I've played fighting games my whole life and this arcade stick is the best I've ever tested

The Victrix Pro FS ($399) is the ultimate arcade stick for fighting game enthusiasts. Thanks to its sturdy aluminum unibody frame and removable joystick, PDP’s controller distinguishes itself from competitors like the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha and Qanba Obsidian 2. This controller also has several quality-of-life features that make it easy to use at home or at a local tournament.

The Sanwa Denshi joystick and buttons add to this arcade stick’s premium design. These components are super responsive out of the box, allowing you to perform complex or subtle motions with ease. But if you want to install different parts, the easy-to-open hatch on the controller’s underside makes that process seamless. The fact you can store the detachable joystick inside the controller is an awesome bonus.

The Victrix Pro FS’ aluminum chassis isn’t just for show as its smoothly textured surface facilitates your hand motions. The angled wrist slope further lends to comfortable gaming sessions, as does the foam padding on the bottom that helps the controller stay firmly on your lap or desk. Two hooks you can wrap the detachable cable around, along with side handles, are smart additions when traveling with the Victrix Pro FS. The customizable RGB lighting on the sides is also a fun touch.

PDP clearly pulled all the stops when designing the Victrix Pro FS. It’s not surprising that this arcade stick is highly regarded in the FGC (Fighting Game Community). It’s truly a work of art. Though it commands a hefty price, it’s undoubtedly one of the best fight sticks out there. Find out why in my full review.

Victrix Pro FS review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? The Victrix Pro FS is a premium tournament-grade arcade stick.
• Who is it for? For hardcore or professional fighting game players
• What does it cost? The Victrix Pro FS currently costs $349 on PDP’s website. This arcade stick comes in either White or Purple, and there are special editions with additional colors.
• What do we like? We like the quality Sanwa Denshi joystick and buttons, the sturdy but light aluminum chassis, high portability, and the easy-to-access internal components.
• What don’t we like? The steep $400 asking price and lack of customization options.

Victrix Pro FS review: Specs

Victrix Pro FS review: The ups

The Victrix Pro FS embodies arcade stick perfection thanks to its premium build, responsive parts and smart design. If you’re a serious fighting game player, this is arguably the fight stick to get.

Premium design

At a glance, the Victrix Pro FS instantly stands apart from its competitors. Most arcade sticks are composed of plastic and metal parts and generally have a rectangular shape with sharp edges. The Victrix Pro FS bucks this trend by featuring a curved chassis made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum.

This design isn’t purely for show. The chassis has a smooth and lightly textured surface that feels nice and makes it easier to move your hands. The rounded edges, particularly the area where your wrists rest, are also sleek and comfortable. I also like how the left and right sides have handles seamlessly integrated into the contours.

Speaking of smart design choices, this controller has a removable joystick—which is rare for most arcade sticks. Removing the joystick flattens the controller’s surface, which makes it more comfortable to travel with and also prevents the joystick from getting damaged. The included USB-C to USB-A cable is also detachable and you can wrap it around the Victrix Pro FS’ handles while traveling.

Along the top, you’ll find several useful buttons, including PlayStation-specific buttons like Home, Share, Select and the touchpad. There are additional buttons that let you set the RGB color and pattern, lock the touchpad and Select button, and a programmable Pro button. Other arcade sticks have similar buttons along their sides or back, but having them neatly placed at the top edge of the controller is better since you can see what the buttons are.

Lastly, I have to commend the foam padding covering the controller’s entire underside. Not only does it prevent the Victrix Pro FS from sliding around on your desk or lap, but it also relieves the weight of the stick when situated on the latter.

Easy customization

Accessing the Victrix Pro FS’ internal components requires little more than opening the hatch on the controller’s underside.

On the inner lid, there’s an Allen key and slots for storing the joystick and the rubber cover you place over where the joystick goes. The cables connecting the buttons and lever to the arcade stick’s PCB are neatly organized, which makes it simple to navigate around when you’re trying to swap out parts. The space is a little tight for my big hands but it shouldn’t be a problem for some folks.

This isn’t a deal breaker, but I would have preferred if each button had different color cables and a chart detailing which cables are for which buttons. Other arcade sticks do this, so it would’ve been nice if Victrix followed suit. But as I said, this isn’t a major problem. You just have to be mindful when swapping out buttons so you don’t make a mistake.

Excellent Sanwa Denshi parts

The Sanwa Denshi joystick and buttons make this controller a dream to play on. The joystick hits the sweet spot of rigidity and flexibility, ensuring optimal precision. The eight buttons — each with their respective PlayStation button icons — are light to the touch but firm enough to withstand your hardest presses. The stick and buttons aren’t overly loud either.

As is standard for controllers utilizing Sanwa parts, the joystick comes with a square restrictor gate that locks in at the four top and bottom corners. If you prefer an 8-way or circular gate, swapping out the square gate is simple enough, though you’ll need to already own or purchase them separately since this stick doesn’t come with extra gates.

Stellar performance

I tested a variety of fighting games with the Victrix Pro FS and had an awesome experience in each of them. Whether it was firing hadoukens in Street Fighter 6, performing a complex 10-hit combo in Tekken 8, or canceling super moves into one another in The King of Fighters XV, there was virtually nothing I couldn’t pull off.

I also had fun playing side-scrolling beat ‘em ups like Streets of Rage 4 and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge. Similar titles in the Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Collection were just as enjoyable on this controller. Whether it’s fighting games or beat ‘em ups, you won’t be disappointed with this arcade stick’s performance.

This controller is compatible with PS4, PS5 and the best gaming PCs. I tried it out on the latter two platforms and didn’t notice any differences when going back and forth between them. Given the Victrix Pro FS’ price, it’s good that it’s compatible with at least two systems.

Victrix Pro FS review: The downs

The Victrix Pro FS has everything professional or hardcore fighting game players could ask for in an arcade stick. However, those premium features come with a premium price.

Sticker shock

At its usual $399 asking price, the Victrix Pro FS is one of the most expensive controllers from a mainstream manufacturer. I’ve seen it drop to $349 (like at the time of writing), but even that price isn’t exactly cheap. This is especially true considering how a PS5 costs $449. You’re basically paying the price of a console for this controller!

Due to its high price, this isn’t an arcade stick I’d recommend to casual players who are curious about these peripherals. If you fall into that camp, then I suggest the $59 Hori Fighting Stick Mini.

However, if you’re a diehard fighting game player or a professional player (who makes a living from participating in tournaments), then this stick is a wise investment. For everyone else, you might want to seek alternatives.

Victrix Pro FS review: Verdict

The Victrix Pro FS commands a steep price but it’s arguably worth every single penny for what it offers.

Its solid aluminum design is eye-catching and its performance is superb. Toss in quality-of-life features like a removable joystick, easy customization and side handles, and you have a controller that’s hard to match. The Victrix Pro FS is so incredible that it’s ruined other arcade sticks for me.

While the Victrix Pro FS won’t turn you into a fighting game god overnight, it will make playing your favorite fighters more enjoyable. This peripheral comes with my highest recommendation.