Mizuno Makes Full-Blown Entry into E-Sports Gear: First, Exhibits Leverless Controllers and Gaming Chairs with Reference Displays; Announces Collaboration with SF6 [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999902/20250925091/
Writer: Hayashi Yuki | 2025/09/25 12:31 (UTC)
At the Tokyo Game Show 2025 currently taking place at Makuhari Messe, sports gear brand Mizuno is exhibiting. Not only are they showcasing gaming accessories, but they’ve also announced a collaboration with Street Fighter 6, demonstrating their serious commitment.
All items on display are in reference exhibition status and may undergo significant changes later, yet even now the quality is high—truly reflecting Mizuno’s tradition of developing products tailored for athletes. Since hands-on experiences are available, visitors to TGS 2025 should definitely check them out.
Mizuno’s booth features a distinctive Mizuno color scheme. Located at stand 01-C09, it’s small in size—so look for the blue box to easily spot it. Thumbnail image No.001 / Mizuno makes serious entry into esports gear: First showcasing leverless controllers and gaming chairs, also announces collaboration with SF6 ［TGS2025］
The official uniform intended for use by Japan’s national esports team. According to the company, it uses the same material as their sports-oriented products. Thumbnail image No.002 / Mizuno makes serious entry into esports gear: First showcasing leverless controllers and gaming chairs, also announces collaboration with SF6 ［TGS2025］
Displayed are four items: the leverless controller, gaming chair, arm sleeve, and finger sleeve. While surprising at first to see a leverless controller unveiled immediately, this makes strategic sense since gaming gear is relatively new in this space—and fighting games, known for fast-paced action, demand such innovative control solutions.
The leverless controller isn’t rectangular or thin; from afar it visually resembles a gamepad with complex curved surfaces and asymmetrical left-right design. There’s purpose behind the shape: The left side, used less frequently, is designed to be easy to hold securely, while the right side—used more dynamically—is optimized for sudden position changes.
Though still being adjusted under guidance from esports athletes, minor refinements may yet occur. But upon actual playtesting, it’s clear that every detail has been carefully researched and thought through.
Leverless controller: Features a layout with movement buttons and 11 attack buttons. All buttons are manufactured by Sankyo Electronics. The surface is matte to prevent excessive slippage; sweat management appears to be addressed via the arm sleeve instead. Thumbnail image No.003 / Mizuno makes serious entry into esports gear: First showcasing leverless controllers and gaming chairs, also announces collaboration with SF6 ［TGS2025］
From this angle, the left-right asymmetry of the surface becomes evident. Thumbnail image No.004 / Mizuno makes serious entry into esports gear: First showcasing leverless controllers and gaming chairs, also announces collaboration with SF6 ［TGS2025］
The gaming chair is mesh-type and standard in design. However, it features adjustable armrests that move horizontally as well as a retractable footrest for customizable comfort. Still, this appears to be an initial prototype level build meant only for display.
The arm sleeve, a staple in sports gear, is designed primarily for sweat prevention in esports. The key point lies in the stitching—engineered so that seams are less visible during mouse operation, also avoiding contact with the mouse pad.
Arm sleeve: The material is still under consideration. If suitable materials for esports become available, Mizuno will actively adopt them and even develop new ones—this level of dedication made a strong impression. Thumbnail image No.007 / Mizuno makes serious entry into esports gear: First showcasing leverless controllers and gaming chairs, also announces collaboration with SF6 ［TGS2025］
The finger sleeve is designed for use with touchscreens, such as on smartphones. Its application could extend beyond esports into other industries.
Although currently only in reference exhibition status, Mizuno mentioned that they hope to share more updates by 2026. These products might even appear at events like EVO JAPAN.
Regarding the Street Fighter 6 collaboration (product), it’s still merely an announcement—details will follow later. In any case, if you’re planning a visit to TGS 2025, come experience firsthand what this sports manufacturer’s serious commitment looks like.
The collaboration was announced casually yet significantly. Thumbnail image No.009 / Mizuno makes serious entry into esports gear: First showcasing leverless controllers and gaming chairs, also announces collaboration with SF6 ［TGS2025］