Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded wireless modular controller review — Still my favorite controller

Things have changed a lot since my searches for pro controllers during the PS4 and early PS5 cycles. There are a ton of options out there, but as with a wealth of choices come a lot of decisions. Do I pick this one? Does this controller meet my needs? Is the expense worth it? I had a friend ask me recently about the difference between the PlayStation Edge controller and NACON Revolution 5 Pro when looking at a GameStop’s selection. With all of these different controllers available, however, one is the best, and that hasn’t changed with Turtle Beach’s rollout of the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded.

Inside the sturdy box you’ll find the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded wireless modular controller (henceforth designated as the Reloaded), a USB dongle, a near ten feet USB cable for wired use or charging, a swap tool, and twelve total interchangeable parts (some affixed already to the controller). All of this comes in a nice soft carrying case that is quite well-built – it’ll take a beating in a backpack with ease. My affections towards companies including great USB cables is rewarded with the Reloaded; beyond the length, it features a braided sheath and has its own spot in a net at the top of the carrying case.

It’s probably just me, but as soon as I picked up the Reloaded (and it extends to the regular Pro BFG), it feels perfect in hand. The grip, the weight, the position of controls, the textured areas: it’s all S-tier. This is truly the most comfortable controller I own. Even in the shift from PDP to Turtle Beach, they have just let the teams behind the Reloaded cook and keep what works, of which the comfort level always has.

One of the best things about the Reloaded (and again, the Pro BFG) is its modular design. Do you prefer PlayStation’s parallel sticks? Done. Or are you partial to the Xbox offset? In seconds, you’re there. The included swap tool lets you make adjustments on the fly that can be done near instantaneously. This extends to moving over to the “fight pad” module, so you can change that out as fast as your PS5 or Xbox Series takes in loading the game. Beyond these, there are also D-Pad and stick choices for you to mess around with.

Since we’re on the topic of the modules, let’s talk about the thumbsticks. These have been upgraded to include the Hall Effect sticks you can buy separately, which is the right call. This technological upgrade leads to little to no stick drift, along with extra precision in your movements. Although I’ve had Hall Effects in my Pro BFG and it was nothing to adjust to them, I would mention there is at least a short period where you need to get used to the feel. That said, there’s nothing better than how these thumbsticks have performed in my time playing with the Reloaded.

The Reloaded makes a big adjustment with the fight pad. The empty space on the module has been moved, with the fight pad lettering moving to the bottom rather than sitting at the top. This shifts the six buttons up, and it makes a bigger difference than you’d expect. Where the old pad had your thumb stretching to hit the cross and square buttons, the new pad puts all six buttons in easy reach. It’s a small tweak, but it’s a fantastic change. All six buttons feel as nice and clicky as ever, but in a place where they’re accessible.

Moving to the top and back of the controller, this is another area that is largely the same, but with an improvement. The textured back buttons are exactly the same as they are on the Pro BFG, something that didn’t need to be adjusted AT ALL. They are perfect, sitting in your grip comfortably. With responsive presses that aren’t too easy to activate, it’s hard to beat the Reloaded’s back buttons.

As much as I like the triggers, my only worry has been them wearing out over time. While that doesn’t change in terms of eventual wear and tear, the insides are less of an issue now. Turtle Beach has included Hall Effect triggers with the Reloaded, which should give you not only better precision, but also enhance their lifespan. This refinement doesn’t take away from the functionality of the Reloaded either, with five available trigger locks still in place. The best has truly gotten better in this reload.

Connectivity is another thing that didn’t need to change, and it hasn’t here. You still have the option of running the Reloaded wired, or wirelessly via the 2.4GHz dongle. I appreciate this being controlled by a switch, so you know what mode you’re in. Similarly, the connectivity between PS4, PS5, and PC has a switch, again a phenomenal feature. This is one of the few pro controllers you can use on PS4, by the way, which is a big win for Turtle Beach. If you have the Xbox version, it’ll work on Xbox One, Xbox Series consoles, and PC. It also has a bonus Bluetooth connection, so you can even use it on mobile or your TV!

Battery life is great for the Reloaded, coming in at twenty hours. Most who use a pro controller prefer a wired connection, like myself, but it’s good to know it will last a few days before a needed charge.

An underutilized feature for most will be the 3.5mm jack for audio. If you didn’t know, you have access to permanent premium Dolby Atmos for Xbox, while PlayStation uses their own Tempest 3D audio. There are quick controls for muting and EQ profiles on the controller as well, so you’ll always have what you need on-hand.

All of these adjustments are great, and you can continue to make adjustments on the controller or in the Victrix software (which is available on PC and Xbox). The Reloaded has the capability for remapping your back buttons within seconds just like when you swap modules. Just a few mutton presses with the on the back profile button and you’re ready to go. Besides that, the profile button gives you three separate profiles to switch between if you want a complete change depending on the game you’re playing.

In the Victrix software lies a bunch of great settings. You can remap buttons the easy way here, adjust deadzones for your sticks and triggers (assuming you don’t just use the trigger locks), build profiles, and more. One of my favorite functions is calibrating your thumbsticks – if something just isn’t feeling right, doing this is a must. You can do it manually, but doing it virtually lets you know it’s been processed.

While these changes would usually cost you a bundle, the Reloaded version of the controller has only been raised by $10. It’s still a very pricey purchase at $210, but one that is largely matched by other controllers. You’re going to be in the $180-$200 range no matter where you go, and the best tends to stick at the top. Considering the ability to swap out your thumbsticks were you ever to have an issue, along with a cheaper, older Pro BFG costing you close to the same amount when adding the new thumbsticks, it’s better to just get the new model and add the extra tweaks to your arsenal.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Wireless Modular Controller | Turtle Beach

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Wireless Controller is built for elite gamers, offering interchangeable components and hall effect technology for PS5, Xbox, an…

The Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded wireless modular controller is available to pre-order now, shipping towards the end of September.

Affiliate Links