The leverless arcade stick "ZENAIM," reflecting the preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is currently in active development with a target launch in 2026 [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/703/G070366/20250927029/
Editorial Department: Toshiaki Konishi | 2025/09/27 06:09 (UTC)
The gaming brand “ZENAIM” (Zenaim), developed by Tokai Rika, which specializes in keyboards using its own proprietary magnetic Hall-effect switches, is showcasing and offering trial experiences of its products at the ZETA DIVISION booth during Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS2025). This collaboration with the professional e-sports and streaming team “ZETA DIVISION” continues their joint efforts.
This year’s highlight is that visitors can try out a prototype leverless controller currently in development, aiming for an early 2026 release—available at the trial station.
Prototype display of the leverless arcade controller. Expected debut: early 2026 Thumbnail image No.003 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
We present photos of the display unit and footage from the new product unveiling event held at the ZETA DIVISION booth on September 25.
From left to right: Pro fighting gamers from ZETA DIVISION who served as guest speakers—Hikaru, Momoichi, and Choco Blanca. All three have already been using the prototype leverless arcade controller Thumbnail image No.007 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
The ZENAIM leverless arcade controller comes in two versions: the newly released “ARCADE CONTROLLER BUTTON MODULE KIT” (hereafter, module kit), and a fully developed prototype currently under development.
The module kit is designed to replace existing buttons, internal circuit boards, and wiring harnesses with Tokai Rika’s own components. It retails for ¥27,000 (tax included) at direct sales prices. Since users must perform the replacement themselves, this product will naturally appeal only to those with technical aptitude.
Module kit and product box. With simple wiring, it’s usable as a basic arcade controller—though not durable over long-term use Thumbnail image No.009 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
Assembly instructions for the module kit. No soldering required Thumbnail image No.010 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
However, the main focus remains on the prototype leverless arcade controller currently in development. The displayed prototype closely resembles a conventional design with standard layout and dimensions. Fifteen primary buttons for gameplay are arranged on the top surface—though there are no “Start” or “Home”-type buttons.
Top view of the prototype. Main 15 buttons aligned Thumbnail image No.004 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
This is the prototype unveiled at Tokyo Game Show 2024. Compared to the 2025 version, it’s clear that significant progress has been made toward productization Thumbnail image No.012 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
The body has noticeable thickness, so it’s not a slim-focused design. In that sense, the prototype gives an impression of being a conventional leverless arcade controller.
Side view from the front. Not particularly thick or thin Thumbnail image No.005 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
Three additional buttons were also present on the rear side Thumbnail image No.006 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
Thus, the core importance lies in the switch performance and features that fully leverage it. During the new product unveiling event, ZENAIM highlighted its design philosophies, along with feedback from professional gamers who tested the prototype.
A key feature of ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller is the use of magnetic Hall-effect sensor switches developed exclusively by Tokai Rika—just like in their keyboards. Magnetic switches are notable because they allow software to adjust the depth at which a button activates (actuation point). This characteristic has become popular in keyboards, enabling special functions such as rapid trigger.
When adapting this type of switch for leverless arcade controllers, ZENAIM incorporated various features. For example, the activation depth is set extremely shallow—about 0.75mm—to prevent accidental inputs. According to Hikaru from ZETA DIVISION, this specific value was meticulously requested during development and arrived at after multiple rounds of adjustments.
Additionally, it includes calibration functions that ensure consistent on/off positions across individual keys, as well as a rapid trigger adjustable in 0.05mm increments—features typical of today’s high-end leverless arcade controllers. It appears to include nearly all the functionality expected from such advanced devices.
Slide shows module kit explanation—but these same features are also present in the leverless arcade controller prototype Thumbnail image No.008 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
During the event, guest players also demonstrated live match play Thumbnail image No.011 / ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller, reflecting the meticulous preferences of domestic pro fighting gamers, is in active development with a target release in early 2026 [TGS2025]
The three guest players who tested the prototype provided numerous detailed suggestions to developers. In response, the development team repeatedly refined and improved the design. Hikaru was especially meticulous—requesting precise adjustments down to millimeters for button angles and placement. Momoichi already uses this controller at fighting game tournaments like EVO.
We eagerly await the official release of ZENAIM’s leverless arcade controller—a product that truly embodies the exacting demands of Japan’s top professional gamers.