PlayStation FlexStrike fight stick makes an appearance at game tournament in Japan

Almost a year ago, PlayStation announced the FlexStrike as its first wireless fight stick. Formerly known as Project Defiant, the fight stick is expected to launch this year. Ahead of its release, the FlexStrike fight stick has been spotted at the EVO championship in Japan.

The first time the fight stick made a public appearance was at EVO 2025 in Las Vegas in August. Now, we have another look, thanks to pictures shared on X by Genki (@Genki_JPN). The images do not reveal anything new, although the object label says that the design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

The FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick has a two-tone color scheme. It features mechanical switch buttons, a lever mode switch that allows users to alternate between three directional inputs, and a lock button. It also has all of the same inputs as a DualSense fight stick including a touchpad. Users will be able to easily swap the restrictor gates of the joystick without needing a tool.

The FlexStrike fight stick connects wirelessly to a PS5 or PC using the PlayStation Link adapter or via a wired connection using a USB-C cable. PlayStation says that a single PS Link Adapter can be used to connect two FlexStrike fight sticks to the same console, or simultaneously connect one FlexStrike fight stick and a Pulse Elite wireless headset (available on Amazon for $149.99) or Pulse Explore wireless earbuds (available on Amazon for $199) to the same console.

There are storage compartments underneath the fight stick that store three restrictor gates (square, circle, and octagon) as well as the PS Link USB adapter. The fight stick will also come with a sling case and a USB-C cable out of the box.

There's no info yet on how much the PlayStation FlexStrike fight stick will cost and when it will be released, but we won't be surprised if it arrives just around the same time as the upcoming fighting game, Marvel Tōkon, which is set for release on August 6. Maybe we might even see a special edition FlexStrike based on the game.