Revived for the Reiwa Era: Nostalgic "Teki-ki" Controller Returns, with Student Collaboration Bringing Cockpit-Style Case to Venue [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999901/20251002048/
Writer: Susumu Yagimoto | 2025/10/02 10:04 (UTC)
At the 2025 Tokyo Game Show, various educational institutions had booths in the Game Academy Corner. Among them, the exhibit by International Institute of Technology College stood out and deserves a feature.
View of the International Institute of Technology College booth Thumbnail image No.001 / The nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era. A cockpit-style arcade cabinet arrives at the venue through students’ collaboration ［TGS2025］
Official Website of International Institute of Technology College
While many titles were showcased at the International Institute of Technology College booth, one that particularly caught attention was the robot shooter “Mars Cavity.” Two aspects stood out: first, that modern students created a game using the nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller," and second, that they built the cockpit-style arcade cabinet themselves within their campus.
Players board a robot and obliterate countless enemy robots blocking their path. From the wreckage of defeated enemies, an item called “Frenzy Pack” appears—collecting it temporarily boosts attack power and fire rate. The weapons mounted on the player’s machine roar loudly as they crush enemies—an experience best described in one word: powerful.
The booth featured multiple play stations, and regular controllers were available. However, only one station was equipped with a “Tetsu-ki” controller mounted in a cockpit-style cabinet.
For 4Gamer readers, it’s unnecessary to explain what “Tetsu-ki” is—it’s the 2002 Xbox launch title that gained lasting fame for including an oversized, dedicated controller designed like a cockpit. With over 40 switches and three levers on its 88cm-wide control panel, coupled with three pedals, it offered meticulous operation. Features included a hatch-opening button, frequency dial for communication devices, and a switch for oxygen supply—making the experience of piloting a humanoid machine feel incredibly realistic.
Back then, I chose to take mine home immediately after purchase—but I still remember how exhausting it was just to carry that massive, heavy controller from the store to the nearest train station.
While “Mars Cavity” didn’t fully utilize every button and switch on the controller, operating it with levers and pedals evoked a deep sense of nostalgia. The heft of the lever and the tactile feedback from the pedals were ruggedly authentic. The gimmick of using three distinct pedals to jump, boost, or engage high-speed cruising felt remarkably realistic.
The game’s difficulty was kept low—combined with the exhilarating “Frenzy Pack” trigger rush, it became a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Since “Tetsu-ki” was released 23 years ago, today’s students had no prior knowledge of it. The idea to use the “Tetsu-ki” controller at TGS originated from faculty suggestions, but student enthusiasm was high too—so students in the Game Creator Department, eager to incorporate their personal passions into a project, took up the challenge.
The cockpit-style cabinet was not a ready-made product—it was built by students from the Architecture Design Department and the Design Department. The base used plywood, with guidance from an instructor who had been a carpenter, ensuring strong durability.
Mechanical parts were crafted by Design Department students using 3D printers. Some components were large enough to require splitting into four sections for printing—one part alone took 15 hours. Creative touches included using caps from discarded plastic bottles as decorative elements and repurposing air conditioner parts from ducts.
Finally, after setting up the seat, they faced difficulty fitting it in due to the cabinet’s size being pushed to the absolute limit.
The completed cabinet was carried into the venue by students working together in a human chain. Their morale remained high—despite summer break, many came to school daily to keep making progress.
The “KRC” paint etched onto the cabinet is derived from the college’s name Thumbnail image No.006 / The nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era. A cockpit-style arcade cabinet arrives at the venue through students’ collaboration ［TGS2025］
The Architecture Design Department built the cabinet from plywood, while students from the Design Department added 3D-printed panels and other parts, then applied weathering paint to complete the cockpit-style arcade cabinet Thumbnail image No.007 / The nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era. A cockpit-style arcade cabinet arrives at the venue through students’ collaboration ［TGS2025］
Due to its large size, the hood section was printed in four separate parts. Closer inspection reveals seams between sections—but those unfamiliar with this detail might simply assume it’s part of the mecha’s intricate design Thumbnail image No.008 / The nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era. A cockpit-style arcade cabinet arrives at the venue through students’ collaboration ［TGS2025］
The part in the center of the photo, where cables are secured, was made from a cap taken from a discarded plastic bottle Thumbnail image No.009 / The nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era. A cockpit-style arcade cabinet arrives at the venue through students’ collaboration ［TGS2025］
Seeing the nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era by students was a delightful surprise for longtime fans like me. Even more impressive was how this project extended beyond just the Game Creator Department—uniting students from Architecture Design and Design Departments alike, all working together toward the shared goal of letting people experience robot games through a cockpit-style cabinet. This must have been an unforgettable and invaluable experience for the students.
Other titles were also on display at the booth. “Dungeon Survivor” challenges players to progress by wisely using skills acquired within the dungeon Thumbnail image No.010 / The nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era. A cockpit-style arcade cabinet arrives at the venue through students’ collaboration ［TGS2025］
A mobile game where enemies swarm from all directions—players defeat them by drawing circles on the screen with their fingers to surround and eliminate foes Thumbnail image No.011 / The nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era. A cockpit-style arcade cabinet arrives at the venue through students’ collaboration ［TGS2025］
An action game where players defend a core—“Wizard of Guardian” Thumbnail image No.012 / The nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era. A cockpit-style arcade cabinet arrives at the venue through students’ collaboration ［TGS2025］
“Mars Cavity” attracted such high interest that a waiting line formed at the demo station Thumbnail image No.013 / The nostalgic “Tetsu-ki” controller revived in the Reiwa era. A cockpit-style arcade cabinet arrives at the venue through students’ collaboration ［TGS2025］