Sony has just revealed an exciting new controller aimed at fighting game lovers. It’s called Project Defiant and debuted during the June 2025 State of Play presentation. This new PlayStation-branded fight stick is designed in the classic arcade style and promises to bring an authentic, responsive experience to your favourite games.
Whether you’re diving into Street Fighter, Tekken, or the upcoming Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, this stick is built to take your gameplay to the next level. It also supports the newly announced Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls by Arc System Works, meaning there’s a lot to look forward to if you enjoy competitive fighting games.
Built for PS5 and PC with wireless technology
After the announcement teaser, Sony provided more details in a blog post on the official PlayStation website. Project Defiant can connect wirelessly to your PlayStation 5 or PC using PlayStation Link — the same tech used in other recent PlayStation accessories. You can also connect it via USB-C if you prefer a wired setup.
The PlayStation Link connection promises ultra-low latency, which means faster responses and more accurate inputs when you’re in the middle of a match. For games that demand quick reflexes, this could make a real difference in how you play.
Custom design with pro-level features
Sony says Project Defiant has been custom-designed from the ground up. It includes eight mechanical buttons, the preferred style for competitive players due to their fast and satisfying clicks. The digital stick moves in straight directions — ideal for performing precise combos. However, it doesn’t allow full 360-degree movement like an analogue stick would.
The controller also includes a touchpad, similar to what you find on a standard DualSense controller. This adds extra functionality, especially for PS5 games that use touchpad features.
Another thoughtful detail is the interchangeable restrictor gates, which allow you to modify how the stick moves. This is useful to fine-tune your controls for different games or playstyles.
When not in use, you can safely store and transport the fight stick in the included carry case. The case even features a built-in gap to protect the lever, ensuring it won’t get damaged when you’re on the go.
Release expected in 2026
While Sony has yet to reveal a final product name or price, the company confirmed that the fight stick won’t arrive until sometime in 2026. More information, including an exact release date, will be shared over the next few months.
With fighting games enjoying a new wave of popularity and major titles continuing to be released, Project Defiant seems timed perfectly for the next era of competitive play. Whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned player, this controller could be a great addition to your setup. Until we test it ourselves, we’ll have to wait and see if it becomes one of the top fight sticks for PS5 and PC.
