Sony revealed its upcoming fight stick, Project Defiant, during yesterday’s PlayStation State of Play. This wireless arcade stick is designed specifically for fighting games, and interestingly, Sony seems to be steering away from the popular leverless Hitbox-style layout. The decision to go wireless is also notable, as it’s still a rarity in the genre, aside from recent offerings like the Victrix Pro FS and the Hori Fighting Commander Octa Pro.
The PS5 stick features all eight main buttons on the right side, with option and auxiliary buttons placed on the left. Its sleek design clearly marks it as a member of the PlayStation hardware family. Players can still connect the joystick via USB-c as well. Sadly, the Project Defiant experience won’t be available until later in 2026.
Sony also shared a few more details about Project Defiant in a recent blog post.
Today, we are excited to unveil the first wireless fight stick designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, codenamed Project Defiant. This sleek new controller will give players more flexibility to play their favorite fighting games, whether that is wirelessly with the innovative PlayStation Link technology that provides ultra-low latency, or through a wired connection on PS5 or PC.
Project Defiant delivers ultra-low latency wireless connectivity and multiple ways to play. Key features include:
- Custom-designed Controls Controller for Fighting Games: Project Defiant features a high-quality digital stick that’s custom designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The controller features toolless interchangeable restrictor gates (square, circle, and octagon) for the stick, buttons with mechanical switches, and a touch pad like the one found on the DualSense wireless controller. It’s built in a sturdy, ergonomic design for a comfortable feel during intense fight sessions. For convenience and portability, the controller has a storage compartment for restrictor gates and PS Link USB adapter. Project Defiant also supports the ability to wirelessly wake up your PS5 by pressing and holding the PS button
- Ultra-low Latency Wireless Connectivity: Players will be able to nail all of their input timing with the benefit of our innovative PS Link wireless technology that is compatible with PS5 and PC, which provides precise in-game response to each button press and digital stick movement. Plus, there’s also the option to simply plug in to play via a wired USB-C connection.
- Included Sling Carry Case: Players can easily take Project Defiant on the go in a sleek, sturdy carrying case that includes a lever gap to keep the digital stick safe during transport.
In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing even more details about Project Defiant ahead of its launch in 2026, including the final product name and launch date. Stay tuned for more details.
It’s been quite a while since a console manufacturer released its own official fight stick. The last one that comes to mind is the Dreamcast Official Arcade Stick, made for its extensive lineup of fighting games. As for the Defiant, the included sling carry case alone makes it feel like a must-buy, eliminating the need to jury-rig a bag to transport it. Unfortunately, no price point or release date for the 2026 stick has been announced at the time of this writing.
Also revealed during the State of Play was Marvel Toukon: Fighting Spirits, a new tag-team fighting game from Arc System Works. Project Defiant could very well become the weapon of choice for this title and other favorites in the fighting game library, both current and retro—like Capcom vs. SNK 2.
