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Octopath Traveler 0 is yet another fantastic RPG for the series, but it’s less Octopath than ever
2:00 pm | December 3, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Octopath Traveler 0 is a different kind of Octopath game.

It still features the series’ distinctive HD-2D aesthetics, the tried and tested break and boost battle system, and even returning characters and locations. It also mixes things up from the now well-understood formula.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: December 4, 2025

The plot, for example, doesn’t feature the namesake eight-character storylines – the octo paths, as it were. Instead, your adventure focuses on your own player-created character for the first time, who is on a quest of retribution against the villains that destroyed their home town – each embodying the vices of Wealth, Power, and Fame.

You are still joined by other adventurers – over 30 in fact, though I haven’t unlocked them all yet – however, they are along for your ride rather than you following each of their distinct journeys like we would in the other series entries.

The eight-person theme isn’t wholly lost, thankfully, with combat being redesigned to feature eight-person parties – a team of four in the front, and four in the back. I’ll go into more details on why I love this change below, but know that it provides a lot more depth and customisation possibilities to party composition without making fights feel too trivially easy.

Octopath Traveler 0 two villains on a balcony

Something wicked this way comes (Image credit: Square Enix)

Both of these changes make sense; however, when you remember Octopath Traveler 0 isn’t a new game. It’s adapted from the Octopath: Champions of the Continent mobile gacha game. A free-to-play system necessitates a wide array of characters to unlock, can’t have its story focus too much on your party because you might not own those travelers, and would want to allow for bigger teams so you can use more of the cool units you’ve invested in financially.

Now, Octopath Traveler 0 isn’t a gacha game. I’m just saying you can feel remnants of the game it’s based on from what’s presented, and it can feel a little jarring at first because it isn’t Octopath as we’ve known it – in fact, you could convince me it's a lost 2D Final Fantasy at times.

Stick with this adventure, however, and you’ll see it has plenty to offer on an engaging adventure that will keep you entertained for tens and tens of hours – no additional purchases necessary.

Revenge and reconstruction

Octopath Traveler 0 wandering through a craggy town

(Image credit: Square Enix)

As I mentioned in the intro, in terms of its story, Octopath Traveler 0 doesn’t feel very ‘Octopath’ at all. Rather than following eight plots for eight distinct adventurers which coalesce into a finale, you instead follow your own adventure – and can recruit over 30 different heroes to your party.

You create your own custom character for this game and then must face stories focused on the corrupting influences of Wealth, Power, and Fame – where you'll find the meat of the plot.

This focus on a linear story with a more limited opportunity to explore branched tracks is very different from Octopaths that have come before, but it’s not a wholly negative change. My gripe is simply that the less free-form plot feels better suited to a classic Final Fantasy 2D entry rather than an Octopath adventure.

It's not a bad adventure, though, in fact, it's a very compelling one with proper villains you can’t help but hate – a real classic RPG story. I simply found the change of pace a little jarring for this series specifically.

Octopath Traveler 0 looking at a destroyed town

Time to rebuild (Image credit: Square Enix)

There's also the Rekindling the Flame plot, which has the protagonist reconstruct their old home town by finding its surviving residents and rebuilding the long destroyed features that made it a home.

It's not as in-depth as a true cosy town simulator, but it is a delightful change of pace from the action-focused adventure. Plus, channelling your retribution into something more constructive can yield useful benefits – including the ability to power up your allies. So it's worth pursuing even if vengeance is your only goal.

To battle!

While the plot might not feel very Octopath, the turn-based combat feels more Octo than ever. That’s because your group now consists of eight fighters – a four-person front row and a four-person back row – which allows for a much more diverse team composition than the series’ usual four-person limit.

Only the characters in the front row can take actions, but each hero can swap with their partner behind them so that they can take a turn, and there are unlockable skills that allow your back row to support the folks in front of them without needing to take an action, or allow your front row to use a skill and tag out in a single move.

Octopath Traveler 0 battle against crabs on a beach

(Image credit: Square Enix)

For example, in my currently build I’ve paired up a cleric who can automatically heal the person in front of them with my squishy spell caster as their health can run low very quickly without support, and my tank who can provoke attacks is paired with an ally who has a skill that lets her fire her bow and instantly tag out – so she can swap in for a quick damage burst and then let my tank keep taking the hits.

