Turtle Beach Relaunches Victrix Pro BFG Controller at Higher Price
Turtle Beach has announced the relaunch of the Victrix Pro BFG controller, now dubbed the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, with a price increase that has raised eyebrows among gamers. Originally launched in January 2023 for PlayStation 5, the controller quickly gained popularity and was later made available for Xbox. The new version, priced at a hefty $209.99 in the United States and £179.99 in the UK, is now available for pre-order ahead of its release on September 28, 2023.
The new iteration features Hall Effect thumbstick modules, which improve on the original’s potentiometers. However, this upgrade has sparked confusion, as existing Pro BFG owners could purchase Hall Effect modules separately for their controllers. The decision to consolidate these features into a single product may not justify the increased price, especially since the original model was already competitively priced under $200.
Design Changes and Features
At first glance, the design of the Reloaded version appears largely unchanged. While it boasts some subtle grey outlines on the grips, significant aesthetic modifications are hard to identify. For those considering whether to invest in the Reloaded model, it may be worth exploring the original version, which remains available at a lower price.
The Victrix Pro BFG has always stood out due to its modular design, allowing players to customize their controller to suit their gaming preferences. The Reloaded version maintains this feature, offering a fully modular experience. It is tailored for gamers who want to simplify the process of upgrading to Hall Sensor thumbsticks without dealing with separate purchases. However, for users who already own the original controller, the enhancements may not warrant a switch.
Market Position and Future Implications
The controller market has seen rapid evolution, and Turtle Beach’s acquisition of PDP and the Victrix brand signals a strategic move to capture a larger share. Despite the increased price, the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded may appeal to players eager for the latest technology. Nevertheless, some critics argue that the lack of substantial improvements could deter potential buyers.
The original Victrix Pro BFG has garnered attention for its performance, and the absence of new features, like haptic feedback for the PS5 version, might leave some gamers disappointed. Currently, only the Xbox version includes rumble motors, enhancing the gaming experience with more tactile feedback. The lack of similar features in the PlayStation model could be attributed to licensing agreements, as such functionalities are typically reserved for Sony’s official controllers.
With the new model set to enter the market, it is likely that the original Pro BFG controllers will gradually be phased out. As stock dwindles, gamers hoping to secure the original model may want to act quickly before they become scarce.
In conclusion, while the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded introduces some advancements, it remains to be seen whether the price increase will resonate with consumers. As the gaming landscape continues to shift, Turtle Beach’s decision to relaunch this controller highlights the ongoing competition among manufacturers to deliver innovative and appealing products. Gamers will need to weigh the benefits of the Reloaded version against the established reputation and affordability of the original.
