Ever since I received into arcade sticks due to the 8BitDo stick I purchased again in 2022, I’ve been taking a look at completely different controllers throughout value factors, kinds, and extra. When taking a look at what folks suggest and speaking to buddies, it at all times felt like the highest finish of the spectrum in value was Victrix’s premium lineup of the Professional FS and the Professional FS-12 controllers. A pal of mine has been utilizing the Professional FS for nearly a 12 months and loves it. Having spoken to Razer concerning the Kitsune, I’ve been desirous to additionally chat with PDP concerning the Victrix controllers and the Professional BFG. Following EVO 2024, I had an opportunity to talk with Trevor Lehr from PDP/Victrix/Turtle Seaside concerning the firm’s controllers, arcade sticks, premium value factors, group suggestions, probably increasing to extra platforms, and rather more.
TouchArcade (TA): Inform us a little bit bit about your self and what you do at PDP.
Trevor Lehr (TL): I’m Trevor Lehr, Director of Product Administration at PDP/Victrix/Turtle Seaside. I’ve been with the corporate since 2015 and for the reason that inception of the Victrix Model and its first product, the Professional AF ANC.
TA: How has it been for the crew working underneath the Turtle Seaside umbrella?
TL: It’s been a easy transition thus far, with our shared expertise and experience within the gaming business, we’re in a position to work and match collectively into the general Turtle Seaside imaginative and prescient.
TA: Having gotten into arcade controllers and sticks in recent times, it has been fascinating seeing the Victrix Professional line talked about on-line for its premium really feel and value. I wished to know the way it has been for the crew seeing the response to the Victrix Professional FS and Victrix Professional FS-12 during the last 12 months?
TL: The crew could be very happy with our merchandise, and it’s at all times nice seeing the optimistic response from clients and the group. Our merchandise are function constructed, and the response from the group after they get their arms on the Professional FS / Professional FS-12 for the primary time says all of it of their preliminary “wow” second.
TA: Alongside a golden age of preventing video games, we’re undoubtedly in a single for arcade controllers as effectively with so many choices out there throughout formally licensed ones, DIY controllers, and budget-friendly ones from the world over. What do you suppose units the Victrix Professional FS line other than the remaining?
TL: The Professional FS line was developed from the bottom as much as be the perfect combat stick for the professionals and aspiring professionals. From the burden of the Professional FS, the Sanwa Denshi elements, the aluminum shell, the Victrix Engineered PCB and firmware – all the things is constructed to ship velocity, sturdiness, and steady consolation for the lengthy hours of follow that go into preventing video games.
TA: I’ve not used the brand new Victrix Professional FS stick or leverless but, however what made the crew determine to make use of a single piece of aluminum versus one thing lighter?
TL: There was not only one issue that led to the choice to make use of a single-piece of extruded aluminum, as a substitute there have been many causes and advantages for this choice. When you would possibly suppose aluminum is steel and due to this fact should be heavy, aluminum is definitely one of many lightest metals whereas nonetheless offering excessive energy and rigidity. You need your combat keep on with be planted in your lap with out transferring throughout a match, and also you don’t need it to flex or creak as you lean your palms into it. Aluminum additionally gives an unparalleled aesthetic and permits us to supply distinctive customized laser-engraving to our clients onsite at many FGC occasions.
Testaments to the energy and sturdiness of the Professional FS:
Shoutouts to @VictrixPro for establishing a combat stick so robust that it additionally doubles as a seat that may stand up to my 255lb body as I watch for my subsequent ST match. pic.twitter.com/aGO5s5yLyV
— Alex Jebailey (@Jebailey) August 6, 2022
Buyer: How sturdy are your combat sticks? 🤔
Us: Sure. pic.twitter.com/5uJMkzCYU6
— Victrix by PDP (@VictrixPro) November 30, 2022
TA: The lineup additionally has latest collaborations with Tekken 8 and The King of Fighters providing restricted version finishes and engraving. How has the response been to those and are there plans to do extra with different preventing video games?
TL: The chance to associate with the perfect preventing recreation corporations on the planet is simply one other instance of the validity of our Victrix line throughout the group and we’re tremendous excited with the launch of our Restricted-Version Professional FS collaboration fashions! The response has been positively overwhelming, and we offered out of all Tekken and The King of Fighters stock we dropped at EVO, secure to say they’re fan favorites. The King of Fighters Restricted-Version Professional FS assortment is sort of offered out and preorders for TEKKEN 8 is nearing promote out as effectively!
TA: Utilizing Sanwa Denshi elements is smart given the recognition and reliability, however are there plans to supply fashions with Seimitsu’s Alutimo mechanical buttons or different mechanical buttons sooner or later?
TL: We use Sanwa Denshi elements as our commonplace to make sure velocity, high quality, and longevity. The Professional FS and Professional FS-12 are extraordinarily mod-friendly with the user-accessible again door to simply examine and swap in several buttons (just like the Seimitsu Alutimo), if the consumer chooses to take action.
