{"id":4897,"date":"2026-06-02T13:40:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T10:40:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/?p=4897"},"modified":"2026-07-09T13:29:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T10:29:18","slug":"sony-2026-hardware-flexstrike-gaming-monitor-pulse-elevate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/sony-2026-hardware-flexstrike-gaming-monitor-pulse-elevate\/","title":{"rendered":"Sony’s 2026 Hardware Push: FlexStrike Fight Stick, Gaming Monitor, and Pulse Elevate Revealed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sony Interactive Entertainment drops three new hardware products for 2026: the FlexStrike wireless fight stick launching August 6, a 27-inch PlayStation gaming monitor arriving August 27, and Pulse Elevate wireless speakers coming later this year.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed pricing and launch dates for three new hardware products on June 1, 2026. The FlexStrike wireless fight stick arrives on August 6 at $199.99, a 27-inch PlayStation gaming monitor with DualSense charging hook launches August 27 at $349.99, and Pulse Elevate wireless speakers will follow later this year at an unannounced price. Pre-orders for the fight stick open June 12, while the monitor goes up for pre-order on June 5.<\/p>\n\n

What Is the FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick?<\/h2>\n\n

FlexStrike is the first wireless fight stick designed and developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Originally revealed under the codename “Project Defiant” during the June 2025 State of Play event, it received its official name at Evo 2025 in Las Vegas. The controller is compatible with PS5 and PC, built specifically for competitive fighting game players who want a first-party option from Sony.<\/p>\n\n

The headline feature is PlayStation Link wireless technology, which delivers ultra-low latency connectivity. In a fighting game where single-frame inputs matter, this is a significant advantage over standard Bluetooth controllers. Players who prefer zero compromise can also connect via wired USB-C. A single PS Link USB adapter can simultaneously connect two FlexStrike controllers to one PS5, and it also supports pairing with Pulse Elite headsets or Pulse Explore earbuds at the same time.<\/p>\n\n

FlexStrike Specs and Design Details<\/h2>\n\n

Sony built the FlexStrike around mechanical switch buttons and a custom-designed digital stick with toolless swappable restrictor gates. Three gate options are included: square, circle, and octagon. These affect the range of motion and feel of the stick, letting players fine-tune the controller for different fighting game styles without needing any tools to make the swap.<\/p>\n\n

The full input layout mirrors the DualSense controller. Beyond the eight main face buttons (mapped to Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle, R1, R2, L1, L2), it includes a touchpad, PS button, Share button, Options button, L3\/R3 buttons, and a dedicated PlayStation Link button. A lever mode switch changes how the stick operates, and a lock button prevents accidental inputs mid-match.<\/p>\n\n

The built-in storage compartment underneath the controller holds spare restrictor gates and the PS Link USB-C adapter. A sling carry case is included in the box, with a lever gap designed to protect the digital stick during transport. The built-in rechargeable battery supports wireless play, and holding the PS button can wake a paired PS5 from rest mode.<\/p>\n\n

FlexStrike Price, Pre-Order, and Launch Date<\/h2>\n\n

FlexStrike launches globally on August 6, 2026, timed alongside Marvel T\u014dkon: Fighting Souls. Pre-orders begin June 12, 2026. Regional pricing breaks down as follows:<\/p>\n\n

Region<\/th>Price<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
United States<\/td>$199.99<\/td><\/tr>
Europe<\/td>\u20ac199.99<\/td><\/tr>
United Kingdom<\/td>\u00a3179.99<\/td><\/tr>
Japan<\/td>\u00a534,980<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Pre-orders on direct.playstation.com open at 10:00 AM local time in the UK, France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and at 10:00 AM ET in the US. Quantities are limited at launch. The controller will also be available through participating retailers. Sony noted that PC wireless compatibility via PlayStation Link will expand gradually after launch, while wired USB-C works immediately.<\/p>\n\n

PlayStation 27-Inch Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook<\/h2>\n\n

