In my latest comprehensive review for TouchArcade, I've thoroughly tested the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition controller across my Steam Deck, PS5, and PS4 Pro over the past month. My curiosity about this controller stemmed from its modular design and my desire to explore another "Pro" controller following my positive experiences with the Xbox Elite (1st generation) and DualSense Edge. Before diving into this review, I had the opportunity to discuss the controller and arcade sticks with PDP Victrix, which further piqued my interest.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller – What's in the Box
Typically, controllers come with just a cable and perhaps a charging stand. However, the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition offers a more extensive package. Inside, you'll find the controller itself, a braided cable, a high-quality protective case to store the controller and its accessories, a replacement fightpad module tailored for fighting games with a six-button layout, two gates, two replacement analog stick caps, two d-pad caps, a screwdriver for customization, and a blue wireless USB dongle. Everything is neatly organized within the case, which boasts impressive quality. This edition's items feature a unique Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition aesthetic, distinguishing them from the standard Victrix Pro BFG. Note that official replacements for these themed items are not yet available, but I hope Victrix will offer them soon.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Compatibility
Officially, the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller is compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC. As I no longer use Windows, I was eager to test its compatibility with the Steam Deck. By setting the controller to PS5 mode and using the dongle with my Steam Deck Docking Station, it worked seamlessly without any need for updates. For console use, wireless play requires the dongle and setting the toggle to either PS4 or PS5 mode. I experienced no issues on my PS4 Pro in PS4 mode or on my PS5 in PS5 mode. This controller's ability to work on PS4 is a significant advantage, especially since I lack other PS4-compatible controllers aside from arcade sticks.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Features
The standout feature of the Victrix Pro BFG controller is its modularity, allowing users to customize it for different gaming scenarios. You can switch between symmetric and asymmetric stick layouts, use the fightpad for fighting games, and adjust triggers, thumbsticks, and d-pads to suit your playstyle. For example, I prefer the symmetric layout for games like Katamari Damacy Reroll, but switch to the Xbox-style asymmetric layout for games like DOOM Eternal. The adjustable trigger stops are particularly useful, allowing me to tailor them for racing games with analog triggers or set them to the shortest stop for games requiring digital trigger inputs. The variety of d-pad options is also appreciated, though I've primarily used the default diamond shape, finding it suitable for most games except platformers.
It's important to note that, despite being an official PS5 and PS4 licensed controller, it lacks rumble, haptic feedback, adaptive trigger support, and gyro/motion control. While I'm not particularly concerned about gyro, the absence of rumble is disappointing, especially when even sub-$30 controllers offer this feature. I understand that third-party wireless controllers for PS5 may face restrictions on rumble, but it's still a notable omission. The controller comes equipped with four paddle-like buttons, which I've mapped to L3, R3, L1, and R1 for games like Monster Hunter World, avoiding the need to press the sticks.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Look and Feel
Aesthetically, the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition is striking with its vibrant colors and light blue, pink, purple, and Tekken 8 branding. While it may not have the elegance of the standard black model with purple highlights, its themed design is visually appealing. In terms of ergonomics, the controller feels comfortable, though it's slightly lighter than I prefer. The material quality varies from premium to satisfactory, not quite reaching the level of the DualSense Edge, but the grip is excellent, allowing for comfortable, extended gaming sessions without fatigue.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller on PS5
On the PS5, it's essential to remember that, despite being officially licensed, this controller cannot turn on the console. This limitation seems common among third-party controllers for PS5, but it's an inconvenience nonetheless. Additionally, it lacks haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro support. However, it does feature touchpad support and all the necessary buttons, including the share button, found on a DualSense controller.
Victrix Pro BFG on Steam Deck
As mentioned earlier, the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition works flawlessly on the Steam Deck when connected via the dongle to the official Docking Station. It's correctly identified as a PS5 Victrix controller, with the share button functioning for capturing screenshots and the touchpad working as intended in games with PlayStation controller support. This seamless integration was a pleasant surprise, especially since some games struggle to recognize my DualSense correctly.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Battery Life
One significant advantage of the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller over the DualSense and DualSense Edge is its superior battery life. It lasts multiple times longer on a single charge, and the logo on the touchpad conveniently indicates when the battery is low. This feature is particularly useful for extended gaming sessions on the Steam Deck, where other controllers may not provide such visual cues.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Software
Unfortunately, I couldn't test the accompanying software, as it's exclusive to the Microsoft Store and I no longer use Windows. However, the controller works out of the box on Steam Deck, PS5, and PS4. I had hoped to see if it would work with iOS devices, but my attempts to connect it wirelessly with the dongle on my iPad, and wired on my iPhone 15 Pro and iPad Pro, were unsuccessful.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Negatives
Despite its strengths, the controller has several notable drawbacks. These include the absence of rumble, a low polling rate, the lack of Hall Effect sensors in the standard package, and the necessity of a dongle for wireless connectivity. The lack of rumble may not bother everyone, but the low polling rate is a significant concern for a "Pro" controller, as demonstrated in various YouTube videos. Additionally, while Victrix now offers Hall Effect sensor modules for purchase, it's disappointing that they're not included with new controllers. Moreover, the available module color options don't match the aesthetic of the Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition and lack PS5 face buttons.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Review
After logging over a hundred hours across various platforms and games such as UFO 50, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Persona 3 Reload, and more, I can confidently say that I thoroughly enjoy using the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition controller. However, its few shortcomings are frustrating, especially considering its price point. With some refinements and updates, this controller has the potential to be one of the best in recent years. Currently, its high cost of $200 is somewhat justified by its quality and features, but the lack of rumble, the dongle requirement, the additional cost for Hall Effect sticks, and the polling rate issues hold it back from being exceptional.
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Review Score: 4/5
Update: Added more information for the lack of a rumble feature.
