Sony names its first wireless fight stick: FlexStrike to launch in 2026
Sony has revealed FlexStrike, its first official wireless fight stick for PS5 and PC. The controller will launch in 2026 and includes mechanical buttons, customizable gates, and wireless PlayStation Link support. FlexStrike will be showcased at Evo 2025 in Las Vegas.
New Delhi: Fighting game fans are getting a new controller to look forward to. Sony has officially given its long-teased "Project Defiant" a proper name, meet the FlexStrike wireless fight stick, PlayStation’s first-ever fight stick designed in-house. The announcement comes right ahead of Evo 2025, the world’s biggest fighting game tournament, set to kick off in Las Vegas from August 1 to 3 (which is August 2 to 4 IST).
Sony revealed new details and images through the official PlayStation Blog, calling FlexStrike a next-gen fight stick designed for PlayStation 5 and PC users. While it won’t hit shelves until sometime in 2026, the early sneak peek already has the FGC (fighting game community) buzzing.
PS FlexStrike: Under the hood
FlexStrike connects either through a wired USB-C connection or Sony’s PlayStation Link, their low-latency wireless tech. What’s interesting is that this fight stick comes with mechanical switch buttons, and lets you swap out restrictor gates, square, circle, or octagon, without tools. All the extra parts and the included USB adapter can be tucked away neatly inside its built-in storage space.
The unit also comes with a sling carry case, so players heading to locals, tournaments or just a friend’s house won’t have to stuff it in a backpack and hope for the best. There’s also a built-in rechargeable battery for those who want to keep it cable-free.
PS FlexStrike: Key features
Here’s a list of what FlexStrike will offer:
- Dual device connection on PS5: You can pair two FlexStrike sticks to one USB adapter for couch play.
- Audio support: Use a Pulse Elite headset or Pulse Explore earbuds alongside the stick on a single adapter for low-lag voice and game audio.
- Full DualSense layout: Touchpad, DualSense-style buttons, and directional input switching.
- Lock button: Prevent accidental misinputs during clutch moments.
- Wake-up function: A quick PS button press can turn on your synced PS5.
PlayStation confirms that FlexStrike will be on display (not final version) at Evo 2025, inside the Fight Stick Museum and Arc System Works booth. It won’t be playable, but attendees will get a look at the prototype and the sling case.
The FlexStrike announcement comes after months of speculation since it first appeared during State of Play in June 2025. As of now, Sony hasn’t shared a price tag for this new controller.