| Price | Hit Box Arcade |
| Release | Late January 2026 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / NS2 / PC |
| Dimensions | 16″ x 7″ x 1″ |
| Weight | 3.75 lbs |
| Cable | 3 m |
Introduction
The Hit Box pioneered the leverless layout for fighting games. Then, the Hit Box Ultra came out—with more than just 12 buttons. Now, we have the Beast Box, which has what you loved about the Ultra—such as upgraded compatibility—but this time with Daigo “The Beast” Umehara’s own layout!
Unboxing
The Beast Box arrives in its own themed box with protective housing—plus:
- C.O.M.B.O. Optimizers to adjust travel/sound
- Three C.O.M.B.O. Extension Shields
- Three more C.O.M.B.O. Extensions
- Branded sling bag
- Microfiber cloth
- User manual
Performance
The Beast Box’s buttons are C.O.M.B.O. Buttons, and the spacing between them feels good. These buttons are silent—with 0.3 mm actuation and 1 mm travel. Moreover, they utilize smooth Cherry MX Speed Silver low profile switches.
The C.O.M.B.O. Extensions feature light Kailh PG1425 X switches. They have 1.5 mm actuation with 2 mm travel, and they allow the Beast Box to have 15 inputs instead of the classic 12. Not only that, you can rotate them to optimize their positions for you.
The Beast Box’s three extra keys are for the touchpad, L3, and R3. Apparently, Daigo likes to use his left thumb, right thumb, and right index finger for these keys. Maybe you like to do that too.
Of course, the Beast Box has SOCD cleaning support, and there’s also a tournament mode to lock the function buttons. There are actually six function buttons in the controller’s back right.
Hardware
The Beast Box is a steel controller with thick acrylic up top. It brings back the Hit Box Ultra’s simplified button wiring with standard quick disconnects.
Essentially, the Beast Box has terminal blocks to help rewire the C.O.M.B.O. Extensions to different inputs. You can reinstall them to other buttonholes and then create your own layout.
To change or clean the Beast Box’s accessories, the button rims unlock from the top. Regarding the anti-slip bottom, it’s magnetically closed to make removing it easier.
To close out this hardware writeup, the Beast Box has a detachable USB-A cable. The connection is quick-release, and the port is flush with the case.
Appearance
There’s undeniable harmony between the black case, clear buttons, red keys, and beast art. Still, if you’d like to customize your Beast Box’s art, we can help you with that through our art service here at The Arcade Stick.
For instance, below is Hit Box Ultra art our teammate Carlos Martinez designed—we printed it—and he can also design art for your Beast Box:
(If you already have some digital art, we can just print it for your Beast Box.)
Conclusion
You can awaken your inner beast with the Beast Box, which is worth a buy if you think that Daigo’s layout can bring you one step closer to winning tournaments worldwide—just like he’s done—so grab one while you can.
- Daigo’s layout
- C.O.M.B.O. parts
- Cherry/Kailh switches
- Customizable artwork
- Decent compatibility
- Magnetic closure
- Anti-slip bottom
- Steel & acrylic
- Simple wiring
- Slim case
- Sling bag
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