The new PlayStation 5 fight stick is stranger than it appears
Sony's new PS5 fight stick, FlexStrike, is quirky, featuring proprietary PlayStation Link, offering better connectivity than Bluetooth.
Sony has revealed its latest innovation for PlayStation 5 users: the FlexStrike fight stick. Unlike traditional controllers, this unique device features a Japanese-style single stick with a ball top. It comes equipped with all common face buttons and triggers similar to a DualSense controller. Mechanical switches provide a clicky, tactile feel, distinguishing it from the conventional gaming controllers. A standout feature is the bottom panel, which accommodates interchangeable restrictor gates allowing users to swap among square, octagon, and circular ones to replicate precise arcade cabinet feels.
FlexStrike is more than a mere Bluetooth device; it utilizes Sony's proprietary PlayStation Link technology for connectivity. This 2.4GHz standard claims to provide reduced latency compared to traditional Bluetooth. This technology mirrors methods used by competitors like Microsoft, suggesting an internal developmental focus over recent years. Sony first introduced the PlayStation Link with other products in 2024, such as the Pulse Elite headphones and PlayStation wireless earbuds, which also relied on a similar connection method.
The drive towards this advanced connectivity reflects Sony's strategic foresight, although some might puzzle over its decision not to integrate PlayStation Link directly into devices like the PlayStation Pro console. However, FlexStrike requires users to employ an external adapter, shifting from USB-A to USB-C—a move aligned with the updated PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles, which dropped USB-A from their layouts. Critics question why low-latency solutions still necessitate additional dongles, suggesting that a universal approach would better serve extensive product ranges, eliminating extra peripherals.
Sony’s proprietary connectivity stands out as both an opportunity and a point of contention. While products like the INZONE gaming headsets employ a similar 2.4GHz protocol, they do not align with the PlayStation Link codec, representing a divergence that could befuddle users. Proponents argue that merging product connectivity universally could streamline user experiences in Sony's product ecosystem. The added utility of connecting two FlexStrikes through one PlayStation Link demonstrates potential advantages despite these controversies, permitting users to manage multiple devices and transition smoothly between Bluetooth and PlayStation Link.
Despite being perplexed by Sony's decision not to embed PlayStation Link into its high-end consoles, the FlexStrike contributor opens new opportunities for tailored gaming experiences previously untapped by console manufacturers. These hardware shifts indicate industry changes, inspiring speculation regarding further evolutions in gaming technologies. Enthusiasts and developers alike remain attentive to Sony's next steps—they may set hallmark trends through these control innovations.
Sources: Gizmodo, PlayStation Blog