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 "Pro" controllers.
Unboxing the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition
Unlike standard controllers, this package includes the controller, 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, themed to match the Tekken 8 aesthetic, are well-organized within the case. The reviewer expresses hope for future availability of replacement parts.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The controller seamlessly operates on PS5, PS4, and PC, surprisingly including out-of-the-box Steam Deck compatibility via the included dongle. Wireless functionality on consoles also relies on this dongle, with successful testing on both PS4 Pro and PS5. The reviewer highlights its usefulness for cross-platform testing between PS4 and PS5.
Features and Customization
The modular design allows for symmetric or asymmetric stick layouts, a fightpad for fighting games, adjustable triggers, thumbsticks, and d-pads. The reviewer appreciates the trigger stop adjustability and the multiple d-pad options, finding the default diamond shape particularly comfortable. However, the absence of rumble, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro/motion control is noted as a significant drawback, especially considering the price point and availability of more affordable controllers with rumble. The four paddle-like buttons are praised for their functionality, particularly in games like Monster Hunter World.
Design and Ergonomics
The controller's aesthetic is described as visually appealing, with vibrant colors and Tekken 8 branding. While comfortable, its lightweight design is considered a minor drawback. The grip is highly praised, enabling extended gaming sessions without fatigue.
PS5 Performance
The officially licensed controller lacks PS5 power-on functionality, a limitation seemingly common among third-party PS5 controllers. The absence of haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro support is reiterated. However, touchpad functionality and standard DualSense button mapping are confirmed.
Steam Deck Performance
The controller's plug-and-play functionality on Steam Deck is highlighted, with proper recognition as a PS5 controller and full touchpad and share button support.
Battery Life
The controller's superior battery life compared to the DualSense and DualSense Edge is a significant advantage, further enhanced by a low-battery indicator on the touchpad.
Software and iOS Compatibility
Software testing was unavailable due to the reviewer's lack of Windows access. The controller's incompatibility with iOS devices (both wired and wireless) is noted.
Shortcomings
The review points out several drawbacks: the lack of rumble, low polling rate, absence of Hall Effect sensors (requiring a separate purchase), and the necessity of a dongle for wireless operation. These factors, particularly the low polling rate and lack of rumble, are considered significant issues for a controller at this price point. The reviewer also questions the omission of Hall Effect sensors in the initial product offering.
Overall Assessment
Despite extensive use and positive feedback on ergonomics and customization, the controller's shortcomings prevent it from achieving a perfect score. The lack of rumble (potentially a Sony restriction), dongle requirement, extra cost for Hall Effect sticks, and the low polling rate are cited as major drawbacks. The final score is 4/5, acknowledging its strengths while emphasizing the need for improvements in future iterations.