Best Bit

Octopath Traveller 0 looking at a battle arena

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Combat feels like such a step up from the previous game, thanks to the bigger party allowing for more personalization of your team than ever, and setting off an Ultimate Technique never gets old.

The other big change is that your created character has unlocked a special skill called an Ultimate Technique. As the name implies, this charged ability (you can’t just spam it all the time) allows the protagonist to perform a big burst – you can unlock options like performing a mass heal or dealing a powerful strike, among others – that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

As you improve your town, you'll rebuild the training grounds so other party members can unlock their techniques too – I told you there’s a reason to play house even if your only goal is violence.

None of this is to say fights are trivial thanks to your ultimate moves and larger team. Boss battles and higher-level bouts can still present a challenge if you don’t prepare yourself. You can push your luck into higher-level locations to some extent, but for main quests, you'll find even adventures three or four levels above where you currently are can prove trickier than expected if you aren’t careful.

Octopath Traveler 0 fighting a monsterous witch

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Octopath or not, it's still delightful

Octopath Traveler 0 is a really enjoyable RPG experience, whether it feels truly Octopath to me or not.

Because all of the changes still work. The cohesive, more solo story is an awesome adventure that feels like the fantasy epic that RPGs have taken players on for decades, and the combat is compelling and with some many team members allows for some really creative and personal party composition.

There’s also been a simplification of path actions, which is a lot easier to follow than the confusing web of abilities offered in Octopath Traveler 2 – even if it strips away the identity of each character further than their lack of a unique plot already does.

If you love the Octopath series, a new adventure through Osterra will appeal, while fans of more typical RPGs may find this entry to be more accessible than ever, given that it follows a more standard story structure.

I’ve had a delightful time on my adventure, and at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.

Octopath Traveler 0 adventuring through a forest

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Should you play Octopath Traveler 0?

Play it if…

You want a classic RPG
Octopath Traveler 0 feels like a classic RPG. You've got a meaty plot and robust turn-based combat system to sink your teeth into.

You like to choose your own adventure
While not quite as free and open as Octopath usually is, this entry does feature a branching plot and a wide variety of characters to customize your team around.

You crave 2D beauty
I don't care how many times I see HD 2D aesthetics; they'll always be beautiful, and Octopath Traveler 0 is as pretty as a picture.

Don't play it if…

You want a cozy town builder
While rebuilding your home is a core plot of this story is still mostly focused on combat and adventure than cozy vibes.

You want proper Octopath
If Octopath‘s distinct brand of RPG is what you crave, then you won't hate this title; it just might not quite hit the spot for you.

You hate turn-based tactical combat
Turn-based combat isn’t for everyone, and while Octopath's break and boost system does some things to liven up the combat, it won't make turn-based action everyone's bag.

Acessibility

In terms of accessibility as a turn-based RPG, Octopath Traveler 0 has the advantage that players can take combat at their own pace – you can take 5 seconds or 5 minutes to make a move if you need.

The cutscenes are also played out as text dialogue that you can have play automatically, one message at a time, or at a faster auto speed if you want to rush through. Again, allowing you to enjoy the game at your own pace.

Most major cutscenes are also voiced, making it even easier to follow the plot if you hate excessive reading (as someone who’s dyslexic, voice acting is always a massive help for me).

How I reviewed Octopath Traveler 0

I played Octopath Traveler 0 on my Nintendo Switch 2, mostly playing undocked, but I did make sure to load the game up on my TV too to get a sense of the grander scale it has on a 55-inch QLED screen.

During my playthrough, I tried not just to follow the mainline quest but also to explore the sidequests and other adventuring opportunities to get a feel of the whole experience Octopath Traveler 0 offers.