TA: A pal of mine has the purple Victrix Professional FS and likes it quite a bit except for the cable storage answer and the shortage of devoted L3 and R3 buttons. I do know you may map it to at least one button on the highest, however has the crew been taking a look at suggestions like this from gamers?
TL: The Professional FS and Professional FS-12 have inbuilt (and detachable) cable wraps on the highest of the aluminum that enables the cable to be wrapped up and clipped on when not in use for secure storing. The cable wraps additionally double as an attachment level to attach a shoulder strap for simpler transport between your matches. We’re at all times open to listening to our buyer suggestions and taking any ache factors or recommendations into consideration for the long run.
TA: Most sticks as of late are black with a number of providing a white shade possibility. The purple shade could be very putting, and I’m glad to see it out there. Are there plans to do extra except for the restricted editions?
TL: Purple is a staple of the Victrix Model, and it solely felt proper providing that as a substitute for a extra impartial white. I can’t communicate to any future plans, however I at all times discover it fascinating listening to our followers’ “most desired” colours they inform us about at in-person FGC occasions all year long.
TA: We not too long ago have seen a number of new entrants into arcade controllers providing nice skinny leverless controllers at low costs. I don’t anticipate you to touch upon value factors of different producers, however how do you and the crew reply to folks citing the cheaper price of the competitors in comparison with the premium costs right here?
TL: The market will at all times have merchandise out there throughout a broad spectrum of value factors. That is nice for the patron and the business to make sure everybody has entry to benefit from the FGC. The Professional FS and Professional FS-12 are (normally) not somebody’s first combat stick simply entering into this house; we provide a premium product for the devoted FGC buyer who understands the standard and advantages we offer, which comes with the premium value.
TA: Are you able to touch upon whether or not the Victrix Professional FS or the Victrix Professional FS-12 has been extra well-liked general from what you’ve seen?
TL: Each the Professional FS and Professional FS-12 have been extraordinarily profitable and well-liked, it simply comes right down to the model of play the shopper is on the lookout for. The standard joystick Professional FS won’t ever go away, there’s an excessive amount of nostalgia and video games that are supposed to be loved with a joystick. However the brand new model of play with the Professional FS-12 Leverless is to not be missed, many professionals use leverless now due to the velocity and precision benefits of button presses for instructions as a substitute of precise wrist/hand actions required on a joystick.
TA: Clearly PS5 is a precedence for sticks and controllers as of late, however I need to know if there are any plans to work with Xbox or Nintendo on having official assist sooner or later for his or her platforms? I not too long ago purchased an 8BitDo for Xbox simply to have a stick for the console whereas most of my leverless controllers work on Swap out of the field.
TL: We provide fashions of the Professional BFG and the Gambit Prime controller for Xbox Sequence X|S, Xbox One, and PC however with our dedication to the group, we’re at all times listening to what they’re on the lookout for subsequent and an Xbox combat stick might or might not be a future consideration.
TA: Earlier than discussing the BFG and controllers typically, I wished to ask concerning the detachable shaft. I not too long ago put in one by myself Hori stick, but it surely’s nice to see it out there out of the field right here. What kind of work went into this behind the scenes?
TL: Plenty of work, time, and testing went into perfecting our patented detachable shaft. Initially, it must act and really feel similar to a standard joystick when put in and through regular use. You want to have the ability to maintain it and use it as you usually would with out feeling any bumps or ridges to distract your gameplay, and you might want to be assured that it’s safe and gained’t unintentionally come off throughout use. As soon as eliminated, you may slide your Professional FS into the Victrix Event Backpack a lot simpler with out the joystick getting in the way in which, and with out the concern of damaging the joystick’s microswitches if the lever have been to get jammed in a sure place whereas transporting it.
TA: Did the crew seek the advice of with any outdoors gamers {and professional} opponents whereas designing the Professional FS and FS-12 along with ensuring it’s simple to mod?
TL: Sure, skilled and aggressive efficiency is a part of the Victrix DNA, we labored with professionals in the course of the early concepting and all through the event resulting in launch of the Professional FS and Professional FS-12.
TA: How has the response been for the controllers outdoors North America? Do you hear quite a bit from gamers in Asia?
TL: Victrix could be very effectively acquired in Asia, and now we have fairly a giant presence and following in Japan. We sponsored and have been onsite at EVO Japan earlier this 12 months, and most not too long ago sponsored and have been onsite at RAGE (a Avenue Fighter and Overwatch match) in Japan.
TA: My first style of Professional or Elite controllers was once I received the primary technology Xbox Elite Controller and cherished it. I not too long ago purchased a DualSense Edge and use it every day. What impressed me concerning the Victrix Professional BFG Wi-fi Controller, is the modular nature providing greater than what Sony and Microsoft supply on their professional controllers. Inform us a little bit bit concerning the thought course of behind the particular modules and instruments included within the field.
