Sony has finally shared release dates and pricing details for two new gaming products aimed at PlayStation players. If you’ve been waiting for new official PlayStation accessories and displays, August is going to be a busy month.
The first product is called FlexStrike, a new arcade-style fight stick designed mainly for fighting game fans. Sony says it will launch on August 6, the same day as Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls.
The controller will cost $199.99 and comes with a carrying case plus a built-in rechargeable battery. Pre-orders are scheduled to begin on June 12.
At launch, FlexStrike will work with the PlayStation 5, while PC support is expected to arrive later. For players who spend a lot of time in games like Street Fighter, Tekken, Mortal Kombat or upcoming fighting releases, this could become one of Sony’s most interesting accessories in years.
Sony’s New 27-Inch Gaming Monitor
Sony also announced a new PlayStation-branded gaming monitor.
The display features a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560x1440 resolution and support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). On PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro systems it can run at up to 120Hz, while compatible PCs and Macs can reach 240Hz.
The monitor will launch on August 27 with a price tag of $349.99. Pre-orders are expected to open on June 5.
One small but interesting feature is a fold-out hook on the back that allows users to hang and charge a DualSense controller without cluttering their desk setup. It’s a simple idea, but something many PlayStation players will probably appreciate.
What About a New PlayStation Handheld?
Whenever Sony announces new hardware, the conversation quickly shifts toward one question:
Where is the next real PlayStation handheld?
At the moment Sony has not officially announced a PSP or PS Vita successor. However, reports over the last couple of years continue to suggest that Sony has been exploring a portable gaming device capable of running PlayStation games outside the traditional console experience. Several industry reports claim handheld PlayStation hardware is still being developed, although nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
For now, Sony appears focused on expanding the PlayStation ecosystem through accessories, displays and the PlayStation Portal rather than launching a full standalone handheld console.
Final Thoughts
Neither of these announcements will completely change the gaming industry, but they show that Sony is still investing heavily in the PlayStation ecosystem outside of the console itself.
The FlexStrike fight stick looks like a serious option for competitive fighting game players, while the new 1440p monitor could be an attractive upgrade for PS5 and PS5 Pro owners looking for higher refresh rates without spending a fortune.
What do you think?
Would you buy the new FlexStrike controller or the PlayStation gaming monitor? Or are you still waiting for Sony to finally reveal a true handheld PlayStation device?