First reviewed November-December 2025

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. is, by default, the best Xbox controller from the brand to date – but the lack of improvements is disappointing
4:00 am | November 6, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: one-minute review

We’re big fans of Thrustmaster’s eSwap products at TechRadar Gaming but the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. isn’t exactly the big leap forward the brand’s controller lineup needs. As for changes, the clue’s in the name. The H.E. packs in a pair of Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect thumbsticks, which is nice, and means you won’t need to buy them separately. It's one of the best Xbox controllers, but slightly better.

If you’re buying an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. is definitely the one to get. By default, it is the best eSwap gamepad to date by packing those Hall effect sticks in with the already excellent eSwap X2. And yes, you can still expect brilliant build quality and Thrustmaster’s commitment to accessibility and customizability through its swappable stick and D-pad modules.

But don’t expect any changes beyond that, which also means issues that we had with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 are still present here. It’s a bulky controller that, while ideal for big-handed players, can be a bit unwieldy for anyone else. I also found the D-pad to be a little uncomfortable over long play sessions.

Finally, I’m still baffled by the lack of a wireless connectivity option, given the relatively high price of the controller. This is a competitive-facing controller, and naturally wired connections offer little to no input latency. However, as we see in rival controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, wireless polling rates are improving, further reducing input lag over 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC. It’s something I’d like to see Thrustmaster at least consider if and when it gets around to making the eSwap X3.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability

  • List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
  • Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
  • Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. launched on October 1, 2025, and is available to buy from Thrustmaster’s website and other stocking retailers for $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260). In terms of price, it’s on par with the original Thrustmaster eSwap X2 in the US. In the UK, the eSwap X2 H.E. is £10 cheaper than the first eSwap X2, coming in at £149.99 as opposed to the prior model’s £169.99. Bonus.

Looking at the wider controller market, when it comes to pads compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. finds itself among a busy crowd. While cheaper than the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £199.99), it finds company with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).

And frankly, I’d recommend the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, due to the former’s Hall effect sticks and generally superior build quality.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

Weight

10.6oz / 0.3kg

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains largely identical to the original eSwap X2 in design. It’s the exact same shape and has all the same features. That includes swappable thumbstick and D-pad modules, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad.

You also have a row of on-board function buttons at the bottom of the controller, and these are for headset volume and mic muting, as well as swapping between custom button profiles. You can hit a ‘map’ button to customize the rear remappable buttons, too, if you don’t like the fact that they’re assigned to the four face buttons by default.

The controller does feel quite bulky in the hands, and the thumbsticks rest higher than what you’ll find on the average pad. As such, it really benefits players with larger hands, or those looking for an especially sturdy grip. It’s not quite to my personal preference, but I absolutely can see it being many players’ go-to pad for specifically this reason.

Much like the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. supports swappable stick and d-pad modules. These are magnetic, and pop out either by pulling them (don’t worry, you’re not at risk of breaking these as they’re especially sturdy and there’s no physical connection), or the included screwdriver which slots into the D-pad. This makes it easy to adopt a symmetrical stick layout if you prefer, or to swap out with other Thrustmaster modules that are sold separately.

As was the case with the eSwap X2, you can expect build quality to be solid here. After all, it is for all intents and purposes also an eSwap X2, just with the addition of those Hall effect sticks included in the box. So no movement or changes on that front.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance

The inclusion of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. thumbsticks really is the selling point here. These resist stick drift and are a massive improvement over the eSwap X2’s default sticks. They feel super smooth, too, reminding me greatly of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sublime stick feel.

Like the original X2, the face buttons here are impressively responsive and tactile, offering a mouse click-esque press. You’ll feel the difference immediately if you’re used to the softer, spongier button presses of cheaper pads like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The immediacy of presses here are super satisfying, and that also goes for the clicky bumpers and D-pad.

Speaking of, the D-pad here actually isn’t among my favorites. While I appreciate its responsiveness, the raised, bumpy design is something I found to be quite uncomfortable to use over longer stretches of time. It’s far from horrible, but for platformers, arcade-style games, and the best fighting games, it’s not a great fit.

One other thing to note is that the H.E. is still a strictly wired controller. To an extent, this is to be expected, as what we have here is essentially a slight revision of the eSwap X2. The ‘definitive’ version, quite possibly. I’d definitely like to see Thrustmaster offer a wireless solution for its next big gamepad release, though, as I strongly feel the option should be there when your controller is north of the $120 / £120 mark.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?

