TechRadar Verdict
The Hori Fighting Stick Alpha is a great all-rounder in the realm of fight sticks.
Especially as many of thebest fight stickscome in cheaper while still offering a fantastic onboarding experience.
But that doesnt mean the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha isnt worth buying.
For one, its impressively light for its size, meaning itll rest on your lap easily.
As we see with similarly priced sticks like theNacon Daija, the Alpha is fully customizable.
The excellent8BitDo Arcade Stickcomes to mind here.
Horis own Hayabusa modules are in play here, including eight buttons and a square gate joystick.
I tested swapping out parts myself and found the process to be straightforward.
All in all, its a highly customizable stick.
Youre getting solid, responsive performance across all of thebest fighting games.
Horis Hayabusa buttons have a very short travel time, allowing you to perform inputs quickly and reliably.
This creates an offset that might cause your hand to get uncomfortable during longer play sessions.
But just know that wireless connectivity isnt an option here.
Should I buy the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha?
Its sturdy build quality and lightweight design make it excellent for traveling and taking to tournaments, too.
Also consider…
Refer to the table below for a quick rundown of specs.
8BitDo Arcade StickAn excellent budget-friendly fight stick thats relatively light and travel-friendly.
Its also got wireless connectivity via an included 2.4GHz dongle if youd prefer that over a stricter wired connection.
Both stick and leverless options are available here, at the same price.
Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.
Read more about how we test
First reviewed January 2025