Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Premium VLX for PS4 Gets New Images and Details

Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Premium VLX Details

Hori released the Real Arcade Pro. 4 Premium VLX for the PlayStation 4, an arcade stick designed to emulate the experience of a Japanese Vewlix arcade cabinet. A product listing on Hori’s official website provided details and images of the new peripheral, which was made available in the United States. The stick aims to provide an authentic arcade feel for fighting game enthusiasts and other arcade-style game players on Sony’s consoles.

The design philosophy behind the Premium VLX is a faithful replication of the Vewlix cabinet’s control panel. This includes not just the layout but also the physical sensation and durability expected from arcade-grade hardware. The unit is built for stability during intense gameplay sessions, a crucial factor for competitive players.

Core Components and Customization

Internally, the Real Arcade Pro. 4 Premium VLX is equipped with Hori’s proprietary Hayabusa joystick and Kuro buttons. These components are standard in many of Hori’s high-end arcade sticks and are known for their responsiveness and durability. The Hayabusa stick features a design intended for quick, precise movements, while the Kuro buttons are built for fast actuation.

A significant feature highlighted in the product’s description is the ease of access to its internal components. The top panel can be opened, allowing users to perform maintenance, repairs, or customizations without difficulty. This is a key selling point for arcade stick modders who may want to swap out the stock joystick or buttons for parts from other manufacturers to suit their personal preferences. This open design encourages longevity and personalization, making the stick a long-term investment for serious players.

Features and Console Compatibility

The Premium VLX is officially licensed by Sony and includes a range of features for modern console gaming. A prominent switch allows users to toggle compatibility between the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, ensuring broad support for fighting games across both generations. The stick also includes a fully functional touch pad, a standard feature on the DualShock 4 controller, which is necessary for navigating certain PS4 game menus and functions.

Further control options include a stick control toggle switch, which lets the joystick emulate the left analog stick, right analog stick, or the D-pad. This provides flexibility for games that may not use the D-pad by default input for movement. Turbo functionality is also included, with settings that can be assigned to specific buttons. A remapping mode allows players to change the button layout to their liking, creating a customized control scheme for any game.

Limitations and System Requirements

While the arcade stick offers a comprehensive set of controls for gameplay, it omits several features found on standard console controllers. The product listing confirmed that the Real Arcade Pro. 4 Premium VLX does not support headsets or microphone input through the controller. It also lacks a light bar, motion sensor functionality, and analog input for the main buttons. The joystick itself does not register analog degrees of movement, functioning purely as a digital input device.

To use the stick, players must ensure their consoles are running the required system software. For the PlayStation 4, the latest firmware is necessary. For the PlayStation 3, the system must be updated to version 2.80 or higher. For players seeking a more budget-friendly option at the time, Hori also offered the Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai, which included many of the same core features in a different form factor.