Unconventional Gaming Peripherals Unveiled for the Next-Generation PlayStation Console

The New PlayStation 5 Fight Stick Is Way Weirder Than It Looks

Sony has taken the veil off its upcoming FlexStrike fight stick, and it’s safe to say that it’s unlike any other controller in the PlayStation ecosystem. The new device is not only a departure from Sony’s standard controller design but also includes some features that have raised eyebrows.

The most striking aspect of the FlexStrike is how it connects to your console. Instead of relying on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the device uses a proprietary connectivity standard called PlayStation Link. This means you’ll need to plug in a dongle into your PS5 or PC to get the controller working. Yes, you read that right – a dongle.

But why would Sony choose such an unusual route? The answer lies in its desire to deliver faster response times compared to Bluetooth. Sony has made it clear that this proprietary standard will provide gamers with a more seamless and responsive gaming experience.

The FlexStrike’s unique design doesn’t stop at connectivity; its controller also boasts mechanical switches for face buttons and triggers, offering a tactile experience like no other. The company is betting big on this feature, claiming it will revolutionize the way you play fighting games, particularly those that require quick reflexes and precise control.

What may raise some eyebrows is the inclusion of various restrictor gates, stacked beneath the controller’s Japanese-type fight stick with a ball top. These gates can be swapped out to mimic the feel of specific arcade cabinets, which could appeal to fans who want an authentic experience.

While this oddity might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s undeniable that Sony is committed to catering to the hardcore gaming community. By offering such unusual features, the company seems to be willing to take a risk in order to create something truly unique and innovative for its enthusiasts.

In fact, this controller has been designed to work with your current PS5 controllers, allowing you to swap between them seamlessly without any hiccups. In essence, this fight stick is a game-changer (pun intended).

But as we eagerly await the release of FlexStrike in 2026, there’s one aspect that still doesn’t sit right – the dongle. Yes, that dongle again.

It’s difficult to understand why Sony couldn’t make this connection standard for all its controllers. Instead of forcing users to adopt a proprietary system, wouldn’t it be better to provide compatibility with existing technologies like Bluetooth?

The question remains: can we have a single dongle or no dongle at all?

Source: gizmodo.com