Sony has shared details of its first wireless fighting stick, which was unveiled at last month’s State of Play under the name Project Defiant. The new controller, officially called FlexStrike, will be available in 2026. The PlayStation parent company also detailed the functionality of the battle stick, which will be compatible with both PS5 and PC. The FlexStrike controller supports wireless connectivity via Sony’s proprietary PlayStation Link interface, as well as wired connectivity using a USB Type-C cable.
Designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), the battle stick features a mechanical switch button and a tool-free replaceable restrictor door, Sony detailed in a post on the PlayStation Blog on Monday. The FlexStrike Wireless Fighting Stick also comes with a sling carrying case for easy travel.
PlayStation FlexStrike Battle Stick Features
The FlexStrike battle stick uses a PS Link adapter for wireless connectivity, but on PS5, Sony’s proprietary adapter also allows players to simultaneously connect a Pulse Elite Wireless Headset or Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds next to the battle stick for voice chat and audio.
Players can also use a single PS Link adapter to connect two FlexStrike battle sticks to PS5 for couch co-op gaming. The updated PS Link adapter bundled with the battle stick is compatible with USB-C ports.
PS5 users can also connect the DualSense wireless controller and battle stick to the console at the same time. The controls on the battle stick are the same as the DualSense controller – triangle, circle, cross and square buttons as well as R1, R2, L1, L2 and touchpad. Sony says players can also further customize the controls by switching directional inputs using the built-in lever mode switch, or lock the desired layout to prevent accidental input using the dedicated lock button.
FlexStrike Wireless Fighting Pole Comes with Sling Carrying Case
Image source: Sony
Once paired with a PS5, FlexStrike can also wake up the connected console with a quick press of the PS button on the battle stick.
The fight stick comes with a replaceable restrictor door, PS Link adapter, USB Type-C cable, and sling carrying case. The Flex Strike gamepad will be on display at the upcoming Evo 2025 show in Las Vegas from August 1st to 3rd. Sony hasn’t revealed release date and pricing details yet, but the battle stick will be available in 2026.
Sony’s new fighting stick gamepad launches alongside Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, the company’s first-party fighting game being developed for PS5 and PC by genre veterans Arc System Works in partnership with Marvel Games. The fighting game will feature a host of Marvel heroes using Arc System Works’ unique art style. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls will feature 4v4 battles and will be released on PS5 and PC in 2026 (via Steam and Epic Games Store). The FlexStrike battle stick may launch alongside first-party games.
