Mortal Kombat 11 on PS4 is still very much alive in 2026. The base game runs cleanly on every PS4 model, the Aftermath expansion adds a deep roster, and PS5 backwards compatibility means a controller you buy today is not stuck to a single console generation. The catch is that MK11 punishes input slop. Amplified specials, Krushing Blow flickers, and Fatal Blow timing all rely on precise inputs that a stock pad can struggle with in long sets.
This guide selects five controllers that match different MK11 player profiles, from casual story mode players to ranked grinders. All of them work cleanly with PS4, and most carry forward to PS5 if you upgrade. Prices change often, so always check the live Amazon listing before buying.
Comparison Table
| Controller | Connection | Face Buttons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 DualShock 4 | Bluetooth, USB | 4 | Casual and story mode |
| Hori Fighting Commander Octa | USB wired | 6 | Ranked fight pad players |
| ASTRO C40 TR | 2.4GHz, USB | 4 | PS5 upgrade paths |
| Razer Raiju Tournament | Bluetooth, USB | 4 | Tournament ready paddles |
| NACON Revolution Pro 3 | USB wired | 4 | Weighted feel and precision |
Sony PS4 DualShock 4 - Verdict: best familiar starting pad
The PS4 DualShock 4 remains the default MK11 PS4 controller because it works the moment you turn on your console. The symmetrical stick layout, soft rumble, and lightweight body are familiar to anyone who has played any PS4 game in the last decade. For story mode, Towers of Time, and casual King of the Hill, it is more than capable.
Where it shows its age in MK11 is the D-pad and four button face layout. The cross style D-pad is good but not great for tight quarter circle motions, and four face buttons mean two attack buttons live on the shoulders. That is fine until you start chaining combos that demand Front Kick and Back Kick at the same time. A wired Micro USB connection removes Bluetooth jitter without any extra cost, which is the easiest upgrade you can make without buying a new pad.
Hori Fighting Commander Octa - Verdict: best fight pad for MK11
The Hori Fighting Commander Octa is a USB wired fight pad with six face buttons, a high quality D-pad, and an Octagonal stick gate that the brand designed around traditional fighting games. On MK11, the six button layout means all four attack buttons can live under your thumb in any pattern you choose. Block and Throw shortcut sit comfortably on the shoulders.
It works on PS4 and PS5 for compatible titles, including MK11. The D-pad is the standout part, with a satisfying click that makes amplified special inputs and Krushing Blow strings easier to land. Wired only means no wireless drift, and the cable is long enough for couch play. For ranked or local tournament MK11 PS4 sets, this is the most cost effective serious upgrade in this list.
ASTRO C40 TR - Verdict: best for layout swap and PS5 path
The ASTRO C40 TR is a long running tournament pad that supports PS4 directly and PS5 for compatible PS4 titles including MK11. Its standout feature is the swappable stick and D-pad modules, which let you switch between an Xbox style offset layout and a PlayStation symmetrical layout in seconds. For MK11, most players keep the symmetrical layout for parity with stock PS4 controllers.
Two mappable rear buttons, a wired USB mode, and an included carrying case make it a versatile choice. Throw mapped to a rear button is a popular MK11 setup because it removes the need to press two face buttons at once. The C40 TR is heavier and pricier than the Fighting Commander Octa, but it doubles as a serious pad for other PlayStation games and follows you cleanly to PS5.
Razer Raiju Tournament - Verdict: best for paddle mappers
The Razer Raiju Tournament adds four rear inputs to a PS4 pad, two on the back and two on the shoulders. For MK11, that creates room to map Block, Throw, and Krushing Blow shortcuts away from the face buttons. The grip texture is heavily contoured, which some players love for long sets and others find aggressive. Try one in person if possible before committing.
The Razer companion app handles per profile remapping and saves layouts onboard. Wired USB or Bluetooth modes both work, with wired strongly preferred for ranked online. If you already lean on paddle layouts in shooters and want the same flexibility in MK11 without committing to a six button fight pad, the Raiju Tournament is the easiest entry into pro grade PS4 hardware.