TL: Our aim with the Professional BFG was to develop a product for the professionals and for the more-than-casual gamer at dwelling who can admire the element, modularity, and efficiency provided. We wished the Professional BFG to be the go-to controller, whatever the style of recreation being performed. We’re deeply ingrained within the FGC, so our 6-button microswitch fightpad module was a should. However we didn’t need to miss the FPS and RPG followers from this product, which is the place the interchangeable proper module got here into play to supply a typical analog stick/motion button module as effectively. And if we’re going that far, then we wished to handle these gamers preferring both an Xbox structure with offset analog sticks, or a PlayStation structure with side-by-side analog sticks and go away it as much as the consumer to determine their structure, whatever the platform, with the 180º rotatable left module. Equally, we embrace many interchangeable attachments (all enclosed within the included carrying case) to make sure the consumer has the precise D-Pad model, analog stick peak, or analog stick gate (round or octagonal) to suit the sport they’re enjoying now, and match the completely different recreation they might play tomorrow.
TA: I noticed the brand new Corridor Impact Module Pack for the PlayStation and Xbox branded controllers. I used to be truly going to ask about corridor impact sticks earlier than seeing this, however it’s good to see it out there for current homeowners as an optionally available buy. Are there plans to make these the usual going ahead for brand spanking new Victrix Professional BFG Wi-fi Controller fashions?
TL: We’re tremendous excited concerning the launch of our new Corridor Impact Module Pack! Whereas we will’t communicate to future plans, this is without doubt one of the advantages of the modularity of the Professional BFG controller, enabling clients to additional improve their controller with add-on modules after buy.
TA: Has there been something gamers have requested for over time that you just’ve not been in a position to work with for controllers but?
TL: We often get very distinctive and specialised requests for one-off controllers/options from our followers. Whereas we admire the creativity and concepts, now we have to have a look at product improvement from a mass market perspective, which incorporates weighing tradeoffs to seek out the perfect general stability.
TA: The latest launch is the Victrix Professional BFG Wi-fi Controller Tekken 8 Rage Artwork-themed version. How has it been collaborating with the Tekken 8 crew at Bandai Namco?
TL: We’ve got a terrific enterprise relationship with Bandai Namco, and it’s been a really enjoyable and collaborative course of working with them on all 8 of our Tekken 8 SKUs (6 Professional FS characters, the Rage Artwork BFG, and the Tekken Backpack). The Tekken Professional FS fashions and Rage Artwork Professional BFG mannequin have been all showcased and out there for play testing on the Bandai Namco sales space at EVO Las Vegas final month.
TA: Hypothetical state of affairs: If you happen to might design a themed controller and a themed stick for any IP on the planet with none restrictions, what would you decide? This doesn’t should be restricted to gaming so go wild.
TL: That is robust, figuring out the chances are limitless. Stepping out of the gaming world, I’d most likely select a themed product based mostly on outside journey, offroading, and Jeep exploration.
TA: The Victrix Professional BFG Wi-fi Controller comes with a pleasant premium case, and I puzzled if there have been plans to do an analogous exhausting case within the field for the Victrix Professional FS controllers?
TL: The Professional BFG comes with many small attachments that want a house for storage when not in use, or throughout journey. The Professional FS is self-sustaining and its detachable shaft, mud cap, and USB cable can all be saved instantly in/on the product itself. We additionally individually have our Victrix Event Backpack, which was designed particularly to suit and carry the Professional FS (together with room and options to hold many different gadgets on the identical time).
TA: What ought to we anticipate from Victrix and PDP in 2024 following EVO 2024?
TL: Continued assist and involvement locally.
Try the TEKKEN 8 panel occurring on the Group Stage proper now!
See how @ChipotleTweets helps you in your journey to be the perfect, and preserve an eye fixed out for codes in the course of the present to win some free Chipotle. https://t.co/pRm0CRum2y | #Evo2024 pic.twitter.com/e73naIdSqc
— Evo (@Evo) July 19, 2024
TA: How do you want your espresso?
TL: I like my espresso scorching. I like my morning espresso (not less than 2 cups all through the morning) with some French vanilla cream. I favor my after-lunch espresso black with no cream or sugar to assist quiet down after a very good meal.
I’d prefer to thank Trevor Lehr and Eric Nielsen for his or her time and assist right here.
You’ll be able to sustain with all our interviews right here together with our latest ones with FuturLab right here, Shuhei Matsumoto from Capcom about Marvel Vs Capcom right here, Santa Ragione right here, Peter ‘Durante’ Thoman about PH3 and Falcom right here, M2 discussing shmups and extra right here, Digital Extremes for Warframe cellular, Workforce NINJA, Sonic Dream Workforce, Hello-Fi Rush, Pentiment, and extra. As common, thanks for studying.
Featured picture by way of Victrix Professional Twitter account.
