for the specific demands of 2D fighters. Several specialized fight pads and arcade sticks were available that offered an alternative, catering to the game’s precise inputs and combo-heavy mechanics.
About Mortal Kombat X
Developed by NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat X advanced the series’ timeline, setting its story a quarter of a century after the events of the 2011 reboot. The game’s most significant gameplay innovation was the introduction of Character Variations. This system provided three distinct fighting styles for every character on the roster, fundamentally altering their special moves and strategic options. This added a substantial layer of depth, encouraging players to master multiple versions of their favorite fighters.
The game also carried forward successful mechanics from NetherRealm’s previous titles. The brutal X-ray moves from the prior Mortal Kombat returned, as did the interactive environments first seen in Injustice: Gods Among Us, allowing players to use parts of the stage as weapons or for traversal.
The launch roster featured a mix of returning veterans and new faces. The base game included Cassie Cage, D’Vorah, Ermac, Ferra/Torr, Jacqui Briggs, Jax, Johnny Cage, Kano, Kenshi, Kitana, Kotal Kahn, Kung Jin, Kung Lao, Liu Kang, Mileena, Quan Chi, Raiden, Reptile, Scorpion, Shinnok, Sonya Blade, Sub-Zero, and Takeda. Players who pre-ordered the game also unlocked the classic boss character Goro. A post-launch Kombat Pass was announced to add Jason Voorhees, Predator, Tanya, and Tremor as playable characters.
Beyond standard versus modes, Mortal Kombat X offered a cinematic story mode and a persistent online meta-game called Faction War. Players would align with one of five factions—Black Dragon, Brotherhood of Shadow, Lin Kuei, Special Forces, or White Lotus—and earn points for their chosen group through all modes of play.
Mortal Kombat X was released on April 14, 2015, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were delayed to later in the summer of that year.
Recommended Fight Pads
For players who prefer the form factor of a traditional gamepad but want a layout optimized for fighting games, several fight pads were available.
Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad
PDP, in an official partnership with NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, created a fight pad specifically for the game. The controller’s design was focused entirely on the needs of 2D fighting games. It removed both analog sticks, making the directional pad the sole method for character movement and preventing accidental inputs that can occur on standard controllers. The face of the pad featured a six-button layout, granting easy access to all main attacks without relying on shoulder buttons. A key feature was the use of micro-switches in its buttons, which provided a distinct tactile and audible click upon actuation for more precise feedback. PDP produced two versions of this officially licensed controller: one for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, and another for Xbox One and Xbox 360.
Hori Fighting Commander 4
Hori also offered a dedicated gamepad for fighting game enthusiasts. Like the PDP pad, the Fighting Commander 4 used a six-button face layout and had only a directional pad for movement. Its standout feature was the customizable D-pad, which could be rotated to suit a player’s thumb position and had adjustable sensitivity. This allowed for a high degree of personalization to match individual comfort and execution style. The controller also included an L/R toggle switch for further button mapping flexibility. The Hori Fighting Commander 4 was available only for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3.
Recommended Arcade Sticks
For those seeking to replicate the classic arcade experience, arcade sticks from Hori and Mad Catz were the leading options.
Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2
The Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 (TE2) was a premium, tournament-grade peripheral built with authentic Japanese arcade components. The joystick and eight action buttons were the same Sanwa Denshi parts found in professional arcade cabinets in Japan, known for their exceptional responsiveness and durability. The TE2 was also designed for extensive customization. Its chassis could be opened with a single button press, revealing internal storage and allowing users to easily swap the joystick, buttons, and top-panel artwork. Mad Catz produced three variants of the TE2: a standard version for PS4 and PS3, an Ultra Street Fighter IV-branded model for the same Sony consoles, and a dedicated version for the Xbox One.
Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai
For PlayStation 4 owners looking for a more affordable yet high-quality arcade stick, the Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai was a strong alternative to the Mad Catz TE2. This stick used Hori’s proprietary Hayabusa joystick and Kuro buttons. The Hayabusa parts were engineered for faster actuation and a different feel compared to Sanwa components, offering a high-performance experience favored by many players. The unit also included a turbo mode and the ability to reconfigure button assignments. It was compatible with both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3.
Hori Real Arcade Pro Hayabusa
Xbox One players had a similar option in the Hori Real Arcade Pro Hayabusa. It served as a lower-priced competitor to the Mad Catz TE2 on that platform. While it did not feature the easy-access internal design for modding, it was built with the same high-quality Hayabusa stick and Kuro buttons as its PlayStation counterpart. This ensured that Xbox One fighting game fans had access to a responsive and reliable arcade stick without the premium price of the TE2.
Frequently asked questions
Why use a fight pad for Mortal Kombat X?
Fight pads were designed specifically for 2D fighting games. They typically feature a six-button face layout for easy access to all attacks and a high-quality D-pad for precise movement. By removing the analog sticks, they also prevent accidental inputs, making them a popular choice for serious players who prefer a gamepad form factor.
Are arcade sticks better than pads for fighting games?
Whether an arcade stick is better than a pad is a matter of personal preference. Arcade sticks replicate the authentic arcade cabinet experience and can offer greater precision for some players, especially for complex motions. However, they have a significant learning curve. Pads are more familiar to most console gamers and can be just as effective.
What was the main new gameplay feature in Mortal Kombat X?
The most significant new feature in Mortal Kombat X was the Character Variation system. This gave every fighter three distinct styles that changed their special moves, combos, and overall strategy. It added a large amount of depth and variety to the gameplay, effectively tripling the number of matchups to learn.
Did the Mad Catz TE2 arcade stick work on both PS4 and Xbox One?
No, the Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 did not have cross-platform compatibility. Mad Catz produced separate versions for each console family. The PlayStation model worked on both the PS4 and PS3, while a different model was sold exclusively for the Xbox One.