NACON Revolution Pro 3 - Verdict: best weighted PS4 pro pad
The NACON Revolution Pro 3 is the heaviest pad on this list and a favorite among players who want a pro feel closer to a console version of a Xbox Elite. Adjustable internal weights, four shortcut buttons, and a wired USB connection make it a strong fit for ranked MK11. The four shortcut inputs sit comfortably on the back and shoulders, with one classic setup being Block, Throw, Front Punch, and Back Kick.
The Revolution Pro 3 ships with a companion app that handles per character profiles, deadzone tuning, and stick sensitivity curves. It is wired only, which is the right choice for MK11 anyway. Build quality is excellent, with a metal D-pad and thick grips. If the Fighting Commander Octa is too small and the C40 TR feels too plasticky, the Revolution Pro 3 sits in the middle of the pro pad market for PS4 MK11 players.
How To Choose
Decide first whether MK11 is your main game or one of many. If MK11 is your main, a six button fight pad like the Hori Fighting Commander Octa pays for itself in cleaner combos within weeks. If MK11 is one game among several PS4 titles, a four button pro pad like the ASTRO C40 TR, Razer Raiju Tournament, or NACON Revolution Pro 3 keeps your muscle memory consistent.
Next, think about paddles. Players who already rely on rear inputs in shooters or sports games will keep that habit in MK11 by mapping Block or Throw to a paddle. Players who have never used paddles can start with a stock four button layout and add paddles later if they upgrade pads.
Finally, plan for PS5. MK11 runs on PS5 through backwards compatibility, and most modern pro pads support both consoles for PS4 games. The DualShock 4, ASTRO C40 TR, Razer Raiju Tournament, and Hori Fighting Commander Octa all work with PS5 for MK11. A wired connection is recommended for ranked play on either console.
Spend a week with whichever pad you pick before deciding on a layout. Fight pad and pro pad layouts both reward patience over snap judgments, and most players who stick with their first instinct end up with cleaner combos than those who chase setting changes after every losing set.
For more help, read our pieces on the best controllers for Modern Warfare PS4 and the best controllers for Madden. Our full review approach is documented on our methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fight pad better than a stock DualShock 4 for MK11?+
For most players, a six button fight pad like the Hori Fighting Commander Octa is easier than a stock DualShock 4 because all four attack buttons sit on the front face. That makes amplified specials and Krushing Blow strings less error prone, especially in a Kombo string that mixes Front Punch and Back Kick. Stock DualShock 4 pads work fine for casual play and are familiar from the rest of your library, but most ranked players find a fight pad reduces missed inputs over a long session.
Wired or wireless for MK11 on PS4?+
Wired through USB is the safer choice for ranked online and any local tournament. MK11 has tight input windows for amplified specials and Krushing Blows, and Bluetooth jitter can cause inputs to drop on the frame that matters most. The Hori Fighting Commander Octa, ASTRO C40 TR, Razer Raiju Tournament, and NACON Revolution Pro 3 all support wired mode. DualShock 4 supports wired play too, just plug in the included Micro USB cable to remove the wireless layer.
Does MK11 still get updates on PS4?+
MK11 is no longer in active content development on any platform, but the PS4 servers remain live for ranked and casual play in 2026. The game is stable, the netcode has improved over its lifetime, and the community is still strong, especially for King of the Hill rooms and offline tournaments. PS5 also runs PS4 MK11 with backwards compatibility, so a controller you buy for PS4 will still work if you upgrade. Always check current online activity before committing to a specific character grind.
Are six face buttons necessary for MK11?+
Six buttons are not required, but they make life easier. MK11 maps Front Punch, Back Punch, Front Kick, Back Kick, Throw, and Block to a mix of face and shoulder buttons by default. A fight pad with six face buttons lets you put both kicks and both punches under your right thumb. That keeps Block on a trigger where it belongs and removes thumb travel during reactive blocking. Players who can do without it are usually long time DualShock 4 users with set muscle memory.
Can I customize button mapping in MK11?+
Yes. MK11 includes a full controller settings menu where you can remap every attack and modifier button. The Hori Fighting Commander Octa, ASTRO C40 TR, Razer Raiju Tournament, and NACON Revolution Pro 3 also offer hardware level remapping through companion apps or built in profiles. Many high level players keep a Throw shortcut on a shoulder button and Block on a trigger, then assign Krushing Blow flicker combos to a comfortable face button cluster. Start with the default and adjust one button at a time.
Alex Patel
Alex Patel writes for The Tested Hub.