| Price | Amazon |
| Release | August 6, 2026 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / PC |
Introduction
Initially announced as Project Defiant, the FlexStrike by Sony provides you native connectivity with the PlayStation 5 without any additional hassle. It also shares the same release date as the seminal fighting game, Marvel Tokon.
Unboxing
Here’s what you can expect to arrive with your FlexStrike, which comes in a PS5-themed box:
- PlayStation Link USB adapter
- Three restrictor gates
- USB-C to C cable
- Sling carry case
- User manual
Performance
The FlexStrike is an arcade stick with a digital joystick that has been tested for up to six million rotations. If needed, you can unscrew the joystick’s ball top. Other than this, the joystick has interchangeable restrictor gates:
- Square (default)
- Circular
- Octagonal
For your convenience, you can swap out those restrictor gates toollessly. As for the FlexStrike’s buttons, which are reminiscent of the prized Sega 2P layout, they use proprietary mechanical switches—much like a keyboard. These switches are definitely quieter than the clicky joystick.
The FlexStrike also has a toggle for D-pad, left stick, and right stick. In addition, the arcade stick has the below function buttons (from left to right), starting with a tournament lock that only enables the eight main buttons:
- Lock
- Create
- PS Link
- L3
- R3
- Options
And the touchpad? It’s similar to the one found on the PlayStation DualSense controller. Here’s another cool feature: you can press the PS button on the FlexStrike to wake up your PS5 wirelessly.
Hardware
Here are three goals that Sony wanted to achieve with the FlexStrike’s hardware:
- Suitable for desk and lap placement
- Prioritization of wrist resting space
- Moderate weight
At its core, the FlexStrike is a slim arcade stick with the button panel being more sloped than the joystick panel. At the bottom, the arcade stick has a textured non-slip base to stay stable.
The FlexStrike’s wireless connection is made possible by way of PS Link, which has very little input latency. In fact, no input latency was felt when testing this arcade stick.
PS Link has its own USB adapter (with a USB-C connector). This adapter can go into the FlexStrike’s storage compartment—where you can also store restrictor gates for convenience and portability purposes. The adapter can also connect a compatible audio accessory like a headset.
If you prefer a USB-C wired connection, you can go for that too. Otherwise, you can enjoy up to 40 hours of play with the FlexStrike’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery that’s built-in.
For more portability, you can enjoy the FlexStrike’s included sling carry case that’s sturdy and even includes a lever gap—keeping the joystick safe as you travel from country to country in hopes of becoming the world’s best fighting gamer.
Appearance
Back to the DualSense, the FlexStrike has the DualSense’s color scheme of black and white, although the arcade stick has more black than the controller—the latter of which is predominantly white.
That said, perhaps the FlexStrike’s star aesthetic feature is how its joystick’s ball top is black on the inside and transparent on the outside. It’s cool that the cable, adapter, and sling carry case are black as well.
Conclusion
Current PS5 owners, future PS5 owners, and those who play on others’ PS5s should definitely check out the FlexStrike for its native PS5 connectivity and optional wireless connection. The arcade stick may even be backwards compatible with the future PS6, saving you money.
Other than that, the FlexStrike is quite rare in how its button panel is more sloped than its joystick panel, the toolless gate swapping is priceless, and the eight main buttons are suitable for both beginners & advanced fighting gamers.
- Wired or wireless
- Quieter switches
- PS Link features
- Unique slopes
- Non-slip base
- Slim & light
- Sling carry case
- Storage compartment
- Toolless gate swapping
- Lockable function buttons
- For desk or lap players