PS5 FlexStrike Fight Stick Officially Announced for 2026
▼ Summary
– PlayStation’s Project Defiant fight stick is officially named FlexStrike, featuring mechanical buttons, PS Link support, and swappable stick gates.
– The FlexStrike is set to launch in 2026 and will be showcased at Sony’s EVO 2025 event in Las Vegas.
– It supports both PS5 and PC, with PlayStation Link compatibility for wireless headsets and local multiplayer with up to two controllers.
– The fight stick offers customizable features like toolless gate swapping and mechanical face buttons for precise inputs.
– PlayStation is expanding its fighting game hardware, with FlexStrike likely launching alongside Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls by Arc System Works.
PlayStation has officially unveiled the FlexStrike fight stick, previously known as Project Defiant, with a targeted 2026 release window. The announcement comes ahead of Sony’s EVO 2025 tournament, where attendees will get an early look at the highly anticipated peripheral. Designed for both PS5 and PC, the FlexStrike introduces innovative features that could redefine competitive fighting game setups.
One standout feature is the toolless gate-swapping mechanism, allowing players to effortlessly switch between square, circular, and octagonal joystick gates without additional tools. This customization option eliminates the need for separate joystick purchases, giving players flexibility mid-match. The fight stick also supports PlayStation Link wireless technology, enabling seamless connectivity with compatible headsets like the Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore earbuds. Additionally, local multiplayer setups can pair two FlexStrike controllers via a single PlayStation Link USB adapter.
Built for tournament play, the FlexStrike includes mechanical switch buttons for precise, tactile inputs and a lock switch to disable pause or menu buttons during competitive matches. For navigation, players can pair a DualSense controller alongside the fight stick, similar to the functionality seen with the PlayStation Access controller.
Industry insiders speculate that the FlexStrike’s launch may align with Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, a new fighting game developed by Arc System Works and published by PlayStation Studios. Given Arc System Works’ pedigree with titles like Guilty Gear Strive and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, the FlexStrike could become a must-have for fighting game enthusiasts.
While hands-on impressions won’t be available until 2026, the FlexStrike’s blend of wireless versatility, modular design, and tournament-ready features positions it as a potential game-changer in the fight stick market. Keep an eye out for updates as Sony continues to refine its latest competitive gaming hardware.
(Source: techradar)
