When it comes to competitive gaming, particularly in the realm of fighting games, your controller isn’t just a tool—it’s an extension of your skills. Enter the Hori Fighting Commander Octa, a 6-Button Controller PC crafted to meet the demands of fighting game enthusiasts.
With its 6-button layout and octagonal gate, this controller is tailored for precision, speed, and comfort, making it a favorite among both casual players and seasoned professionals.
In this article, we’ll dissect every aspect of the Hori Fighting Commander Octa, from its innovative design and build quality to its real-world performance. For those with larger hands who need a controller that fits comfortably, be sure to check out our Top 5 Best Controllers for Big Hands for additional options and insights.
Design and Build Quality
A Closer Look at the 6-Button Layout
The Hori Fighting Commander Octa’s 6-button layout is designed for those who love fighting games, giving you the feel of classic arcade setups with modern perks. The six action buttons are arranged in a way that makes it easy to pull off quick moves, helping you react faster during intense battles. This layout isn’t just great for fighting games—it works well for other action-packed genres too, like Devil May Cry, where timing and combos are key. The controller is also built for comfort, with a balanced weight to prevent wrist strain during long sessions, textured grips to avoid slipping, and a customizable d-pad that lets you adjust the sensitivity to match your play style.
Build Quality
The Hori Fighting Commander Octa is built to last through intense gaming sessions. Hori is known for making tough gaming gear, and this controller is no different. Its buttons use micro switches that provide a satisfying click and are designed to last for millions of presses, so they stay responsive even after lots of use. The controller’s body is reinforced to handle heavy use, especially around the d-pad and shoulder buttons. Plus, it has a strong, detachable USB cable that can handle frequent wrapping and unwrapping, making it perfect for players who take their gear on the go.
Precision D-Pad and Analog Stick
The Hori Fighting Commander Octa features a precision d-pad designed for fighting games, making it easier to perform complex moves like quarter-circle or half-circle inputs. The d-pad’s octagonal gate design helps you execute special moves accurately, such as Hadoukens and Shoryukens, without missing a command. The controller also includes an analog stick for games that need it, like platformers or adventure games, and both the d-pad and analog stick can be adjusted to fit your preferences for sensitivity.
Customizable Buttons and Macros
This controller offers extensive customization options with fully programmable buttons, allowing you to remap functions to suit your play style. You can also use macros to record and assign complex sequences of inputs to a single button, which simplifies executing long combos or repetitive tasks. Additionally, the controller supports profile switching, so you can easily change between different button setups and macros depending on the game or situation, which is especially handy in tournaments.
Compatibility and Connection
The Hori Fighting Commander Octa works with PS5, PS4, and PC, making it a versatile choice for gamers who play on different platforms. It is officially licensed by Sony, ensuring smooth integration with PlayStation consoles. For PC users, it’s plug-and-play, meaning you can connect it via USB and start playing right away. The wired connection ensures there’s no latency, providing a responsive gaming experience, and the detachable USB cable is long enough to give you flexibility in how you set up your gaming space
Performance
Fighting Games
In fighting games, the Hori Fighting Commander Octa truly excels, proving itself as one of the top controllers for this genre. Its d-pad with an octagonal gate design ensures that every movement, from quarter-circle inputs in Street Fighter to precise directional inputs in Tekken, is registered accurately. This consistency is crucial for executing complex moves and combos without missing a beat. Professional players often choose this controller for its reliability and precision, which can be the key to winning in high-stakes tournaments. Plus, its ergonomic design with textured grips and a lightweight build helps keep your hands comfortable during long gaming sessions.
Other Genres
Though it’s built for fighting games, the Hori Fighting Commander Octa performs well in other genres too. For platformers like Celeste or action games like Devil May Cry, the precise d-pad control helps you navigate levels and execute complex moves. The button layout, while tailored for fighting games, adapts to these genres by offering quick access to actions without being overwhelming. Surprisingly, it also works for racing games. The d-pad’s customizable sensitivity can mimic the smoothness of an analog stick, making it a decent choice for steering in games like Gran Turismo, though it won’t replace a dedicated racing wheel.
Versatility in Multiplayer
For local multiplayer games, where fast and reliable input is crucial, the Hori Fighting Commander Octa offers an advantage with its wired connection, which eliminates input lag. This ensures that your actions are executed quickly and accurately during head-to-head matches with friends. In online play, where every millisecond counts, the controller’s wired connection and zero-latency input make sure your commands are processed instantly, which is essential for competitive matches and online tournaments.
Specs
🎮Wired controller for PS5, PS4, PC
🎮Micro Switch buttons for durability
🎮Short Throw Analog Stick with 8-way gate
🎮Adjustable D-Pad sensitivity
🎮Six-button layout
🎮Officially licensed by Sony
Pros
✅Precision: Octagonal d-pad enhances accuracy in fighting games.
✅Customizable: Remap buttons and create macros.
✅Comfortable: Ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue.
✅Versatile: Works with PS5, PS4, and PC.
✅Instant Input: Wired connection means no lag.
Cons
⛔Limited Use: Not ideal for non-fighting games.
⛔Wired Only: No wireless option; cable can be restrictive.
Is the Hori Fighting Commander Octa Worth It?
The Hori Fighting Commander Octa is undoubtedly a top-tier controller for fighting game enthusiasts. Its precision d-pad, customizable controls, and ergonomic design make it a powerful tool for competitive play. If you’re serious about fighting games and want a controller that can keep up with your skills, the Hori Fighting Commander Octa is an excellent investment.
Conclusion
The Hori Fighting Commander Octa stands out as a specialized controller designed with the fighting game enthusiast in mind. Its octagonal gate d-pad, customizable controls, and ergonomic design make it a formidable tool for anyone serious about fighting games. While it does have some limitations, such as its niche appeal and lack of wireless functionality, these are outweighed by the benefits it offers in precision, comfort, and customization.