The text below was published on the PlayStation Blog.
It’s an exciting time for fighting game fans and competitors gearing up for the Evolution Championship Series (Evo) in Las Vegas this weekend. To kick off this thrilling week, we’re delighted to share new photos and the official name of Project Defiant, now called FlexStrike.
As announced during the June 2025 State of Play, FlexStrike is the first fight stick designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Compatible with PS5 or PC via wired or wireless connection using PlayStation Link, our innovative ultra-low latency wireless technology, the FlexStrike wireless fight stick features mechanical switch buttons and tool-free swappable restrictor gates. This includes square, circle, and octagonal gates that snap into the stick’s built-in storage compartments, along with the included PS Link USB adapter. Players can easily and securely carry the fight stick, all its components like the included USB-C cable, and more for local fight nights, to a friend’s place, or to tournaments using the included sling-style travel case, and be ready to play thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery.
Here are the additional features players can expect from PlayStation’s first fight stick:
- Simultaneous PlayStation Link Audio: On PS5, the FlexStrike wireless fight stick delivers 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 ultra-low latency audio and voice chat in the heat of battle.
- The FlexStrike wireless fight stick will feature an updated PlayStation Link USB adapter 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 local versus or co-op play.
- Durable, Ergonomic Design: The FlexStrike wireless fight stick sports a unique ergonomic design with comfortably angled surfaces and a non-slip base for a firm footing. It also features a high-quality, custom-designed digital lever.
- DualSense Controller Connectivity: You can keep your DualSense wireless controller connected on your PS5 at the same time as the FlexStrike wireless fight stick if you want to use it for an extra controller to navigate menus between matches.
- Adjustable Controls & DualSense Inputs: The FlexStrike wireless stick features the same game controls found on the DualSense controller**, plus a touchpad. There are also additional customization options – toggle directional inputs with a built-in lever mode selector or lock the layout and prevent accidental inputs mid-match with a dedicated lock button.
- For players opting to connect just the FlexStrike wireless fight stick to their PS5, a quick tap of the PS button can also wake the connected PS5 console after syncing.
At Evo 2025 in Las Vegas, August 1st-3rd, the FlexStrike wireless fight stick will also be on display* for the first time. Visit the Fight Stick Museum and the Arc System Works booth for an early look at the fight stick and included travel case.
The FlexStrike wireless fight stick arrives in 2026 – stay tuned to PlayStation.Blog for more details and visit PlayStation.com/FlexStrike to sign up for the latest email updates on the upcoming controller.
*Display model does not reflect final product design, which is subject to change
**Lever-operated directional button and mute button not included
