Back in January, I reviewed the Kitsune, a new leverless fight stick from the folks at Razer. In that review, I said that I was "very happy with the Razer Kitsune. No matter what game I threw at it, the stick performed remarkably well, with clean and crisp button presses resulting in, for the most part, the exact moves I wanted."
Since then, Razer has partnered with Capcom to release a few limited-edition versions of the Kitsune featuring some of Street Fighter's most iconic fighters. First came the Chun-Li and Cammy variants – which sold out quickly – and now we have the Akuma variant, which prominently features the Raging Demon himself.
Specifications:
- Dimensions
- 11.66 in x 8.27 in x 0.75 in
- 1.8 lbs
- Connectivity
- USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable
- Cable lock and lock switch
- Compatible With
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- Mechanical Action Buttons
- Precise quad movement button layout
- Razer Low-Profile Linear Optical Switches
- Razer Chroma Lighting compatible
- Warranty: 1-Year limited
- Package Contents (US Version): Kitsune controller, USB-C to USB-A cable, Important Product Information guide
- Price: $329 on Razer website
So what's different with the Akuma version of the Kitsune? Other than being stared at by one of the scariest faces in Street Fighter 6, nothing. That scary Akuma face isn't going anywhere either, as the image has used a new dye-sublimation process which essentially burns the image onto the faceplate rather than painted or stuck on. This format means the image will stick around longer, and it will remain at out-of-the-box quality as well. Considering how incredible the image looks, dye-sublimation was the right call.
The lack of major changes to the fight stick is, of course, a great thing, because the Kitsune is one of the best leverless fight sticks available today. Portability is a huge reason for its success, as its ultra-thin form factor makes it incredibly simple to pack. Case in point: I brought my non-Akuma Kitsune to Evo 2024 this year, and it fit into my backpack as if it were a Chromebook or other small laptop. I just slipped it into the back inside pocket of my Timbuk2 Parkside Eco backpack, put the wires in the front pocket, and that's all I needed.
Button response is another; pressing each of the buttons on the Kitsune feels great. Every attack comes out when I want it, the character on-screen moves when and how I want them to, and no button press is wasted – outside of frantic mashing, I suppose. I'm still having problems with 360-motion moves like Zangief's Spinning Pile Driver, but as before, that's more an issue of me not being used to it than an issue with the device itself.
If nothing's changed, then who is this limited-edition Kitsune for? Admittedly, if you already own a Kitsune and aren't a fan of Akuma, Street Fighter, or both, this won't appeal to you. However, if you don't own a Kitsune and want to jump in, this is a great option for only $30 more than the normal one. If you are a Kitsune owner and were looking for a second one for Player 2, this is a great option. Finally, if you're prone to FOMO and like limited-edition runs, there's only 1000 of these Akuma sticks made; that alone might be enough to convince you.
The Kitsune continues to set a high bar for leverless fight sticks, and this Akuma Fighter's Series variant stands tall among them.
Full disclosure: The product described was provided by PR for the purposes of coverage.
