Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Review – Customizable, Comfortable, but Lacking in Ways

For my latest TouchArcade controller review, I've spent over a month using the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition on PC and PlayStation—across my Steam Deck, PS5, and PS4 Pro. Intrigued by its modular design and seeking a new "Pro" controller after enjoying the Xbox Elite (1st gen) and DualSense Edge, I dove in.

Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition: Unboxing

Most controllers include a cable, maybe a charging stand. The Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition ups the ante: controller, braided cable, high-quality protective case, a six-button fightpad module, two gates, two analog stick caps, two d-pad caps, a screwdriver, and a blue wireless USB dongle—all neatly organized. Unlike the standard Victrix Pro BFG, this edition boasts Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition theming. Hopefully, replacement parts will become available soon.

Compatibility

Officially supporting PS5, PS4, and PC, I tested its Steam Deck compatibility. Setting it to PS5 mode and plugging the dongle into my Steam Deck Docking Station, it worked flawlessly. Wireless play on consoles requires the dongle and selecting the appropriate PS4 or PS5 mode. It performed perfectly on both my PS4 Pro and PS5, a welcome bonus for PS4 testing.

Features

The Victrix Pro BFG's modularity is its star feature. Swap between symmetric and asymmetric stick layouts, utilize the fightpad for fighting games, and adjust triggers, thumbsticks, and d-pads to suit your game. I used the symmetric layout for Katamari Damacy Reroll and switched to asymmetric for DOOM Eternal. Adjustable trigger stops are also fantastic, allowing customization for racing games and those with digital triggers. While I've stuck with the default diamond d-pad, the alternatives are solid. Note: This is an officially licensed PS5/PS4 controller; it lacks rumble, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro/motion control. The absence of rumble is disappointing, especially considering budget controllers now offer this feature. Apparently, this might be a limitation for third-party PS5 wireless controllers.

Four paddle-like buttons are included (I wish for removable paddles!). I mapped two to L3/R3 and the others to L1/R1, ideal for games like Monster Hunter World.

Look and Feel

The vibrant colors and highlights of the Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition are visually stunning. While not as sleek as the standard black model, the light blue, pink, purple, and Tekken 8 branding are attractive. It's comfortable but feels a bit light. The build quality is good, though not as premium as the DualSense Edge (which, however, has an ugly glossy front plate). The grip is excellent, allowing for extended play sessions without fatigue.

PS5 Performance

Remember: while officially licensed, you can't power on your PS5 with this controller. This appears to be a PS5 third-party controller limitation. Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and gyro are absent. Touchpad and share button functionality are present.

Steam Deck Performance

The controller works seamlessly on Steam Deck using the dongle and my docking station. It's correctly recognized as a PS5 Victrix controller, with share button and touchpad functionality intact.

Battery Life

A major advantage over the DualSense and DualSense Edge is its significantly longer battery life. A low battery indicator on the touchpad is also helpful.

Software

I couldn't test the software (Microsoft Store only). However, it works flawlessly on Steam Deck, PS5, and PS4. iOS compatibility testing failed (wireless via dongle, wired on iPhone 15 Pro and iPad Pro).

Negatives

The significant drawbacks are the lack of rumble, low polling rate, absence of Hall Effect sensors (sold separately), and the dongle requirement for wireless. The low polling rate is a concern, negatively impacting responsiveness compared to the wired DualSense Edge. The lack of Hall Effect sensors in the base model is also disappointing.

Final Verdict

After over 100 hours of use across multiple platforms and games (UFO 50, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Persona 3 Reload, etc.), I love this controller. However, several issues are frustrating given its price. It has immense potential but needs improvements for a future iteration. The lack of rumble (possibly a Sony limitation), dongle requirement, extra cost for Hall Effect sticks, and the polling rate are significant drawbacks at this price point.

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

Update: Added more information regarding the lack of rumble.