Victrix Pro BFG: Customizable Tekken 8 Controller

This extensive review covers a month's experience with the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition controller across PC, PS5, PS4, and Steam Deck. The reviewer, a TouchArcade contributor, explores its modularity and performance against other high-end controllers.

Unboxing the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition

Unlike standard controllers, this package includes a braided cable, a high-quality protective case, a six-button fightpad module, two gates, extra analog stick and D-pad caps, a screwdriver, and a blue wireless USB dongle. The included items are Tekken 8 themed, which, while aesthetically pleasing, currently limits replacement part options.

Compatibility and Connectivity

The controller seamlessly works with PS5, PS4, and PC, including out-of-the-box compatibility with Steam Deck using the included dongle. Wireless functionality on consoles requires the dongle and selecting the appropriate console mode (PS4 or PS5). The reviewer notes this is particularly useful for cross-platform testing between PS4 and PS5.

Features and Customization

The modular design allows for customizable layouts (symmetrical, asymmetrical, and fightpad), adjustable triggers, and interchangeable thumbsticks and D-pads. This adaptability caters to various gaming styles and genres. The reviewer highlights the adjustable trigger stops as beneficial for both analog and digital trigger games. While appreciating the multiple D-pad options, they prefer the default diamond shape.

However, the lack of rumble, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro/motion control is a significant drawback, especially considering the price point and the availability of more affordable controllers with rumble. The reviewer suggests this might be a limitation imposed by Sony for third-party PS5 controllers.

The four paddle-like buttons are praised, although the reviewer wishes for removable, more traditional paddles. They effectively map these to L3, R3, L1, and R1 for enhanced gameplay.

Design and Ergonomics

The controller's aesthetic is described as visually appealing, with vibrant colors and Tekken 8 branding. While comfortable, it's considered slightly too light. The build quality is deemed good, though not as premium as the DualSense Edge. The grip is excellent, enabling extended play sessions without fatigue.

PS5 Performance

While officially licensed, the controller cannot power on the PS5, a limitation seemingly common to third-party PS5 controllers. Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro functionality are absent. However, touchpad support and all standard DualSense buttons, including the share button, are functional.

Steam Deck Performance

The controller works flawlessly on Steam Deck with the dongle, correctly identified as a PS5 Victrix controller, with share button and touchpad functionality intact. This is a positive contrast to the reviewer's experience with DualSense compatibility in some PC games.

Battery Life

The battery life significantly surpasses that of the DualSense and DualSense Edge, a major advantage. The low battery indicator on the touchpad is also a welcome feature.

Software and iOS Compatibility

The reviewer couldn't test the controller software due to their lack of Windows access. While functional on Steam Deck, PS5, and PS4, it's incompatible with iOS devices (tested wirelessly and wired).

Shortcomings

The significant drawbacks are the absence of rumble, the low polling rate, the lack of included Hall Effect sensors (requiring an additional purchase), and the necessity of a dongle for wireless use. The reviewer expresses disappointment regarding the polling rate and the lack of Hall Effect sensors in the initial purchase. The incompatibility of additional module color options with the controller's aesthetic is also noted.

Overall Conclusion

After extensive use across multiple platforms and games, the reviewer concludes that the controller is excellent but not perfect, particularly considering its price. The lack of rumble (potentially a Sony limitation), the dongle requirement, the extra cost for Hall Effect sticks, and the low polling rate are significant drawbacks. The controller's potential is high, but these issues prevent it from achieving a higher rating.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Review Score: 4/5

Update: Additional details regarding the lack of rumble functionality have been included.