PlayStation's latest hardware 'delayed' indefinitely as user backlash continues

PlayStation has revealed that a major upcoming hardware launch has been postponed all whilst it continues to face heavy backlash for its new all-digital policy.

The company has officially indefinitely delayed the launch of its FlexStrike wireless fight stick which was due to arrive on August 6 alongside the highly anticipated Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls.

“We wanted to share an update on the launch timing for FlexStrike wireless fight stick,” a blog post began.

“Due to unexpected production delays, FlexStrike wireless fight stick will launch at a later date. We will share an update soon.”

PlayStation added that it’s “working to ensure we deliver the best possible experience to our players with FlexStrike, so we’re taking extra time to put the finishing touches on the product”.

“We apologise for this delay and look forward to bringing the FlexStrike experience to the community when it launches.”

Sony

It sounds as if some kind of fault or weakness may have been identified on the product and, well, PlayStation simply cannot afford any bad press at the moment.

PlayStation’s statement implies that the delay could be lengthy if they’re still applying “finishing touches” because those changes will eventually need to be relayed to manufacturing.

Unless these details change, the FlexStrike wireless fight stick is due to cost £179.99 / $199.99 / €199.99 / 34,980 yen and can still be pre-ordered from PlayStation Direct despite the indefinite delay.

The device features “ultra-low latency wireless and wired connection, a built-in rechargeable battery, an included sling carry case, and a solid, comfortable design that’s built for battle”.

It has DualSense controller buttons as well as a touchpad, plus there’s a non-slip base. It goes without saying that inputs can be customised.

The device can be connected to a PC or PS5 using PlayStation Link and is designed to be used with fighting games like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Dragon Ball: Sparkling! Zero, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and Mortal Kombat 1 as well as the previously mentioned Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls.

Those who have already pre-ordered the device are invited to keep track of their order status via their PlayStation Direct account or their relevant retailer.

READ MORE: PlayStation users issued refunds as $60 AAA cancels highly-anticipated DLC

The dust hasn’t yet settled from PlayStation’s abandoning of physical media

This all comes at a time when PlayStation’s brand image is at an all-time low.

From January 2028, PlayStation will stop offering physical games - and that news hasn’t gone down well with consumers nor developers and third-party partners, by all accounts.

This raises concerns over digital ownership, game preservation, and how cost-friendly gaming can be; the secondhand market will be obliterated with everyone forced to purchase from the PlayStation Store.

PlayStation has been laying low on social media, hoping to ride out the storm, although social posts are starting up again.

A quick trip to the comments, though, and you’ll see the general sentiment, including in response to the FlexStrike’s delay.

“How about you post an update on when you’re repealing that physical disc decision?” reads the top response.

“Physical games matter more than joysticks,” said another.

“How about an update on your attack on game ownership and video game culture? You’re potentially alienating your entire user base by going all digital,” someone said.

This backlash isn’t going to end any time soon. In fact, many users are protesting with their wallets, refusing to buy PlayStation games and cancelling their PlayStation Plus subscriptions.

It’s not yet expected that PlayStation will u-turn the decision. It clearly doesn’t want to make matters worse though by launching a subpar FlexStrike.