Ever since I got into arcade sticks thanks to the 8BitDo stick I bought back in 2022, I’ve been looking at different controllers across price points, styles, and more. When looking at what people recommend and talking to friends, it always felt like the top end of the spectrum in price was Victrix’s premium lineup of the Pro FS and the Pro FS-12 controllers. A friend of mine has been using the Pro FS for almost a year and loves it. Having spoken to Razer about the Kitsune, I’ve been wanting to also chat with PDP about the Victrix controllers and the Pro BFG. Following EVO 2024, I had a chance to chat with Trevor Lehr from PDP/Victrix/Turtle Beach about the company’s controllers, arcade sticks, premium price points, community feedback, potentially expanding to more platforms, and much more.
TouchArcade (TA): Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at PDP.
Trevor Lehr (TL): I’m Trevor Lehr, Director of Product Management at PDP/Victrix/Turtle Beach. I’ve been with the company since 2015 and since the inception of the Victrix Brand and its first product, the Pro AF ANC.
TA: How has it been for the team working under the Turtle Beach umbrella?
TL: It’s been a smooth transition so far, with our shared experience and expertise in the gaming industry, we’re able to work and fit together into the overall Turtle Beach vision.
TA: Having gotten into arcade controllers and sticks in recent years, it has been interesting seeing the Victrix Pro line talked about online for its premium feel and price. I wanted to know how it has been for the team seeing the response to the Victrix Pro FS and Victrix Pro FS-12 over the last year?
TL: The team is very proud of our products, and it’s always great seeing the positive response from customers and the community. Our products are purpose built, and the reaction from the community when they get their hands on the Pro FS / Pro FS-12 for the first time says it all in their initial “wow” moment.
TA: Alongside a golden age of fighting games, we are definitely in one for arcade controllers as well with so many options available across officially licensed ones, DIY controllers, and budget-friendly ones from across the world. What do you think sets the Victrix Pro FS line apart from the rest?
TL: The Pro FS line was developed from the ground up to be the best fight stick for the pros and aspiring pros. From the weight of the Pro FS, the Sanwa Denshi parts, the aluminum shell, the Victrix Engineered PCB and firmware – everything is built to deliver speed, durability, and continuous comfort for the long hours of practice that go into fighting games.
TA: I’ve not used the new Victrix Pro FS stick or leverless yet, but what made the team decide to use a single piece of aluminum as opposed to something lighter?
TL: There was not just one factor that led to the decision to use a single-piece of extruded aluminum, instead there were many reasons and benefits for this decision. While you might think aluminum is metal and therefore must be heavy, aluminum is actually one of the lightest metals while still providing extreme strength and rigidity. You want your fight stick to be planted on your lap without moving during a match, and you don’t want it to flex or creak as you lean your palms into it. Aluminum also provides an unparalleled aesthetic and allows us to provide unique custom laser-engraving to our customers onsite at many FGC events.
Testaments to the strength and durability of the Pro FS:
Shoutouts to @VictrixPro for constructing a fight stick so strong that it also doubles as a seat that can withstand my 255lb frame as I wait for my next ST match. pic.twitter.com/aGO5s5yLyV
— Alex Jebailey (@Jebailey) August 6, 2022
Customer: How durable are your fight sticks?
