Official Name and Release Window Announced for PlayStation’s First Fight Stick

PlayStation has officially unveiled its first wireless fight stick, now named **FlexStrike**.Formerly known as Project Defiant, this innovative accessory is set to launch in 2026.

The announcement was made on July 28 through a blog post on the PlayStation Blog. The FlexStrike is compatible with both the PS5 and PC, offering users the versatility of wired as well as wireless connectivity via Sony’s PlayStation Link system.

Additionally, the fight stick boasts support for DualSense buttons, an integrated touchpad, and the convenient ability to wake a PS5 with a single button press. For an enhanced audio experience, players can connect the Pulse Elite headsets or Pulse Explore earbuds directly to the FlexStrike, ensuring low-latency sound.

PlayStation’s first wireless fight stick gets its official name: FlexStrike (formerly codenamed Project Defiant) New details on the upcoming controller, including its sling carry case: https://t.co/iR8h7NGqnD pic.twitter.com/7quUPTFM8N

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 28, 2025

Upcoming Showcase at Evo 2025

The FlexStrike features a mechanical button layout complemented by three swappable restrictor gates—square, circle, and octagon—allowing players to customize their experience. All gates can conveniently be stored within the included carry case, along with a USB-C charging cable.

Designed for maximum comfort, the stick includes an ergonomic non-slip base and angled surfaces, plus a built-in rechargeable battery. Notably, it supports the simultaneous pairing of two units, enabling local co-op play on a single PS5.

Players and fans alike can get a first look at the FlexStrike during its showcase at Evo 2025, which runs from August 1 to 3 in Las Vegas. The full launch is anticipated to occur sometime in 2026.

In addition to its extensive library of fighting games, PlayStation is also the owner of Evo, one of the largest and most celebrated fighting game tournaments in the world, further underscoring its commitment to this genre.

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