Best controllers for Tekken 8: Leverless, arcade stick & pad
DexertoFinding the best game controllers for Tekken 8 will help bring your electrics to the next level, and we’ve rounded up the best of the best.
Tekken 8 Season 1 is in full swing on consoles and PC. Our four-star review of the title called it a “must-buy”. But, if you want to step up your game, you might want to invest in your controller.
We’ve reviewed dozens of fighting game controllers from arcade sticks, pads, and leverless options. Some techniques like Korean backdashes, wavedashing, and more require precise inputs mid-battle. So, equipping yourself with a robust and reliable controller will help you nail those tough 10-strings.
1. Qanba Obsidian 2
Dexerto | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Weighty & durable | Cable storage is poor |
| Arcade-perfect parts | Exspensive |
| Customizable |
- Buttons: Sanwa Denshi 30mm
- Lever: Sanwa Denshi Ball-top
- Gate: Square
- Connectivity: USB-A
- Platform: PS5, PS4, PC
- Features: Tournament lock function, Bat-top included, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Price: $299.99
The Qanba Obsidian 2 is our top pick for the best Tekken 8 controller. 3D movement makes more sense in your head than a leverless option right off the bat, despite the increased input accuracy. The Obsidian 2 ships with a bat-top, which you can replace, and the buttons here are top-notch, too. The controller is built to last in almost every area.
You get tournament lock functions, as well as a huge area to rest your hands on, making it ideal for hours of play at a time. It’s built like a tank too, so even if you get frustrated by getting repeatedly juggled and slam your fists on the arcade stick, it’ll withstand it.
The sheer build quality of the stick itself will let you use it for years without issue. But, there are a couple of things worth mentioning.
The only thing to note about the Obsidian 2 is the non-detachable cable. We recommend you pick up a USB-C (Male) to USB-C (Female) connector to plug in and then use a separate USB-C cable to your system for use.
This keeps the main cable free from any strain. Customization can be done by removing screws, and it’s slightly less friendly than other options on the market. Just note that if you plan on putting in a custom lever, you may need to drill a wider hole to fit it inside, too. Also, the controller will not work on Xbox, so keep a Brook converter handy.
2. Hori Fighting Commander OCTA
Dexerto| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wired connection | Sticks feel redundant |
| Tournament lock function | |
| Great price |
- Weight: 250g
- Connectivity: USB-A
- Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
- Price: $59.99
- Features: Eight-way joystick with Octagonal gate, tactile buttons, tournament lock functions, adjustable dead zones, six-button layout, 3.5mm headphone jack, adjustable D-pad sensitivity.
The Hori Fighting Commander OCTA is a great fighting-game-focused pad, and with its eight-way d-pad in tow, you’ll be able to nail inputs with ease. This is the ideal upgrade for those using a standard console-issued controller, as you get access to six face buttons, which can make your life a little bit easier in Tekken 8.
With support for PS5, PS4, and PC, with an additional Xbox variant, you’ll be able to play on almost any platform you desire, making it ideal for taking over to your local. You can disable shoulder buttons and the stick in Hori’s software, meaning that you can disable any possibility for errant inputs here, if you’re a tournament-level player.
The budget price is also incredibly attractive here, given that many controllers on this list can make your wallet wince, this is a good bet if you don’t want to break the bank but still get a high-quality controller.
3. Victrix Pro FS
Dexerto | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unparalleled build quality | Incredibly expensive |
| Arcade perfect parts | |
| Removable lever for portability |
- Buttons: Sanwa Denshi 30mm
- Lever: Sanwa Denshi Ball-top (with removable shaft)
- Gate: Square
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Platform: PS5, PS4, PC
- Features: 6.28-degree wrist slope, aluminum construction, tournament lock functions, LED lighting
- Price: $399.99
The Victrix Pro FS might just be the most premium arcade stick available on the market, but, it comes at a very heavy cost. The premium machining and materials make it lovely to use and with built-in storage and handles, taking it around with you isn’t a chore: especially since you can simply lift out the lever. It also comes with a bat top, but fitting in custom levers will be an ordeal. Buttons, however, are easily accessible for customization.
