PlayStation's FlexStrike is giving fighting game players more control in 2026
What was teased in the June 2025 State of Play as Project Defiant, now has a name, FlexStrike. The new fighting stick has been given a host of details, with those at EVO 2025 in Las Vegas getting a chance to see the unit in person.
For those curious about why PlayStation would make a fighting stick, in 2021 Sony bought half of the EVO fighting tournament, so you could say they have a stake in the game.
The new stick features mechanical switch buttons and toolless swappable restrictor gates. These include square, circle, and octagon restrictor gates that fit into the fight stick’s built-in storage compartments alongside the included PS Link USB adapter.
It will connect to a PlayStation 5 or to a PC, either wired or through the PlayStation Link device. Those on console can connect two devices for some furious local play. PlayStation have released a list of feature points they wanted to call out, those are below. The only thing we don’t know is the release date, we know 2026 but that is it.
Simultaneous PlayStation Link audio: On PS5, FlexStrike wireless fight stick offers a seamless fighting game experience. Players can use a single PS Link USB adapter to connect the FlexStrike wireless fight stick and a Pulse Elite wireless headset or Pulse Explore wireless earbuds simultaneously on PS5, for an ultra-low latency audio and voice chat experience in the heat of battle.
FlexStrike wireless fight stick will feature an updated PlayStation Link USB adapter that is compatible with USB-C ports.
Dual FlexStrike wireless fight stick connections: On PS5, connect two FlexStrike wireless fight sticks via a single PS Link USB adapter for couch competition or co-op.
Durable and ergonomic design: The FlexStrike wireless fight stick features a unique, ergonomic design with comfortably angled surfaces and a non-slip base for a firm foundation. It also has a high-quality custom-designed digital stick.
DualSense controller connectivity: You can keep your DualSense wireless controller on PS5 connected at the same time as the FlexStrike wireless fight stick, if you’d like to use it as an additional controller for navigating menus between fights.
Adjustable controls and DualSense inputs: The FlexStrike wireless fight stick features the same game control inputs found on the DualSense controller**, plus a touchpad. There’s also additional customization options – you can switch directional inputs with a built-in lever mode switch, or lock in the layout and prevent accidental inputs during a match with a dedicated lock button.
For players who choose to connect just the FlexStrike wireless fight stick to their PS5, a quick press of the PS button can also wake the connected PS5 console once synced.
