Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Review

In early 2024, Turtle Beach purchased gamepad and peripherals company PDP for $118 million. Just prior to this event, PDP released the Victrix Pro BFG. It was a professional gamepad with some frosty customization features: a left stick and D-pad, a right stick and face buttons, both based on modules that could be removed and flipped to switch between symmetrical and asymmetrical analog stick arrangements. A walkpad module was also included, so you could swap the left or right module for six-button touch action.

I am describing this older model in as much detail as the newer one Reloaded Victrix Pro BFG (now branded “by Turtle Beach”) is functionally identical to the older PC controller. There will be a few minor changes after scratching the surface, but before I get to those, let’s recap what happens next.

Like its predecessor, the Victrix Pro Reloaded has today’s must-have “pro” features, including four programmable paddle buttons, trigger switches on the L2/R2 switches, and Hall-effect analog sticks. There are three versions of the directional pads included, which support both the Xbox and Switch Pro versions, as well as a hybrid of both, and can be inserted and removed on the fly. There’s even a replaceable octagonal housing for the analog sticks, in case you want a more toothy, eight-way feel.

Removing the modules with the included precision screwdriver and swapping them is extremely basic, although you need to be careful not to lose the petite screws. Like its predecessor, Victrix Pro Reloaded also includes two analog stick replacements. One is a basic replacement for the standard 5mm stick height, but a 12mm stick is also available that could simulate a joystick on a combat pad or satisfy niche fans of taller sticks and more right first-person aiming. Replacing them involves unscrewing the module casing and removing the sticks using slight force.

So what’s the difference? The first is specific to the model I’m using: Xbox Pro BFG Reloaded doesn’t have a PlayStation trackpad, but if you want there’s a recent Sony-focused model available AND The set also includes a PC edition with a trackpad (the latter was announced shortly after I received the copy). They may be perfect if Steam Deck has alerted you to the conveniences of a gaming trackpad. The biggest difference between both models is that the Victrix Pro Reloaded supports rumble while the older models do not, but unfortunately there is no gyroscope support.

The same imperfections are here too. The trigger stop switches are located right where most users rest their middle fingers, which is probably by design, but it’s too basic to accidentally adjust the trigger depth during heated gaming moments. Similarly, you can’t disable or freeze the paddle buttons, which can lead to erroneous inputs, and the left trigger is a little too sensitive. I really wish the face buttons were more tactile and clickable. Your attitude may vary, but I think a professional controller needs better face buttons if it’s really going to feel better than what Sony and Xbox have to offer.

Another thing worth noting is that the polling rate here is the standard 125Hz, which is the same as the Xbox controller, but well below what contemporary “professional” gamepads are capable of offering. Even the recent Victrix Pro Reloaded PC edition has a polling rate of 1000 Hz, not to mention the much cheaper GameSir G7 Pro. For most gamers, this reduction in latency won’t make a noticeable difference, but for those who are or consider themselves “professionals,” it could be a deal breaker. And honestly, only people who consider themselves professionals will likely get much out of this controller.

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Connectivity is what you’d expect these days: it comes with a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, Bluetooth connectivity, and an impressively long (3 meters) and robust USB-A to USB-C cable. All modular parts, as well as the screwdriver, cable and gamepad itself are located in a solid transport bag. Battery life is advertised at 20 hours, which confirms what I experienced.

If you need a gamepad that transforms into a practical combat pad, I think the Victrix Pro BFG handles this feature better than some of its competitors, especially the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot. While the Stealth Pivot switches between two configurations, the Pro BFG offers much more flexibility, although you’ll pay more for the privilege.

And that’s really where the Victrix Pro BFG falls behind. In a time when great professional TMR-equipped gamepads can be purchased for less than $100, sleek and high-priced devices have to work very challenging to earn a living. While two years ago it might have been basic to recommend the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded to anyone looking for a professional controller, these days you really have to want and even need this modular design for it to be worth the money spent. Although if you’re a PS5 gamer, you don’t have many alternatives; in this context, this model can shine.

However, computer gamers have a surprising array of options. If you need the Battle Pad feature on your pro controller, this is better than the competition. For anyone outside this niche, there are better and cheaper gamepads on the market.