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[RetroGamingUK]

New details on PlayStation’s first wireless fight stick, FlexStrike

Project Defiant gets an official name.

blog.playstation.com

FlexStrike is the first fight stick controller designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Compatible with PS5 or PC via a wired connection or wirelessly with PlayStation Link, our innovative ultra-low latency wireless technology, FlexStrike wireless fight 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. Players can easily and securely transport the fight stick, all of its components such as the included USB-C cable, and more to a local fight night, a friend's house, or a tournament with the included sling carry case, and stay ready to play with the built-in rechargeable battery.

Here are additional features that players can expect from PlayStation's first fight stick:

• 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.

• 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.

 

[Little Mac]

 

[MrRibeye]

The design is so clean and slick, it's the stick of choice for Agent 47 to blend in with the crowd at EVO.

 

[Black_Stride]

For a second I thought they opened/acquired another GaaS game studio.


And why am I only hearing about the PlaystationLink now and why doesnt it work with the DualSense?

 

[Arsic]

What's the latency info going wireless? How many hours of battery?

And of course, price.

Is it easy to pop open to change our parts? I prefer octo gate.

Would love a new stick for SF6, because playing on controller sucks.

I should really just invest in a leverless but they cost a pretty penny.

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

Too late Sony, I already have a Nacon Daija arcade fight stick

 

[TheThreadsThatBindUs]

I read the thread title as "Flight Stick".... ugh!... Nothing for me here then.

 

[Yoshichan]

350 euro guaranteed

 

[cireza]

Should have called it "Inclusive, Tolerant and Respectful Strike".

 

[diffusionx]

They should have put it out this Christmas.

Should have called it "Inclusive, Tolerant and Respectful Strike".

TransStrike

 

[omegasc]

I only hope they improved PS Link. My 1st gen Pulse Elite still gets disconnections from time to time, after going flawless for periods long enough that make me think the issue is gone.

 

[Neff]

Looks fancy but I question how durable that interchangable gate is and I don't do curved button layouts

I'll stick with the HRAP4

 

[ShirAhava]

This looks somewhat promising but I really hope it isn't 599 US Dollars™
Arcade stick prices have gotten ridiculous for what is often mostly just a cheap piece of plastic (looking at you Hori Alpha)

 

[tTHANOSs]

Looks like they went all out for it. That's good. Sick trailer.

 

[Miyazaki’s Slave]

Guessing $349.99.
On par with the victrix/higher end sticks. No lever less option...that will be out in 2027 I assume.

Maybe they will have a few at Evo this weekend and can get some first hand opinions of it.

 

[SEGAvangelist]

What's the latency info going wireless? How many hours of battery?

And of course, price.

Is it easy to pop open to change our parts? I prefer octo gate.

Would love a new stick for SF6, because playing on controller sucks.

I should really just invest in a leverless but they cost a pretty penny.

You can swap restrictors pretty easily based on the video. Looks like it comes with square (rounded corners), octagonal, and circle.

 

[Spyxos]

Looks sexy, but kinda expensive as well.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

Looks awesome. Having the adapter storage and including the carrying case is smart. I don't need one though. I don't play fighters anymore.

 

[Pallas]

Tree fiddy

 

[Roman Empire]

Needs to know what about the latency. If it is worse than other sticks, then it has not much to offer. Besides, the best part of fighting sticks is customizing them.

 

[TVexperto]

what PC case is that towards the end?

 

[[Sigma]]

Toolless gate swap? Yeah this gone cost a pretty good penny. Still, I have interest in it. I haven't used a fight stick in a long time though(still using my victrix pro bfg). Also, there's some seconds of new Marvel Tokon footage. Cap does charging star! Spidey does what looks like a spidey sense counter. Their some projectile clashing. A leader switch also?. Then a team combo.

 

[Crayon]

That's pretty cool for a first stick when you aren't sure if you want to go with the little qol hastles. Or for those who collect them. Less interesting if you are already used to living with typical setups.

Can you replace the buttons/switches? That'd be a bit of a deal breaker.

 

[yurinka]

Looks great, seems promising. Looking forward to see latency tests to realize how low really is that latency.

 

[demigod]

What's the latency info going wireless? How many hours of battery?

And of course, price.

Is it easy to pop open to change our parts? I prefer octo gate.

Would love a new stick for SF6, because playing on controller sucks.

I should really just invest in a leverless but they cost a pretty penny.

The leverless has been on sale for less than one with lever from victrix at least.

 

[diffusionx]

That's pretty cool for a first stick when you aren't sure if you want to go with the little qol hastles. Or for those who collect them. Less interesting if you are already used to living with typical setups.

Can you replace the buttons/switches? That'd be a bit of a deal breaker.

ngl i just want one for the convenience of wireless.

