Project Defiant, a new controller for thePlayStation 5, finally gets an official name from Sony as well as confirmation of a launch window. The timing of the announcement, nearly two months after the newPlayStation 5fightstick was revealed, comes in advance of the annual EVO Tournament event in Las Vegas, which should continue to get many fans excited ahead of the official launch.
Currently known as Project Defiant, Sony’s announcement came during the June 2025 State of Play, an announcement that appeared prior toSony’s surprising reveal ofMarvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. The tag fighter took fans by surprise, representing a collaboration between Sony, Marvel, and Arc System Works that features 4v4 tag fighting with characters like Iron Man, Dr. Doom, Captain America, and more. While details surrounding Project Defiant were scarce outside that initial trailer, Sony has now revealed plenty more information regarding the wireless fightstick.
In a new blog post, Sony confirms that thePS5’s Project Defiantis now officially known as FlexStick and is the first fight stick controller designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It can be hooked up using a wired connection, or it can be completely wireless through Sony’s PlayStation Link, which is described as being ultra-low wireless technology. The controller itself will be in attendance at Evo 2025, running from August 1-3 and will be officially on sale sometime in 2026, likely near the launch ofMarvel Tokon.
Sony FlexStick Wireless Fightstick Features
Theblog postalso covers plenty of new details for FlexStrike, aiming to appeal to fighting game fans who are typically used to usingmajor fightstick brands like Qanbaor HORI to name a few. Outside the controls and inputs being completely adjustable, FlexStrike also features mechanical switch buttons and toolless swappable restrictor gates. Players can also use a PS Link USB adapter to connect multiple FlexStrikes, DualSense controllers, Pulse headsets, or earbuds at the same time.
Naturally, the big focus for the FlexStrike announcement wasMarvel Tokon, a game that will also have a big presence at Evo this year. The announcement of Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls was a big one for fighting game fans as it not only brought back the popular tag fighter genre for Marvel, but Arc System Work’s take on the genre also saw the developer put their own Japanese twist on Marvel’s iconic characters. FOr example, Iron Man features Gundam-style details on his suit, while Ms. Marvel has a more anime-style vibe to her appearance. With Arc System Works being at the show, as well as its games like Guilty Gear Strive, fans are expecting new details forMarvel Tokonat Evo.
PlayStation 5
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is part of the ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon’s Souls and Astro’s Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.
