More than two years after the PlayStation 5’s launch, there are lastly different controller choices apart from the DualSense. Sure, there have been quite a few modded PS5 controllers from third-party producers, however the PDP Victrix Pro BFG is the primary formally licensed PS5 controller to be revealed. After spending a while with the BFG, the premium controller lives as much as its $180 value. With wonderful ergonomics and arguably unparalleled versatility due to its modular design, the Victrix Pro BFG is certainly price a tough look when you’re out there for a aggressive gamepad or just choose the shape issue of Xbox controllers. Though the Victrix Pro BFG was the primary third-party controller revealed for PS5, it isn’t the one one to select from. The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro additionally releases this month, and PlayStation’s personal DualSense Edge launches in January. I can’t touch upon the way it compares to the Edge simply but, however I additionally examined the Wolverine and can share ideas on how they stack up towards one another on the backside of this overview.Modular design provides versatilityThe Victrix Pro BFG goes past the standard options of aggressive controllers like enhanced grips, swappable stick caps, and remappable rear triggers. It has all of these important bins checked, nevertheless it has way more customization options than you’d count on from most controllers–even high-end ones on this value vary. The BFG has a modular design that means that you can change enter layouts on the fly.Both the proper and left sides of the controller have management modules that may be eliminated in seconds with the included hex screwdriver. By default, the BFG has a standard Xbox-style structure with a singular full-body diamond D-pad that units up nicely for preventing video games.Speaking of preventing video games, a struggle pad module can substitute the face buttons and proper joystick. This module contains six flat, massive buttons that substitute the 4 face buttons in addition to R1 and R2. The six face buttons on this module sound and really feel like clicking a mouse. They are tremendous responsive and have an excellent really feel.You can simply change the modules that include the Victrix Pro BFGGallery Though the BFG is formed extra like an Xbox controller, you’ll be able to invert the left module to get aligned joysticks alongside the underside of the controller–very similar to a standard PlayStation controller.Inside the helpful carrying case, you may additionally discover two extra D-pads, two extra analog sticks, and a pair of spare spacers/guards for the sticks. Though the default D-pad works nicely and makes diagonal presses simpler, traditionalists can use the traditional cross-style pad. Or you’ll be able to go for a design that is in between the 2–it carefully resembles the present official Xbox D-pad. Meanwhile, the additional sticks are what you’d count on from a controller like this: one lengthy follow a concave cap and a brief follow a domed cap. FPS gamers may discover {that a} longer stick is healthier for aiming down sights, whereas the brief domed stick used on the proper aspect could promote twitchier actions. Personally, I choose the usual model of most analog sticks, and the matching sticks which are outfitted out of the field really feel very very similar to a first-party controller.Ergonomics and efficiencyThe wealth of customization choices makes the Victrix Pro BFG ideally suited for all genres of video games, not simply shooters–which are usually the main focus of most pro-style controllers. It has nice ergonomics and high-level efficiency no matter which structure or modules you utilize.It all begins with the shape issue, which, as talked about already, just about mirrors the Xbox wi-fi controller. If you are somebody who thinks the DualSense is probably a contact too massive, the Pro BFG will seemingly be extra pure to carry. Due to its light-weight design and plastic shell, it actually is not as premium because the Xbox Elite Series 2. That mentioned, it has a well-made, sturdy construct, which is important as a result of modular design.The 4 remappable buttons are positioned in simply the proper spotsGallery The entrance of the handles have raised, rubberized pads that improve your grip and add a little bit of extra consolation. The again of the handles are additionally rubberized and textured, although these panels are subtler and flush with the plastic that wraps round the remainder of the controller.Victrix opted for the most effective type of remappable rear triggers: precise buttons constructed into the controller. These have gotten extra widespread, and I’ve at all times discovered them to be simpler to make use of and extra pure than removable paddles. There are 4 again triggers complete, two on all sides. As standard, there is a small set off on high and a bigger one under it. They are constructed into the curvature of the handles, which suggests they sit in spots the place the center and ring fingers of most gamers relaxation naturally. Built similar to the left and proper triggers on high of the controller, they’ve a winged design that’s ergonomically sound. You can remap these triggers on the fly with the profile button positioned on the again of the BFG.The BFG additionally has a characteristic that has turn