 

[TrebleShot]

Haptic feedback?

 

[StereoVsn]

Haptic feedback?

… on a fight stick? What exactly do you want to use vibration motors on that for?

 

[Griffon]

I remember when quality fightsticks were had for about 100$ at most.

This shit is gonna cost over 300 isn't it...

 

[demigod]

I remember when quality fightsticks were had for about 100$ at most.

This shit is gonna cost over 300 isn't it...

I can't see it being over $300, probably $299 max.

 

[hououinkyouma00]

I only hope they improved PS Link. My 1st gen Pulse Elite still gets disconnections from time to time, after going flawless for periods long enough that make me think the issue is gone.

At minimum I'm glad they moved the Link adapter to USB-C. I always thought it was dumb that it was USB-A when their new consoles only have USB-C on the front. I get that most people probably aren't moving the adapter between devices but still.

Looks awesome. Having the adapter storage and including the carrying case is smart. I don't need one though. I don't play fighters anymore.

Yeah, I think this looks awesome but I fell out of fighters awhile ago. I told myself I'd try to get back into them and bought SF6 but probably played 1 hour and never touched it again.

I don't think I've truly got into a fighting game since Tekken Tag Tournament 2 on PS3. I played through both of the Persona 4 fighting games simply for the story and the fact they are part of the Persona series and never touched them after I finished the story.

 

[omegasc]

At minimum I'm glad they moved the Link adapter to USB-C. I always thought it was dumb that it was USB-A when their new consoles only have USB-C on the front. I get that most people probably aren't moving the adapter between devices but still.

I use it with a powered usb hub so that's not an issue. There's less than 2m between the devices. The sound is great but disconnections and build quality is crap. The white plastic breaks too easy. My Pulse 3D that got a lot more beaten up is still good.
Sony realy needs to up their game with this or there will be lots of broken joysticks.

 

[Katatonic]

Was hoping for 2025. I'm just glad I held off on a PS5 arcade stick. This looks like the ticket.

 

[Holammer]

Not bad, but Playstation glyphs would make it difficult to use with MAME.
8BitDo's Arcade Stick for example would be a better fit for me. Looks classy as hell too with the NES Advantage style design.

 

[Moonjt9]

it looks fantastic. I have a qanba titan but I'm excited for this stick. Would absolutely love wireless play for the convenience.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

At minimum I'm glad they moved the Link adapter to USB-C. I always thought it was dumb that it was USB-A when their new consoles only have USB-C on the front. I get that most people probably aren't moving the adapter between devices but still.


Yeah, I think this looks awesome but I fell out of fighters awhile ago. I told myself I'd try to get back into them and bought SF6 but probably played 1 hour and never touched it again.

I don't think I've truly got into a fighting game since Tekken Tag Tournament 2 on PS3. I played through both of the Persona 4 fighting games simply for the story and the fact they are part of the Persona series and never touched them after I finished the story.

I was really into SF2, MK1-3, Killer Instinct and tekken tag tournament. Now I just don't care and don't have the patience or time to get good at them. I got the latest MK on some deep sale, never booted it up.

 

[Dr. Suchong]

The buttons look too recessed to me.
Almost flush with the surface.

 

[Lambogenie]

Looks nice but qanba probably still a better option I'm guessing. Really want a new one

 

[tanners]

no programmable extra buttons?ugh

 

[SkylineRKR]

I have a HRAP4 Hayabusa which I sanwa'd a few years back. The optional wireless is tempting, as is the gate switching.. but this new thing looks cheap as fuck. Anything over 150 would be ridiculous. Come on now.

What are the buttons and stick comparable to? Shitty hayabusa or sanwa, seimitsu? Proprietary? Will it break as easily as other Playstation peripherals so far? Stick with your sticks, lol.

 

[Black_Stride]

They should have put it out this Christmas.

Probably for Evo Japan 2026.

All eyes on fighting games again and they say our FightStick is ready for purchase.

Evo Japan is usually early in the year.

 

[PleaseDoNotQuoteMe]

I never like fight sticks, too clunky.

Used to play with hit boxes. Nowadays a hall effect rapid trigger keyboard is the ultimate method for me to play. So much better.

 

[REMAINSILLY]

Being able to change the restrictor gates like that is pretty cool, but one of the best things about having a stick is modding it. I like to open mine and change the buttons and gates, but for the casual fighting game fan, this is great.

 

[Fahdis]

Im gonna say it...

It's beautiful.

 

[Ar¢tos]

I remember when quality fightsticks were had for about 100$ at most.

This shit is gonna cost over 300 isn't it...

The playstation access controller can be found for 70$ and every button is programmable, so I don't believe they will go over 100 for this.