BODY: Fighting game fans who've been eyeing HORI's NOLVA leverless controller but dreading the clatter of mechanical switches now have a reason to celebrate. The Japanese peripheral giant has unveiled a silent variant that promises the same competitive-grade performance without waking up the entire household.
Announced on April 22, the full product name — "NOLVA Reactor Mechanical All-Button Arcade Controller for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC (Silent Model)" — is a mouthful, but the pitch is simple. HORI has swapped in silent mechanical key switches across the board, significantly reducing the noise that comes with rapid inputs during intense sessions. The controller is officially licensed for PS5 and PS4 and also supports Windows PC.
Beyond the quieter switches, HORI has also revised the chassis shape and button layout compared to the original NOLVA. While full details on the exact layout changes are still emerging, redesigned ergonomics suggest HORI has been listening to community feedback from tournament players and long-session grinders alike. The controller is set for a June 2026 release at a suggested retail price of ¥19,980 (tax included), putting it in the mid-range tier for premium leverless controllers — competitive with options from Victrix and Razer.
The leverless (or "all-button") format has exploded in popularity since its grassroots origins in the FGC, with major manufacturers now racing to offer polished alternatives to the hitbox-style layouts that hardcore players have been building themselves for years.
The insider take
Here in Tokyo, leverless controllers have gone from niche curiosity to standard equipment at game centers and tournament venues faster than most manufacturers anticipated. HORI's move to offer a silent model isn't just a comfort feature — it's a direct response to Japan's apartment living reality, where thin walls and late-night practice sessions are a real consideration. The revised layout also hints that HORI has been paying close attention to pro player feedback at events like EVO Japan. At under ¥20,000, this could become the default recommendation for players stepping up from pad.
Originally reported by 4Gamer.net − 最新記事 (Japanese).