Mark Julio Discusses Pricing and Availability of the Street Fighter V Chun-Li Arcade FightStick TE2

Leading up to the release of Street Fighter V, peripheral manufacturer Mad Catz opened preorders for a special edition controller, the Chun-Li Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2. The announcement was met with community discussion regarding its premium price point and availability. In response, Mark Julio, then the Community and Sponsorship Manager at Mad Catz, provided context for the company’s strategy for its new line of fighting game hardware.

Justifying a Higher Price

Julio addressed the cost of the Chun-Li TE2 stick, explaining that Mad Catz was implementing a new quality standard for its products. He stated that the company was making a “universal change to make sure that all future TE2s are consistent and have higher grade quality.” This commitment to improved components and manufacturing consistency resulted in higher production costs, which were then reflected in the final retail price.

In a series of public statements, Julio acknowledged the difficulty of this decision. “It pains me to have to increase some of the MSRP on the products, but it’s the nature of the beast,” he said, adding, “We can’t lose money on products.” He emphasized that the goal was to ensure the feature set and quality were supportive of the fighting game community, even if it meant a higher price for its top-tier stick. The company aimed to balance market costs while re-establishing its reputation for high-standard tournament equipment.

A Limited Edition Release

Beyond the price, Julio also clarified that the Street Fighter V Chun-Li TE2 was intended to be a limited-run item. He cautioned that the fight stick was being produced in small quantities and would likely be difficult to find after its initial preorder window. “The SFV Chun-Li TE2 is limited in quantity and will most likely sold out prior to SFV’s release next year,” he stated. He later described the controllers as “extremely limited,” reinforcing the expectation that they would sell out during the preorder phase. The stick was made available for preorder through major retailers like Amazon, giving enthusiasts a direct opportunity to secure the collectible hardware.

A Full Range of SFV Products

While the Chun-Li TE2 was positioned as a premium product, it was not the only controller Mad Catz planned for Street Fighter V. Julio confirmed that the company would offer a variety of peripherals to suit different budgets and play styles. He told fans to expect “a range of products (not just TE2) for SFV.” Among the other announced hardware were the Mad Catz FightStick Alpha and the FightPad Pro. This tiered approach allowed the company to cater to the high-end tournament scene with its TE2 model while also providing more accessible and affordable options for casual players and those new to fighting games.

Street Fighter V was scheduled for release in early 2016 on PlayStation 4 and PC. The game’s launch roster featured a combination of iconic characters and newcomers. Returning fighters included Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Cammy, M. Bison, Vega, and Zangief. The roster also saw the return of characters who had been absent from the series for some time, such as Birdie, Karin, Nash, and R. Mika. They were joined by new combatants like Laura, Necalli, and Rashid.