Sony’s second major hardware reveal is the company’s first dedicated gaming monitor under the PlayStation brand, developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment rather than the Sony Electronics division behind the Inzone line. The 27-inch QHD IPS display runs at 2560×1440 resolution with VRR support. On PS5 and PS5 Pro, it supports up to 120Hz refresh rate. Connected to a PC or Mac via DisplayPort 1.4, it unlocks up to 240Hz.<\/p>\n\n

HDR is supported with Auto HDR Tone Mapping that automatically configures optimal settings during PS5 setup. The monitor does not support 4K, which may surprise some players given PS5 Pro’s capabilities. However, Sony positioned this as a desktop-distance display where QHD provides a sharp, comfortable image without the GPU overhead of native 4K.<\/p>\n\n

The standout design feature is a retractable charging hook built into the bottom of the monitor. It holds and charges a DualSense or DualSense Edge controller, keeping it ready to grab at any time. This makes it a particularly convenient accessory for players building a dedicated PS5 desk setup.<\/p>\n\n

Monitor Connectivity and Availability<\/h2>\n\n

The connectivity suite is comprehensive for a console-focused monitor: two HDMI 2.1 inputs (supporting 2560×1440 at 240Hz with FRL and VRR), one DisplayPort 1.4 input (also supporting 2560×1440 at 240Hz with DSC), two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, built-in stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm audio output. USB ports can be used to connect PlayStation Link adapters and other accessories. VESA mount compatibility adds flexibility for arm setups.<\/p>\n\n

The monitor launches on August 27, 2026, with pre-orders starting June 5 at direct.playstation.com and Best Buy in the US, and at participating retailers in Japan. The recommended retail price is $349.99 USD \/ \u00a549,980 JPY. A critical limitation: the monitor is currently confirmed only for the US and Japan. European availability has not been announced, and it was notably absent from the European PlayStation Blog post. Players outside these regions will need to wait for further updates.<\/p>\n\n

Pulse Elevate Wireless Speakers<\/h2>\n\n

The third product in Sony’s 2026 desktop hardware trio is the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers. First revealed at the September 2025 State of Play, these are Sony’s first wireless desktop speakers under the PlayStation brand. They use planar magnetic drivers and dedicated woofers in each speaker unit, the same driver technology found in the Pulse Elite headset and Pulse Explore earbuds.<\/p>\n\n

Like the other new accessories, Pulse Elevate connects via PlayStation Link for ultra-low latency lossless audio. Bluetooth connectivity is also available for pairing with TVs, smartphones, and other devices. Tempest 3D AudioTech support enables spatial audio in supported PS5 titles. Each speaker includes a built-in microphone with AI-enhanced noise rejection for voice chat.<\/p>\n\n

The speakers sit on charging docks but can be picked up and used portably with their built-in batteries. They come in Midnight Black and White colour options. Sony has confirmed a 2026 launch but has not announced the specific release date, pre-order window, or pricing. The company said more details will follow soon.<\/p>\n\n

How This Fits Into Sony’s Broader 2026 Strategy<\/h2>\n\n

Sony’s hardware push signals a clear strategic direction: expanding the PlayStation ecosystem beyond the living room TV. The monitor, speakers, and fight stick together form a desktop gaming setup that keeps players within the PlayStation Link ecosystem. Every product uses the same wireless standard, creating a unified experience where a single adapter can connect multiple accessories simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n

This comes against the backdrop of significant PS5 price increases. As of April 2, 2026, the PS5 costs $649.99 in the US and \u20ac649.99 in Europe. The PS5 Pro sits at $899.99\/\u20ac899.99. PlayStation Portal rose to $249.99\/\u20ac249.99. These higher entry costs make accessory ecosystem revenue increasingly important for Sony’s hardware business.<\/p>\n\n

