Sony is launching the FlexStrike Fight Stick, a 27-inch gaming monitor, and Pulse Elevate speakers to expand its first-party hardware lineup [1, 2].
These additions signal Sony's intent to capture a larger share of the competitive fighting-game community and provide a unified hardware ecosystem for both PS5 and PC users [1, 3].
The FlexStrike Fight Stick is designed specifically for the fighting-game community, offering a dedicated alternative to standard controllers [1, 3]. Along with the stick, Sony is introducing a 27-inch gaming monitor [1]. The hardware suite is rounded out by the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, though these will follow a different timeline than the other peripherals [4].
Pre-orders for the new equipment start June 5, 2024 [2, 5]. The official release is scheduled for August 27, 2024 [2, 5]. Pricing for the monitor and accessories is set at $350 [2].
Early reactions to the hardware have been positive. A Tom's Guide author said, "I’m seriously impressed with one in particular" [3]. However, the rollout of the audio equipment will be staggered. Engadget staff said, "You’ll have to wait until later in the year to snag the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers" [4].
Sony has positioned these products to bridge the gap between casual gaming and professional esports. By developing first-party tools for the fighting-game genre, the company aims to increase user retention within the PlayStation ecosystem while offering cross-platform compatibility for PC gamers [1, 3].
“I’m seriously impressed with one in particular.”
By moving into specialized peripherals like fight sticks and high-end monitors, Sony is diversifying its revenue streams beyond consoles and software. This strategy targets a high-spending niche of the gaming market—competitive esports players—who often rely on third-party hardware. Integrating these into the first-party ecosystem allows Sony to control the quality and compatibility of the entire user experience.
