Sony pushes back FlexStrike fight stick launch

Sony has postponed the launch of its FlexStrike wireless fight stick for PlayStation 5 and PC, delaying a controller aimed at fighting-game players just weeks before its planned release. The company said on the PlayStation Blog that “unexpected production delays” forced the change.

The FlexStrike had been scheduled to arrive on Aug. 6, according to The Verge. Sony has not announced a replacement date, saying only that the controller will launch at a later time.

Launch no longer lines up with Marvel fighting game

The original timing would have put FlexStrike on shelves the same day as Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, The Verge reported. That game is a Marvel-themed fighter developed by Arc System Works and published by PlayStation, according to Sony’s earlier PlayStation Blog announcement.

Sony disclosed the delay in an update to a PlayStation Blog post that covered FlexStrike and other hardware accessories. In that update, the company said it wanted to share new timing for the wireless fight stick, then attributed the delay to production issues.

The company did not give further details about the manufacturing problem in the posted update cited by The Verge. Sony also did not say whether the delay affects any other PlayStation accessories mentioned in the same hardware post.

A new date is still pending

For now, the main change for players is timing. The controller remains described by Sony as a wireless fight stick for PS5 and PC, but buyers no longer have an Aug. 6 launch date to plan around.

The delay also separates the accessory from the debut of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, assuming the game keeps the Aug. 6 release date Sony previously announced. Sony has not provided a revised schedule for FlexStrike or said when it will share one.

This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.