PlayStation Unveils FlexStrike Fight Stick, Part of Project Defiant, Launching in 2026

PlayStation Unveils New Wireless Fight Stick: FlexStrike

At the recent State of Play event coinciding with the Summer Game Fest, PlayStation unveiled an exciting new product in the realm of competitive gaming: the wireless fight stick initially dubbed “Project Defiant.”In a recent update on the PlayStation Blog, the company officially revealed the name as FlexStrike, alongside a captivating trailer highlighting its impressive features, with a confirmed release set for next year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTGmg6uYXKc

FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick – Features Trailer | PS5 & PC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTGmg6uYXKc)

Key Features and Compatibility

Edwin Foo, Vice President of Product Development at Sony, outlined some of the innovative aspects of FlexStrike, stating, “Compatible with PS5 or PC via a wired connection or wirelessly with PlayStation Link, our innovative ultra-low latency wireless technology.”This fight stick is equipped with mechanical switch buttons and features toolless swappable restrictor gates, which include square, circle, and octagon options. Notably, these restrictor gates can be conveniently stored within the fight stick’s built-in compartments, along with the accompanying PS Link USB adapter.

FlexStrike offers versatile connectivity options; players can connect wirelessly using a USB-A dongle at various ports on their PS5 or PC, or opt for a wired USB-C connection. Additionally, users can pair a DualSense controller alongside FlexStrike on the PS5, enhancing navigation through in-game menus. The trailer emphasizes its seamless integration with Sony’s latest wireless peripherals via the new PlayStation Link technology, ensuring minimal latency.

Showcasing at EVO 2025

Enthusiasts attending EVO 2025 can expect to see FlexStrike on display, although PlayStation has announced that it will be “on display only.”Visitors to the Arc System Works booth will have the opportunity to admire both the fight stick and its sleek carrying case. As the official release date approaches, further details on availability and player testing are anticipated, with a launch expected sometime in 2026.

Impact on the Fighting Game Community

PlayStation has been a pivotal presence in the fighting game community for many years, and FlexStrike marks the company’s inaugural foray into creating a proprietary fight stick. The anticipation around this product especially among professional gamers is palpable; as they consider its competitive potential against their preferred fight sticks and gamepads. It remains to be seen how FlexStrike will be received, particularly in high-stakes environments like EVO.

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