The Victrix Pro BFG controller for Xbox consoles launched in February 2042. Is it a pro controller you should be keeping an eye on?

Over three years ago, I got my hands on the Victrix Pro Gambit controller, immediately replacing the Nacon Revolution X, which had been my daily controller since the review. So, you can probably imagine that the news of the Xbox version of the Pro BFG controller was making its appearance made me very happy, especially since the PlayStation version was already 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 used something else before? Let’s find out!

First impressions

As with the previous Victrix Pro controller, both the packaging and the controller itself feature three colors: 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 stiffened case in the same color as the controller, which in my case is white! Open it and you’ll see the controller on one side, and on the other, a pocket with a nicely coiled, braided purple USB-C to USB-A cable. Beneath the controller, you’ll find a whole host of interesting things!

Modularity of the BFG controller

The Victrix Pro BFG controller for Xbox has three different d-pad models, round or octagonal “frames” for the analog sticks, and interchangeable analog 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 segment that allows you to swap one of the analog sticks for a Fight Pad!

If you’re wondering why the screws are also on the left side, it’s a nod to those who are switching to the green console from PlayStation or simply prefer analog sticks on 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 competing consoles or play fighting games on a controller. And that’s just the beginning of its advantages.

Did you know that the fight pad has mechanical buttons?!

Once you’ve chosen the shape and length of the analog sticks, your preferred d-pad shape, and the button placement, it’s time to turn the controller around and see what else is inside.

Buttons

On the back of the controller you will 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 for both racing game fans, where long paddles make much more sense, and those who mainly shoot ’em up, where every second counts.

Additional buttons can be mapped on the controller itself or using an app available on Xbox consoles and PC. However, the pad 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 with these controllers have led me to frequently clicking these buttons with different fingers and reaching from different directions. In Apex Legends and PUBG, these buttons are heavily used in everyday gameplay; their significantly larger size and different shape actually impact the comfort of using these options. However, this is also one of those moments that will quickly become familiar to you! 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 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 buttons! 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 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, here we do not have to switch anything, both the adapter and the cable will correctly connect the controller to Xbox One, Xbox Series and PC.

As I mentioned, you’ll need a cable to connect to the Victrix Hub app. There, you’ll find the controller’s entire command center. From button mapping to sound settings, button testing, and calibration! The app also includes vibration control options, including turning them off completely.

It is 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 magic it is, but it does!

Additionally, you can feel that this is a premium controller, made of quality materials. Its frame is aluminum, not plastic. Our hands rest on the rubberized grip and delicately textured plastic keys. Even when gripped tightly, there are no cracks or 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 forays into Valorant, the additional button mappings were a real help. Because, you know, abilities are activated completely differently there than in my favorite game.

Who is Victrix Pro BFG for?

Let’s be clear: if you ask me what the best controller is for Xbox consoles? 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, it’s not colorful, which means it will appeal to both fans of minimalism and simply aesthetically pleasing things. Two color variants with subtle accents also provide ample 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 SKUF, this might not be the controller for you. There’s something about the Victrix design that doesn’t quite feel right to those using them. 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.

I know this is the perfect controller for me.