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 pro features, comparing it to the Xbox Elite and DualSense Edge.
Unboxing and Contents:
The controller arrives in a high-quality protective case, containing the controller itself, a braided cable, 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, although replacement parts aren't currently sold separately.
Compatibility:
The controller seamlessly works with PS5, PS4, and PC, surprisingly including Steam Deck without needing updates. Wireless functionality on consoles requires the included dongle. The reviewer highlights its usefulness for cross-console testing, particularly given the lack of PS4 controllers compatible with other platforms.
Features and Customization:
The modular design is a key selling point, allowing for symmetric/asymmetric stick layouts, interchangeable fightpads, adjustable triggers and thumbsticks, and multiple D-pad options. The reviewer praises the trigger customization and D-pad versatility, although they note the default D-pad isn't ideal for platformers.
However, the lack of rumble, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro support 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 on third-party PS5 controllers. The four included paddles (which the reviewer wishes were removable) are mapped to L3, R3, L1, and R1 for enhanced gameplay.
Design and Feel:
The controller's aesthetic is praised for its vibrant colors and Tekken 8 branding. While comfortable, its lightweight design is both a pro and a con, depending on preference. The grip is excellent for extended play sessions. The build quality is described as ranging from premium to merely adequate, falling short of the DualSense Edge's premium feel.
PS5 Performance:
While officially licensed, the controller cannot power on the PS5, a limitation seemingly common to third-party controllers. The lack of haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro is again noted. Touchpad and share button functionality are confirmed.
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.
Battery Life:
The battery life significantly surpasses that of the DualSense and DualSense Edge, a major advantage. A low-battery indicator on the touchpad is also appreciated.
Software and iOS Compatibility:
The accompanying software is only available on the Microsoft Store, preventing testing by the reviewer. The controller failed to connect wirelessly or wired to iOS devices.
Negatives:
The significant drawbacks are the lack of rumble, a low polling rate, the absence of Hall Effect sensors (sold separately), and the dongle requirement for wireless use. The reviewer questions why Hall Effect sensors aren't included in the initial purchase. The incompatibility of separately sold modules with the controller's aesthetic is also mentioned.
Overall Review:
Despite extensive use and positive aspects like modularity and long battery life, the controller's shortcomings—lack of rumble, low polling rate, extra cost for Hall Effect sensors, and dongle necessity—prevent it from achieving a perfect score. The reviewer gives it a 4/5 rating, suggesting that addressing these issues could make it a truly exceptional controller. The high price point is a factor in this assessment.
