Did you know that Xbox got third-party wireless controllers only last year? Up until now, every external controller worked via cable. As expected, we didn’t have to wait too long for the new (third-generation) controllers from Razer. The Wolverine V3 is their latest pro controller designed for Xbox and PC gamers. It is available in both wireless (Pro) and wired (Tournament) versions. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Pro version.
When I first heard about this game, I thought it could be something for me. Just the idea of it, without even watching the gameplay videos, seemed great. Being stranded in space with no one but copies of yourself? Sounded so intriguing.
Over three years ago, I got my hands on the Victrix Pro Gambit, immediately replacing the Nacon Revolution X, which had been my daily controller since I reviewed it. So, you can probably imagine how happy I was when news of the Xbox version of the Pro BFG finally started showing up — especially since the PlayStation version was already sitting on my desk.
Is this controller better than its predecessor? Is it worth the price? And above all, is it worth considering if you’ve been using something else? Let’s find out!
First impressions
As with the previous Victrix Pro controller, both the packaging and the controller itself feature three colours: black, white, and purple. The controller body is available in black or white, with purple accents.
Inside the rather compact box, you’ll find a sturdy case in the same colour as the controller — white, in my case! Open it, and you’ll see the controller on one side and, on the other, a pocket containing a nicely coiled, braided purple USB-C to USB-A cable. Beneath the controller, you’ll find a whole bunch of interesting things!
Modularity of the BFG controller
The Victrix Pro BFG controller for Xbox comes with three different D-pad models, round or octagonal “frames” for the analogue sticks, and interchangeable analogue sticks — two short concave ones, one short convex one, and one long concave one. The latter is, of course, designed for precise aiming.
However, the most important interchangeable part is… an entire module that allows you to swap one of the analogue sticks for a Fight Pad!
If you’re wondering why there are also screws on the left side, it’s a nod to those switching to the green console from PlayStation, or simply to people who prefer having the analogue sticks at the bottom of the controller. In my BFG for PlayStation, I have them reversed because that’s the layout I’m used to.
The modularity of this controller isn’t its only advantage, but that alone may be enough for many people! Especially if you’re used to the other console or play fighting games on a controller. And that’s just the beginning of the good stuff.
Did you know that the Fight Pad has mechanical buttons?!
Once you’ve chosen the shape and length of the analogue sticks, your preferred D-pad shape, and the button placement, it’s time to turn the controller around and see what else is there.
Buttons
On the back of the controller, you’ll find four mappable buttons, sliders for adjusting the depth of the triggers, and a button for switching between profiles saved on the controller.
The trigger adjustment has five levels, which can be set independently on the left and right sides. This makes it a great controller both for racing game fans, where longer trigger travel makes much more sense, and for those who mainly play shooters, where every second counts.
Additional buttons can be mapped directly on the controller or using an app available on Xbox consoles and PC. However, for that, the controller must be connected via cable.
One of the biggest differences between the Victrix controllers and other Xbox controllers is the size of the View, Menu, and Share buttons. They’re noticeably larger and therefore easier to reach. Years of using these controllers have led me to frequently click these buttons with different fingers and reach for them from different directions.
In Apex Legends and PUBG, these buttons are heavily used during everyday gameplay; their significantly larger size and different shape actually make a difference to the comfort of using these functions. There’s a high chance you’ll get used to it very quickly. And in the future, it will be a little harder to accept another controller without these improvements.
But is that a bad thing?
Unlike the Gambit controller, the BFG’s rear buttons aren’t replaceable. The previous model featured paddles on the back, divided into two or four clickable sections. The buttons are positioned where we typically place our fingers, so clicking them feels natural and doesn’t require any changes in hand position.
It’s just a matter of getting used to not pressing too hard to avoid unintended clicks. After a few weeks with this controller, I still accidentally activate them! Fortunately, jumping in Apex Legends rarely feels out of place.
BFG on Xbox consoles
Another improvement over the Gambit controller is the ability to connect it wirelessly to the console! The case includes a USB adapter that allows you to use the controller without cables. Woo-hoo!
Unlike the model for PlayStation consoles, there’s nothing you need to switch here — both the adapter and the cable will connect the controller correctly to Xbox One, Xbox Series consoles, and PC.
As I mentioned, you’ll need a cable to connect to the Victrix Hub app. This is basically the controller’s entire command centre. From button mapping to sound settings, button testing, and calibration, it’s all there! The app also includes vibration control options, including the ability to turn vibration off completely.
It’s worth opening the application with the controller connected from time to time, if only to check for software updates.
BFG controller in practice
Oh, I honestly don’t even know where to begin.
I love the short triggers, which are so helpful in shooters. I love that this controller feels so good and secure in my hands. The rear buttons are also great; they click easily without having to reposition my hands, even if you don’t have large hands and need a separate finger for each trigger and bumper.
And even though this controller is chunky, it fits well in average-sized hands. I don’t know what kind of magic it is, but it does!
Additionally, you can feel that this is a premium controller made from quality materials. Its frame is aluminium, not plastic. Our hands rest on the rubberised grip and delicately textured plastic buttons. Even when gripped tightly, there are no cracks or unwanted clicks.
How did it perform in games? So well, in fact, that my Gambit is being retired to a less-used console.
I especially noticed an improvement in Apex, and during my first few sessions with Valorant, the additional button mappings were a huge help. Because, you know, abilities are activated completely differently there than in my favourite game.
Who is Victrix Pro BFG for?
Let’s be clear: if you ask me what the best controller for Xbox consoles is? The BFG.
The best controller if someone is switching from PlayStation to Xbox? The BFG.
The best controller if you enjoy playing shooters with a controller, regardless of platform? The BFG.
And what’s absolutely wonderful is that this controller is made for everyone. It’s large, durable, and looks… you know, “pro.” It’s not overly fancy, it doesn’t look childish, it doesn’t glow, and it’s not covered in colours, which means it will appeal both to fans of minimalism and to people who simply like aesthetically pleasing things.
The two colour variants, with their subtle accents, also give you enough choice. And this controller is definitely gender-neutral.
Will this controller suit you?
If you’ve used official controllers, like the Xbox Elite Controller or SCUF, this might not be the controller for you. There’s something about the Victrix design that doesn’t quite feel right if you’re used to those controllers.
If you’ve played with PDP controllers, switching to the BFG will be a natural fit. PowerA or Nacon users should definitely test the controller in a store first to see how it feels in their hands, as it’s significantly larger than those brands’ controllers.