This stick is perfectly poised for folks who just want one of the best sticks out there, with a premium finish. It’s expensive, sure, but it will feel incredible to use once you pull off your first electric using it. This stick will stand the test of time, and serve both as an excellent controller and as an eye-catching part of any gaming setup.
4. Razer Kitsune
Dexerto | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low profile switches | Smudge magnet |
| Excellent build quality | Expensive |
| Native PS5 support |
- Buttons: Razer low profile optical (Red)
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Platform: PS5, PC
- Features: Hot-swappable switches, customizable button caps, Razer Chroma lighting, USB-C cable lock function, tournament lock, Aluminum top plate
- Price: $299
If you’re looking for a solid, easily available leverless controller, then the Razer Kitsune might be just what you are looking for. If you’re looking for a controller that can hone your inputs, as well as offer shortcuts thanks to SOCD rules, then the Razer Kitsune should be one of your top picks. While offerings like the Junk Food Arcades Snackbox Micro offer more compatibility for consoles, the sheer build quality of the Razer Kitsune takes the cake.
It’s got everything you need, tournament lock functions, cable lock functions, and even fancy lighting. The included buttons feel fantastic, though you can swap them out for your own, too.
This is one of the sleekest pieces of fighting game hardware ever created. Just be warned that on the P2 side, inputs such as wavedashing can be quite difficult to master. There’s a big learning curve involved here, so just be aware that it can take weeks to relearn your execution if you’re a newbie to the leverless world.
5. Victrix Pro BFG
Dexerto | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customizable layout | Expensive |
| Available for PS5 or Xbox | |
| Dedicated wired mode |
- Connectivity: USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless
- Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
- Battery: 2000mAh
- Input latency: 5ms
- Features: Customizable stick placements, adjustable triggers, back buttons, adjustable thumbsticks, hair-trigger mode, fightpad module
- Price: $179.99
If you’re looking for a versatile pad that can simply do it all, the Victrix Pro BFG is where it’s at. Not only do you get standard layouts, but you can also configure the D-pad style and location, too.
But, the reason it might be one of the best Tekken 8 controllers is down to its six-button fightpad module. Having access to six buttons means that you have immediate access to customizable shortcuts in Tekken 8, which means that you can easily increase your input precision.
This wireless controller isn’t cheap, though, but the included carrying case will ensure that you never lose any of those crucial customizable parts.
You can also get a wired-only mode here, meaning that you’ll never drop any combos, or suffer from connectivity issues in the middle of a tournament. Given the included carry case and wealth of accessories here, this should be the controller you carry to your next local or tournament.
What makes the best Tekken 8 controller?
The best controller is going to be something subjective to you. For example, if you are already used to using an arcade stick, switching to a controller might not make too much sense, as you will have to relearn a lot of your muscle memory.
But, the makings of a good controller for Tekken 8 should give you access to all of the main buttons, a solid way of navigating across the eight directions with confidence. That might be through a good D-pad, lever, or buttons.
Dexerto There should also be some level of customizability in mind for your controller: things like replaceable parts, or a way to add your own flair to a controller make it unique.
Needless to say, portability is also a factor. If you’re taking it to your locals or a tournament, you need it to be light enough to carry around for hours, but rugged enough to withstand some wear and tear.
Controller vs Arcade stick
It’s generally understood that there is no significant advantage between a controller and an arcade stick in Tekken. Pro player Chikurin won Evo Japan using the Hori Fighting Commander Octa in Tekken 8, having moved away from a traditional stick. According to a video by PhiDX, his character, Lili, was stronger on a pad as they could perform movement techniques a lot faster than on a Japanese Sanwa lever.
So, the choice of your own input device ultimately comes down to what you’re used to using, and thinking about what the needs of your character are, too. For some, using a leverless controller might be a better option than switching to pad outright, but to do so, you just need to think about what’s best for you.
Arcade sticks might be the most traditional input device, but they may not be the best. If you’re interested in a controller for Street Fighter 6, your needs might be a little different. Otherwise, be sure to select your character wisely with our Tekken 8 tier list.
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