| Quick Verdict: The Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Wireless Modular Controller is versatile, easy to set up, and is so comfortable in my hands. While there were some hiccups while updating it, I genuinely can’t find anything else I dislike about it. |
| Brand: | Turtle Beach |
| Product: | Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Wireless Modular Controller |
| Review Score: | 9 |
| Cozy Score: | 10 |
| Pros: | Works with all Victrix controller modules, good heft to feel comfy in your hands, Anti-drift Hall-effect sticks, precision trackpad, easy install for PC |
| Cons: | Updating in the Victrix app can bork the analog sticks or triggers (but, it’s fixable) |
| Price: | $189.99 (or $209.99 for console-specific versions) |
Sometimes, a controller is just a controller. And sometimes, you find an option that goes above and beyond. The Victrix line from Turtle Beach (formerly PDP) did that and continues to find new ground with the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Wireless Modular Controller.
Modular controllers are nothing new. In fact, this controller is nearly identical to the previous Victrix Pro BFG. However, it improves certain things and that’s great. So, let’s jump into it.
What’s in the box?
In the box, you’re getting quite a lot with any of the Victrix Pro BFG models. Not only do you get a nice clamshell carrying case and a really long charge-n-play cable, but the bits for customization are also always great and well-organized.
Now, let’s talk about modular controllers and how they work, for those who don’t quite understand what I mean. Several components of the controller are interchangeable with additional versions of bits that come in the box.
For instance, if you want to change out your D-pad with one that is more traditional, you have three directional pad options. The entire analogue stick and D-pad section is its own module, which allows you to flip it around to be like an Xbox controller or a PlayStation controller. Different thumb stick lengths and the rings around them for more or less control of your movement are also replaceable.
And all you need is the supplied special screwdriver to make your controller exactly as you want. It takes no time at all to swap out bits and pieces to make it exactly how you want it to feel.
My Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review unit was for the PC, which is a tad less expensive than the other models due to missing a specific component: the new Fight Pad. It’s a new take on the Fight Pad that came with the PDP Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition game controller that came out previously. You can check out my review for the PlayStation and PC exclusive option here.
I adored the wild colors and designs of the Tekken Edition. But, the additionally included Fight Pad, which gave easy inputs that mimicked an arcade cabinet, was in a slightly lowered position on the module and was harder to reach with stubby thumbs. The version that comes with the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded console versions changes the position of where the buttons sit on the module for easier reach.
Set up and use
All in all, the initial setup is probably one of the best, easiest setups in all of Turtle Beach’s entire peripheral lineup. While I’m disappointed that the Victrix Control Hub is still a separate app from the modern Swarm II, since Turtle Beach insists on having a ton of different apps for their accessories, I was ready to use the controller at record speed.
I played a dozen hours across several games with zero issues. I said, out loud, to my wife that the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded might not only be my favorite controller from Turtle Beach, but could be my favorite in our house full of controllers. And then I updated it in the Victrix Control Hub.
I updated the dongle with no problems. And then I connected the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded to be updated. It successfully finished and I moved on. I jumped into Mortal Kombat 1 to test out the update and found that the analog sticks and triggers were both suddenly unusable.
After nearly an hour of trying to calibrate and test in the Victrix app that Turtle Beach recommends doing, I turned to the internet. The official knowledge base didn’t have anything easily accessible that solved my problem and YouTube videos were clearly reading off of something they had not yet tried.
After enough searching, I found a Reddit post where someone got an official answer from Turtle Beach via email that was similar to the YouTube videos, but solved the issue for them. I tried it and it worked instantly for me. You can check out my guide for it here.
The problem lies in the Hall Effect modules, for some reason, affecting the analog sticks and left trigger. The original Victrix controller line did not include the Hall Effect modules and sold them separately, which I had installed on both controllers. The fix solved the issue for both controllers for me, instantaneously.
After that hiccup, the nearly perfect score I was initially giving the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded dropped a little due to my frustration. But, the controllers work like a charm now and it’s unlikely you’ll run into the same problem I did.
Is the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded cozy?
I’m of the mindset that I need some heft in my controllers. I have carpal tunnel and shakes in my hands, so stability is key. The Victrix controllers have just the right amount of weight, textured grips on multiple angles, and comfortably placed buttons.
If you want a cozy controller, I’d easily rate the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded at maximum comfort any day of the week for me.
I originally came from Turtle Beach’s previous Recon line of wired controllers (among some of the best for the price out there for many years), so the wireless aspect just means I have less hassle with cords.
On top of it, the battery on the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is phenomenal. I’ve forgotten to turn it off before and it still worked the next day. And if the battery does die, plug in the USB-C cord, flip the switch on the back to wired mode, and keep going.
One thing that is great about the mods is that you can utilize so many little options. It’ll allow you to choose the length of your thumbsticks, set trigger stops, choose your directional pad, customize four back buttons, and you get some special o-rings to control the way your sticks move.
Plus, as mentioned earlier, the removable left and right entire sections let you flip the stick and directional pad around on the left side to be in Xbox or PlayStation mode. The right side comes out to be replaced with the Fight Pad.
In addition, I tried out the modules from the previous Victrix models, including the Fight Pad and Hall Effect add-ons from that era and everything is compatible with the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded.
Final verdict
While the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded isn’t reinventing the wheel with this model, it includes certain features that likely should have been included with the previous models, such as the Hall Effect modules.
If you already have the original Victrix Pro BFG controller, this isn’t worth the bump up. Just go grab the Hall Effect and Fight Pad modules from the Turtle Beach official store and move on for now.
But, if you don’t have one yet, it’s worth every penny to get the new Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. This is like getting the Definitive Edition of a game once all of the DLC comes out.
You can pick up the PC version for $189.99 at Turtle Beach in both black or white. The PlayStation and Xbox versions run you $209.99. That extra 20 bucks gets you specific console compatibility and the new Fight Pad. If you don’t need console specifics and play only on PC, you can grab the new Victrix Pro BFG Fightpad Module for $24.99.
While you’re here, you should also consider Turtle Beach’s Stealth Pivot controller, if you want to have similar customization without the use of a screwdriver. I gave it pretty high marks as well in my review.
