Simply in time for the annual EVO preventing recreation event this weekend, PlayStation has detailed extra details about its upcoming wi-fi PS5 and PC fightstick–which we now know is known as the FlexStrike–slated to launch someday in 2026, due to a brand new PlayStation Weblog submit.
Initially dubbed “Undertaking Defiant,” the PlayStation FlexStrike struggle stick controller was an sudden shock announcement at PlayStation’s June 2025 State of Play presentation. It is Sony’s first official struggle stick, and as such, it makes use of the PlayStation Hyperlink wi-fi connection, which permits a number of cool options on the PS5, together with the flexibility to pair a wi-fi PlayStation Pulse headset or earbuds for simultaneous, lag-free audio. You can even join two FlexStrike struggle sticks to 1 PS5 on the similar time for native multiplayer.
The FlexStrike will characteristic an eight-button format and a joystick with a black and white shade scheme that matches the look of the PS5 and different official peripherals. In line with Sony, it should characteristic a “sturdy, ergonomic design for a snug really feel throughout intense struggle classes. It is unclear how moddable the FlexStrike can be, however thus far, Sony has confirmed it should have three totally different motion gates for the joystick–square, circle, or octagon–that will be swapped out without having instruments. There can be a built-in compartment for storing the additional restrictor gates and the included PS Hyperlink USB adapter when not in use.
As for the remainder of the inputs, the eight major face buttons (which map to Cross, Circle, Sq., Triangle, R1, R2, L1, and L2) use mechanical switches. The remainder of the usual inputs from the PS5’s DualSense controller are additionally current on the struggle stick, together with:
PS ButtonShare ButtonPlayStation Hyperlink ButtonL3 ButtonR3 ButtonTouch PadOptions Button
There’s additionally a Lever Mode Swap for altering how the stick operates and a Lock Button. You can get up the PS5 from sleep mode utilizing the FlexStrike’s PS Button. The FlexStrike can even embrace a sling carry case, which we acquired a glimpse of within the new PlayStation weblog submit.
Sadly, the brand new weblog submit did not expose pricing, preorder info, or a particular launch date for the FlexStrike, however when you’re attending EVO 2025, you can see the struggle stick in-person throughout the event–though you will not be capable of really go hands-on with the controller but. Sony says much more particulars can be revealed over the approaching months, so we count on to know the value and finalized launch date quickly. Count on preorders to open shortly thereafter.
The FlexStrike reveal is notable for a number of causes, the obvious being that that is PlayStation’s first official struggle stick peripheral. The PS5 has loads of glorious struggle sticks to select from–including PDP’s Victrix Professional FS and its leverless sibling, the Professional FS-12–but we’re curious to see how a PS5-dedicated mannequin made particularly by Sony will stack as much as the third-party choices.
The June 4, 2025 PlayStation State of Play had a number of different thrilling preventing recreation bulletins, together with the reveal of Marvel Tokon: Combating Souls, a 4v4 staff preventing recreation developed by Arc System Works and that includes a roster of Marvel characters, releasing on PS5 and PC in 2026. Digital Eclipse additionally introduced the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, which compiles quite a few basic Mortal Kombat titles–including arcade, house console, and handheld editions–plus unique behind-the-scenes content material. The Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection launches on PS5 and PS4 later in 2025.
Editor’s Be aware: This text was up to date on July 28 with new info on the FlexStrike identify reveal EVO 2025 info.
