Sony Unveils 'Project Defiant': New PlayStation Fight Stick Launches in 2026

It's 2025, and Sony PlayStation has officially entered the fight stick arena with its very own wireless fighting stick designed for both PS5 and PC.

Project Defiant — the internal codename for this innovative controller — is the result of extensive research and development by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Edwin Foo, VP of product development at Sony Interactive Entertainment, explained that the goal behind Project Defiant was to offer players "greater flexibility in how they enjoy their favorite fighting games."

One of the standout features of the PlayStation Wireless Fight Stick is its ultra-low latency wireless connectivity, ensuring that every input is responsive and precise — a critical factor for competitive fighting game players who rely on flawless execution of combos and counters. For those who prefer a wired connection, the stick supports that as well, offering versatility across platforms including PS5 and PC.

Designed with comfort and customization in mind, the controller features an ergonomic build tailored for extended play sessions. At its core is a proprietary "high-quality digital stick" engineered specifically by Sony to deliver consistent performance. The stick also includes toolless, interchangeable restrictor gates — allowing players to switch effortlessly between square, circular, or octagonal gate types based on personal preference or game requirements. When not in use, these gates can be neatly stored inside a dedicated compartment in the controller.

For added convenience, the fight stick comes with a sleek sling carry case, making it easy to transport to tournaments or gaming meetups.

While many details have been revealed, Sony has yet to announce the official price or exact release date for the PlayStation Wireless Fight Stick. However, the company has confirmed availability is expected sometime in 2026.

This release aligns strategically with Sony’s broader gaming initiatives, particularly its collaboration with Arc System Works — the acclaimed studio behind the Guilty Gear series — on Marvel Tökön: Fighting Souls, a brand-new 4v4 Marvel fighting game set to launch in 2026. It's possible the fight stick and the game may debut around the same time, offering fans a premium hardware-software experience.

Sony kicked off the summer gaming season with a major State of Play showcase in 2025, revealing an exciting lineup of upcoming titles. [ttpp] Among the highlights were 007 First Light, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Romeo is a Dead Man, and the much-anticipated release date for Silent Hill f. You can catch up on all the announcements from the PlayStation State of Play 2025 event right here.

If you're new to the world of fighting games or just brushing up after a long break, check out our list of the 10 best fighting games of all time — maybe your favorite made the cut!