The FlexStrike’s August 6 launch alongside Marvel T\u014dkon: Fighting Souls is a calculated move. Fighting games are experiencing a resurgence, with Tekken 8 and Mortal Kombat 1 maintaining active competitive scenes, and the upcoming Marvel fighter generating significant hype. Sony clearly sees the fighting game community as an audience worth building hardware for.<\/p>\n\n

What Else Is on the Horizon for PlayStation Hardware?<\/h2>\n\n

Beyond these three products, several other PlayStation hardware developments are in motion for 2026 and beyond. Industry insiders have reported that a PlayStation Portal OLED model is expected to launch later this year, upgrading the current 8-inch LCD panel to OLED for better contrast, colour depth, and potentially a higher refresh rate. The current Portal received a price increase to $249.99 alongside the broader PS5 price hike.<\/p>\n\n

Sony also launched a “DualSense PC Ready” controller for $74.99 in early 2026, bundled with a USB cable for simple PC setup and promising improved haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in supported Steam titles. The product attracted mixed reactions, with many players questioning the $10 premium over the standard DualSense when existing controllers already work on PC.<\/p>\n\n

Looking further ahead, PlayStation 6 remains in development. Sony CEO confirmed the company has not finalised PS6’s release date or price, citing RAM costs and supply chain challenges. Current industry consensus points to a late 2027 or 2028 launch window. Leaked AMD presentation slides suggest RDNA5 architecture with PS4\/PS5 backward compatibility engineering actively underway. A standalone PS6 handheld with its own RDNA5 GPU (16 CUs, LPDDR5X-9600 RAM) is also reportedly in the pipeline for 2027 or 2028.<\/p>\n\n

DualSense V2: The Quiet Revision<\/h2>\n\n

While flashy new products grab headlines, Sony has also been quietly updating the standard DualSense controller. European PS5 Pro and PS5 Slim bundles now ship with a revised unit bearing the CFI-ZCT2W model number and BDM-060 board. Hardware teardowns by modder Modyfikator89 revealed a more efficient design that delivers longer battery life, achieved partly by removing the secondary microphone. Hall-effect or TMR analog sticks, which would address stick drift concerns, are still absent from this revision.<\/p>\n\n

Common Questions About Sony’s New Hardware<\/h2>\n\n

Can FlexStrike be used for games other than fighters?<\/strong>
Yes. It carries all standard DualSense inputs including the touchpad, so it technically works with any PS5 title. However, its layout and stick-plus-buttons design is optimised for fighting games. Navigating open-world games or shooters would be impractical. Sony suggests keeping a DualSense connected alongside the FlexStrike for menu navigation between fights.<\/p>\n\n

Does the PlayStation gaming monitor support 4K?<\/strong>
No. The maximum resolution is 2560×1440 (QHD). Sony designed it for desktop-distance viewing where QHD offers a sharp experience. For 4K gaming on a monitor, players will need to look at alternatives from Sony’s Inzone line or third-party brands.<\/p>\n\n

Will the 27-inch monitor be available in Europe?<\/strong>
Not at launch. The initial rollout covers the US and Japan only. Sony has not announced European availability. Given the monitor was absent from the German PlayStation Blog announcement, a European launch may come later or possibly not at all for this generation of the product.<\/p>\n\n

How does FlexStrike compare to the Victrix Pro KO?<\/strong>
The Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick, a licensed PlayStation product priced around $300, uses a leverless (all-buttons) layout where directions are controlled entirely by buttons. FlexStrike takes a traditional stick-plus-buttons approach with a digital joystick and mechanical buttons, and costs $100 less at $199.99. FlexStrike also has the advantage of PlayStation Link wireless, while most fight sticks rely on wired or standard wireless connections.<\/p>\n\n

When will Pulse Elevate speakers launch?<\/strong>
Sony confirmed a 2026 release window but has not announced the exact date or price. The speakers are designed to pair with the 27-inch gaming monitor, so a launch around the same August-September timeframe seems plausible, but this is not confirmed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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