Sony’s Project Defiant is now called FlexStrike, a wireless fight stick designed for PS5 and PC. Sony announced PlayStation Link wireless and USB-C wired play, mechanical-switch buttons, and interchangeable restrictor gates. Its latest update, dated August 5, 2026, says production delays have pushed the launch to a later date; Sony has not announced a replacement date.
Project Defiant is now called FlexStrike
Sony Interactive Entertainment introduced the fight stick as Project Defiant on June 4, 2025, describing it as its first wireless fight stick designed for PS5 and PC. On July 28, 2025, Sony announced its official name: FlexStrike. The two names refer to the same product.
Sony’s announcements describe a controller intended for fighting games, with options for wireless or wired play and physical controls that can be configured for different preferences. The announced features are manufacturer specifications, not independently tested performance results.
When will Sony FlexStrike launch?
FlexStrike does not have a confirmed launch date. On August 5, 2026, Sony said unexpected production delays would move the launch to a later date and that it would share another update soon. The notice did not provide a replacement date.
#1 Best Overall
- Displayed release date is temporary. Actual product launch date will be announced at a later time.
- Join the fray at home or away with the FlexStrike wireless fight stick
- From fight nights with friends to the drama and spectacle of major tournaments, take the fight with you in a sleek, sturdy carrying case that includes a lever gap to keep your digital stick safe during transport
- Built for Fighting, FlexStrike wireless fight stick features a high-quality custom designed digital stick tested for up to six million rotations, buttons with mechanical switches, toolless interchangeable restrictor gates (square, circle, and octagon), and a durable ergonomic design to ensure you stay in the fight.
- Built in storage, Store your restrictor gates and the PlayStation Link wireless adapter right inside the device for added convenience and portability
Sony had previously planned a global launch beginning August 6, 2026, with pre-orders scheduled to start June 12. That schedule has been superseded by the delay notice, so August 6 is not the current launch date.
FlexStrike features Sony has announced
Wireless PlayStation Link and wired USB-C
Sony announced PlayStation Link wireless connectivity, which it describes as ultra-low-latency, as well as wired play over USB-C. The announcements provide no numeric latency measurement or independent test results, so Sony’s latency description should not be read as a measured comparison with other fight sticks.
Rank #2
- FIGHT LIKE A PRO: Nacon Daija arcade stick officially licensed for PlayStation PS4|PS5 and PC was developed in collaboration with professional gamers and designed for top fighting games like Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, Street Fighter, Tekken, Guilty Gear Strive, and Mortal Kombat.
- SANWA JOYSTICK & ACTION BUTTONS: A leading brand among professional fighting game players and a guarantee of premium quality and durability
- FULL BUTTON MAPPING: Buttons are fully configurable using the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick software on PC and Mac; you can easily create game profiles with the intuitive and user-friendly software
- COMFORT & PRECISION: Textured palm rest provides sturdy and comfortable support so you can remain at the top of your game for as long as possible; switch between two different joystick heads to choose the best solution for perfect control and precision
- LOCK FUNCTION: Enable the button lock feature to prevent accidental presses and avoid interrupting intense fights
Mechanical buttons and three restrictor gates
The buttons use mechanical switches. Players can swap the stick’s restrictor gate without tools, choosing among square, circle, and octagonal shapes. These alternatives affect the directions and movement the stick permits; which one feels best depends on the player and game.
Touch pad, storage, and carrying case
Sony says the stick includes a touch pad similar to the one on a DualSense controller. A built-in compartment stores the interchangeable gates and the PlayStation Link USB adapter. The included sling carry case has a gap intended to protect the lever during transport. Sony also says holding the PS button can wake a PS5.
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Rank #3
- High-end pro fight stick for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC
- Opens for easy customization and maintenance
- Replaceable top-panel artwork
- Hayabusa buttons and joystick
- Officially Licensed by Sony
Rechargeable battery
Sony’s later hardware update lists a built-in rechargeable battery. The reviewed announcements do not give a battery-life figure.
PS5 and PC compatibility
Sony designed FlexStrike for PS5 and PC, with PlayStation Link wireless and USB-C wired connections announced. However, Sony says PC compatibility will roll out after launch and expand to more users over time. That means PC support should not be assumed to be available to everyone on launch day. Sony has not specified a revised launch date in its delay notice.
Rank #4
- Compatible with PlayStation5, PlayStation4, and PC
- has switch to change between PS5, PS4, and PC
- Officially licensed Sony peripheral
- Full control panel, touch pad, Qanba 30-mm OBSF buttons, and swappable Sanwa JLF joystick tops
- 3.5-mm microphone input with mute button control
Announced price by region
Sony’s June 2026 announcement listed these recommended prices. The company has since delayed the launch; the delay notice does not provide an updated availability date or current retailer stock information.
| Region | Recommended price announced by Sony |
|---|---|
| United States | $199.99 USD |
| Euro pricing | €199.99 |
| United Kingdom | £179.99 |
| Japan | ¥34,980, including tax |
These are Sony’s announced regional recommended prices, not confirmation of a current offer or retailer listing.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with PlayStation5, PlayStation4, and PC
- Officially licensed Sony peripheral
- Authentic Qanba buttons and lever
- Full control panel, touch pad, Qanba 30-mm B30 buttons, and Qanba OV7 OMRON switch joystick
- 3.5-mm microphone input with mute button control
Sony’s official announcements
- Sony introduces Project Defiant, June 4, 2025
- Sony announces the FlexStrike name, July 28, 2025
- Sony’s hardware update and launch-delay notice
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
