Sony Interactive Entertainment is stepping into the competitive fighting game scene in a bold new way. Just days before Evo 2025 kicks off in Las Vegas, the company has officially revealed its first-ever fight stick controller — the FlexStrike. Once codenamed “Project Defiant,” the device will make its public debut at Evo from August 1–3, giving fans a hands-on look at the tech before its 2026 release.
With the fighting game genre seeing a surge in popularity thanks to titles like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and the upcoming Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Sony’s move to release its own first-party fight stick marks a significant moment for both the platform and the genre.
Designed for Pros and Casuals Alike
The FlexStrike isn’t just a flashy peripheral — it’s packed with features that cater to both casual players and tournament regulars. Designed with seamless integration in mind, the fight stick will be fully compatible with PlayStation 5 and PC, offering both wired and wireless connectivity.
What sets it apart is its low-latency wireless performance via PlayStation Link, a proprietary technology previously seen in Sony’s Pulse Elite headset and Portal handheld. Whether connected through USB or PlayStation Link, the controller promises input precision that meets the high standards of the competitive scene.
Sony is also offering a sling carry case tailor-made for the FlexStrike, signaling that portability and tournament-readiness were top of mind during development. Expect robust build quality and ergonomics built for long fighting game sessions, either from your couch or the Evo stage.
A Natural Pairing with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls
The release of the FlexStrike is timed to align with the launch of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a new 4v4 tag-team fighter developed by Arc System Works in collaboration with Marvel Games and Sony’s PlayStation XDEV. Both are scheduled to release in 2026, giving Sony time to build momentum through pre-release demos and esports events.
At Evo 2025, Marvel Tōkon will be playable to the public for the first time at the Arc System Works booth. Fans attending the event will not only be able to try the new game but also experience the FlexStrike controller firsthand.
The title’s fast-paced, competitive design makes it a perfect showcase for the FlexStrike’s potential. Whether you’re mashing out supers or finessing footsies, Sony is betting that its new hardware will become a go-to tool for fighting game enthusiasts.
First Public Showing at Evo 2025’s Fight Stick Museum
Those attending Evo 2025 will also find the FlexStrike displayed at the Fight Stick Museum, a curated exhibit celebrating the history and evolution of arcade-style controllers. Sony’s inclusion in the lineup represents a new chapter in that legacy.
The placement of the FlexStrike in this showcase — alongside classic hardware from Hori, Mad Catz, and other titans of the genre — sends a strong message: Sony wants a seat at the table of elite-level fighting game gear.
Coupled with the Evo debut of Marvel Tōkon, Sony is clearly using the world’s biggest fighting game tournament as a launchpad to rally the FGC (fighting game community) behind its new initiative.
Conclusion
With its dual-mode connectivity, ergonomic design, and tight integration with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, the FlexStrike could become a new staple in fighting game setups around the world. Its debut at Evo 2025 sets the stage for a strong 2026 launch and hints at a broader effort by Sony to support the fighting game scene not just with software, but now also with purpose-built hardware.
Whether you’re a tournament veteran or a newcomer looking to up your game, the FlexStrike might be the controller to watch in 2026 and beyond.
