We're Listening! Share Your Feedback on Hori's Development Projects, Including Leverless Arcade Stick and Fighting Game Pad — Currently Accepting Input at TGS2025
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999902/20250926082/
Editorial Department: Toshiaki Konishi | 2025/09/26 15:00 (UTC)
HORI, well known for peripherals for PCs and gaming consoles, exhibited various products at Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS2025), including a new controller currently in development.
Among them is a product whose future depends on gamer feedback—whether to improve certain aspects or even release it at all. Since HORI wants to hear many gamers’ opinions, those interested are strongly encouraged to visit the HORI booth and share their thoughts after reading this article.
First up is a compact, lightweight leverless arcade controller (hereafter referred to as “arcade stick”). As indicated by its red “in development” tag, it remains an early prototype with no set release date or price. Whether it will even become a commercial product hasn’t been decided yet.
Prototype of the leverless arcade controller Thumbnail image for Gallery No.002 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
The standout feature of this leverless arcade stick is its small size. Designed to be portable, it’s about one-third the size of HORI’s existing “NOLVA” series products. If released commercially, a protective cover similar to a smartphone case will likely come included to shield the top panel with buttons.
Although additional buttons differ, the main button layout follows that of NOLVA. Despite being smaller, it isn’t so small as to significantly affect usability. However, size and weight remain undecided at this stage.
Placed next to an existing NOLVA model, the prototype is clearly about one-third the size Thumbnail image for Gallery No.003 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
Compared to the NOLVA in the background, thickness is roughly halved. The USB cable is detachable and includes a locking mechanism Thumbnail image for Gallery No.004 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
The bottom surface is fully covered with anti-slip rubber Thumbnail image for Gallery No.005 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
When asked why HORI is developing a portable-sized leverless arcade stick, they explained that after releasing the NOLVA series, many users requested something even smaller. However, despite high demand, it’s unclear whether such a compact model would sell enough to justify commercialization. That’s why HORI wants to gather opinions from gamers visiting TGS2025 to help decide whether to move forward with production.
Another product currently seeking gamer feedback is a new variant based on the fighting game pad “Fighting Commander OCTA Pro” (hereafter referred to as OCTA Pro). Two prototype versions were displayed at the booth, allowing visitors to test different features firsthand during actual gameplay.
One of the prototypes looks similar to the existing OCTA Pro… Thumbnail image for Gallery No.006 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
In the OCTA prototype, the left analog stick has a slightly different thickness. The thicker version hits the edge with minimal pressure, enabling input without requiring large movements. Additionally, there are differences in the height of the left analog stick.
Since it’s based on the OCTA Pro model, it includes switches for PC and PS5/PS4 compatibility. However, which platforms the final product will support remains undecided Thumbnail image for Gallery No.007 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
There are also differences in the D-pad’s travel distance. Though subtle when pressed, HORI wants to determine whether players prefer deeper or shallower stroke lengths.
Three different D-pad shapes were prepared—preferences may vary significantly between users Thumbnail image for Gallery No.008 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
Key differences between prototypes: variations in D-pad and analog stick Thumbnail image for Gallery No.011 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
Lastly, HORI is developing a steering controller dubbed “Direct Drive Wheel” (tentative name), aiming for an early summer 2026 release.
Prototype of the steering controller. The hub design shown here is experimental and significantly different from the final product Thumbnail image for Gallery No.009 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
This version is closer to the final product’s design. Unlike earlier prototypes with a more gamepad-like appearance, this one has a much more serious, professional look Thumbnail image for Gallery No.010 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
A major feature of this prototype is its adoption of the “direct drive” system—typically found in premium steering wheels priced over 100,000 yen (see related article). What makes it remarkable is its targeted retail price of around 40,000 yen, significantly lower than high-end models.
Standard steering controllers use multiple motors and gears to transmit vibration to the wheel, achieving force feedback. In contrast, direct drive systems transfer power from a single powerful motor directly to the wheel. This allows for precise representation of fine vibrations as well as strong forces such as rapidly spinning wheels. The maximum torque delivered is said to reach 9Nm—modest compared to top-tier models—but still very substantial in terms of feedback felt by the hands, delivering an immersive experience far beyond sufficient.
Playing a racing game Thumbnail image for Gallery No.013 / Seeking Gamers’ Voices: HORI’s booth is collecting feedback on its new leverless arcade stick and fighting game pad at TGS2025
During gameplay, the vibrations from hitting a curb or shifting gears—and the intense shaking and spinning when going off-track—were clearly felt. During spins, the wheel rotates violently; if not gripped firmly, it feels like your hand might get pulled away. To test this effect, we intentionally spun the wheel and recorded its motion—the rotation was so wild that we had to stop it manually by hand.
Those seeking a serious steering controller at a relatively affordable price should keep an eye out for next year’s release.