Sony will release the new PlayStation Link USB adapter (model CFI-ZWA3J) and its first in-house fighting game controller, the "FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick," for PlayStation 5 and PC on August 6, 2026. Pre-orders for both peripherals began today, June 12.
Hardware details
The new PlayStation Link USB adapter replaces the previous model and introduces a mechanical innovation: the housing features interchangeable connectors. Sony includes both a USB Type-C and a USB Type-A adapter in the package.
The principle behind it is pure pragmatism. The adapter operates via the proprietary, latency-free PlayStation Link protocol. Anyone who owns multiple devices – for example, a PS5 in the living room and a PC at their desk – simply plugs an adapter into each system. This eliminates the hassle of constantly switching cables. The headset or new controller connection can be switched between platforms at the touch of a button.
Sony's attack on the fighting game community
At the same time, Sony is pushing with the FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick A completely new hardware category. For €199,99 (£179,99), the manufacturer delivers a board primarily designed for accessibility and tournament suitability.
The case features mechanical switches beneath the buttons. The digital joystick has been tested to six million rotations. Sony breaks with tournament tradition, where players have to purchase modding parts from Sanwa. Instead, three tool-free interchangeable restrictor plates (square, round, octagonal) are included. The case provides internal storage space for these plates.
The device weighs less than classic Pro Sticks and features a simplified layout. Sony is explicitly targeting gamepad users switching from traditional controllers. Using the included PlayStation Link module, the stick achieves a latency of 4 milliseconds in wireless mode. Alternatively, wired play via USB-C is possible. The integrated battery lasts up to 40 hours.
The modular link adapter (CFI-ZWA3J) is mandatory for anyone who wants to use the PULSE Elite or PULSE Explore Earbuds simultaneously on console and PC without blocking USB ports with adapter chains.
The FlexStrike Fight Stick, in turn, fills a historical gap. It's Sony's first in-house fight stick. The simultaneous existence of PC and PS5 compatibility shows that Sony has accepted the reality of the fighting game scene. Tournaments run on PS5, while training takes place on PC. The protocol provides the necessary speed. Those looking to get started with titles like the simultaneously released "Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls" get a well-designed, albeit expensive, out-of-the-box solution.
Am I understanding correctly that the adapter is only for the new fight controller? It's not a PC dongle for the DualSense?
I've always wanted a fight stick, especially from Sony, but somehow, as always, the timing is too late. They should have introduced something like that back in the PS4 days, not just because they now have a fighting game in their portfolio. It feels like a cash grab. The main thing is to just dump hardware on the market. These days, it's impossible to keep track of all the different hardware options available for the PS5. I think we could create a glossary by now.