out to be more and more widespread in some of these controllers: set off stops. The left and proper triggers may be modified to lower pull distance, making them really feel extra like shoulder buttons. What’s particularly cool about these set off stops is which you can calibrate the pull distance exactly to your liking. Two switches on the again correspond to every set off. You merely pull the change, maintain it, press the set off right down to your required stopping level, after which let go of the change to save lots of that setting. The triggers don’t must be calibrated to the identical spot. Activating the set off stops may be useful for first-person shooters, nevertheless it ought to be famous that some video games aren’t totally appropriate with set off stops engaged. For occasion, I attempted utilizing them with God of War Ragnarok and wound up not with the ability to throw Kratos’ axe.All of the BFG’s options and modules work with PS5, PS4, and PC. A change on the highest of the controller may be toggled to decide on your platform. It connects to all gadgets by way of a 2.4GHz USB-A adapter or with the included USB-C to USB-A cable (braided, roughly 10-feet lengthy). The BFG ran for roughly 20 hours on a full cost.It comes with a hardshell carrying case that neatly shops all the componentsGallery What you lose by going third-partyYes, the BFG is formally licensed, however that does not imply it retains all the options discovered within the DualSense. This contains adaptive triggers, arguably the best console controller development in latest reminiscence. As a primarily pro-style controller, the omission of adaptive triggers in favor of set off stops is sensible.In addition to that doubtlessly sizable loss, you are additionally dropping haptic feedback–well, rumble altogether, in reality. Lastly, the BFG does not have an inside speaker, although it does have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Again, each of those absences make sense when you think about the target market, I did not miss both of them throughout my testing.Technically, these three aren’t the one lacking options. Though the BFG has the PlayStation button, you can’t flip the console on with the controller. This actually is not an inconvenience, contemplating the PS5 has an HDMI hyperlink characteristic that may energy on the console when your TV is turned on.The backside lineThe Victrix Pro BFG is a very very good controller. I’ve examined lots of competitive-focused controllers with eye-watering costs, and the BFG is true there with the most effective of them. It has unparalleled customization options in comparison with different current-gen controllers–and that will not change when any of the opposite at present introduced controllers launch.Yes, $180 is a steep asking value for a controller, however it’s loaded with helpful options and extra parts, all of which may be neatly stowed contained in the included hardshell carrying case. Nothing has been introduced presently, however the modular design permits for the chance for extra swappable parts to be launched, if Victrix decides to go that route.You should buy the Victrix Pro BFG at a number of main retailers, together with Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. How does it stack up towards the competitors?As talked about, the Victrix Pro BFG is not the one premium controller for PS5. The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is across the nook, and Sony’s DualSense Edge releases on January 26. The Pro BFG is definitely the least costly of the three, with the DualSense Edge coming in at $200 and the Wolverine V2 Pro going for a whopping $250.If you are excited by any of those controllers, it in all probability is sensible to attend to see hands-on impressions of all of them, however particularly the DualSense Edge–unless you understand you need offset sticks and one thing with a unique kind issue than the DualSense, in fact.When it involves the query of Victrix Pro BFG vs. Wolverine V2 Pro, I give the sting (heh) to the Pro BFG resulting from its aforementioned standout options. The Pro BFG affords way more customization options. It additionally has higher ergonomics for me, however take into account that your hand measurement performs an enormous half right here. The Wolverine V2 Pro is bigger, and Razer caught with the vertically oriented rear triggers, the identical model because the Wolverine V2 Chroma for Xbox. They work and really feel nice, however they are not almost as conveniently positioned. I feel the Pro BFG is extra sensible for a wider viewers, and the $70 value distinction can be one thing to contemplate, too.However, that is to not say the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is not spectacular in its personal proper. Far from it. In truth, the Wolverine V2 Pro beats the Pro BFG by way of total construct high quality and premium enter really feel. The sticks are barely higher, the face buttons and D-pad are extraordinarily responsive due to Razer’s mechanical switches (gaming mouse really feel and sound), and it has two extra programmable buttons subsequent to the highest triggers.Make certain to take a look at our Razer Wolverine V2 Pro overview for a extra in-depth have a look at the one different formally licensed, third-party PS5 controller.
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