Hori Real Arcade Pro. 4 Premium VLX Red Arcade Stick Released for PS4 and PS3

Hori released its Real Arcade Pro. 4 Premium VLX Red Arcade Fighting Stick in North America for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3. The premium controller was designed for enthusiasts of the fighting game genre seeking an authentic arcade experience at home.

An Authentic Arcade Replica

The design of the Premium VLX is a direct homage to the Taito VEWLIX arcade cabinets, a popular fixture in Japanese arcades. To ensure authenticity, Hori obtained official licenses from both Taito, the cabinet’s original manufacturer, and Sony Interactive Entertainment for PlayStation compatibility. This collaboration aimed to deliver a product that felt true to its arcade roots.

The stick’s large, heavy base provides stability during intense gameplay, preventing it from sliding on a lap or tabletop. The red and black color scheme is striking and mirrors the aesthetic of many modern fighting games. The layout of the stick and buttons follows the standard Taito VEWLIX arrangement, a comfortable and widely accepted standard in the fighting game community.

High-Quality Components and Features

Internally, the arcade stick is equipped with Hori’s proprietary Hayabusa components. It features the Hayabusa joystick lever, which is known for its short throw and quick input registration, allowing for precise and rapid movements. The face buttons are also Hori Hayabusa models, which have a unique matte finish and a shallower profile for faster actuation compared to standard arcade buttons.

To accommodate modern console gaming, the stick includes a fully functional touch pad, a feature required for navigating certain PS4 games and menus. It also has L3 and R3 buttons, a share button, and a toggle switch to assign the joystick’s function to the left stick, right stick, or D-pad. Programmable functions allow for further customization.

Maintenance and Customization

A standout feature of the Premium VLX is its user-friendly design for maintenance and modification. The top panel can be opened with a simple latch system, granting immediate access to the internal wiring and components. This makes it easy for players to clean the interior, troubleshoot issues, or swap out the joystick and buttons with other parts if they prefer different brands or styles.

The clean internal layout and straightforward wiring make the process accessible even for those new to arcade stick modding. This ease of access was a significant selling point for serious players who often personalize their equipment for optimal performance and comfort.

Supporting the PS4 Fighting Game Scene

The release of the Premium VLX was well-timed, as the PlayStation 4 was becoming a major platform for fighting games. A solid library was already established, including titles like BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma Extend, Guilty Gear Xrd Sign, Injustice: Gods Among Us, Mortal Kombat X, Street Fighter V, and the PS4 port of Ultra Street Fighter IV.

With major new entries like The King of Fighters XIV and Tekken 7 also slated for release later in 2016, the demand for high-quality peripherals was growing. The Hori Real Arcade Pro. 4 Premium VLX Red offered a tournament-grade option for players on both PS3 and PS4.