Buy it if...

You’re new to the eSwap line
If you’re looking to buy an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. really is the only choice you need to make. Depending on where you live, it’s the same price or slightly cheaper than the standard eSwap X2, and offers Hall effect sticks in the box.

You want a chunky, sizable controller
There aren’t many controllers that seem designed primarily for larger hands. This may not have been the intended design goal with the eSwap X2 H.E., but its chunky build and high quality make it extra comfortable if your hands are on the larger size.

Don't buy it if...

You own an eSwap X2
Quite simply, if you already have a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller, there’s no reason to buy this latest revision. Instead, you should consider picking up the H.E.A.R.T. modules from Thrustmaster’s website.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider

Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300)

Weight

10.6oz / 300g

9.3oz / 265g

11.53oz / 327g

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm

7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately)

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

Around 20 hours

Around 10 hours

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is more expensive, but offers wireless connectivity and a similar module-swapping tech to the eSwap X2 H.E. You’re even getting a ‘fightpad’ module in the box that works excellently with fighting games or your favorite arcade classics.

Read our full Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Certainly a strange one at first glance with its built-in LCD display. But this ends up being the Revolution X Unlimited’s best feature, offering plenty of convenient options and features right on the deck without needing to open any external software. A real winner and one of my favorites.

Read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review

How I tested the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

  • Tested for a week
  • Played a variety of games across Xbox and PC
  • Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others

I tested the eSwap X2 H.E. for about a week for this review. I was already familiar with the original eSwap X2 via its excellent Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree special edition, and I found the H.E. to be completely identical in design and performance, with the addition of those included Hall effect sticks.

I played games across Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, including Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage.

I compared my time with the eSwap X2 H.E. primarily with that of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Victrix’s pad is the most similar to Thrustmaster’s with its swappable modules. While I do prefer the Pro BFG Reloaded overall, that mainly comes down to personal preference given its aptitude for fighting games and a comfier build for my smaller hands. Still, the eSwap X2 H.E. is more affordable, which is a strong reason to consider it here.

First reviewed October/November 2025

Read more about how we test

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. is, by default, the best Xbox controller from the brand to date – but the lack of improvements is disappointing
4:00 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: one-minute review

We’re big fans of Thrustmaster’s eSwap products at TechRadar Gaming but the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. isn’t exactly the big leap forward the brand’s controller lineup needs. As for changes, the clue’s in the name. The H.E. packs in a pair of Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect thumbsticks, which is nice, and means you won’t need to buy them separately. It's one of the best Xbox controllers, but slightly better.

If you’re buying an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. is definitely the one to get. By default, it is the best eSwap gamepad to date by packing those Hall effect sticks in with the already excellent eSwap X2. And yes, you can still expect brilliant build quality and Thrustmaster’s commitment to accessibility and customizability through its swappable stick and D-pad modules.

But don’t expect any changes beyond that, which also means issues that we had with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 are still present here. It’s a bulky controller that, while ideal for big-handed players, can be a bit unwieldy for anyone else. I also found the D-pad to be a little uncomfortable over long play sessions.

Finally, I’m still baffled by the lack of a wireless connectivity option, given the relatively high price of the controller. This is a competitive-facing controller, and naturally wired connections offer little to no input latency. However, as we see in rival controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, wireless polling rates are improving, further reducing input lag over 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC. It’s something I’d like to see Thrustmaster at least consider if and when it gets around to making the eSwap X3.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability

  • List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
  • Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
  • Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. launched on October 1, 2025, and is available to buy from Thrustmaster’s website and other stocking retailers for $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260). In terms of price, it’s on par with the original Thrustmaster eSwap X2 in the US. In the UK, the eSwap X2 H.E. is £10 cheaper than the first eSwap X2, coming in at £149.99 as opposed to the prior model’s £169.99. Bonus.

Looking at the wider controller market, when it comes to pads compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. finds itself among a busy crowd. While cheaper than the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £199.99), it finds company with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).

And frankly, I’d recommend the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, due to the former’s Hall effect sticks and generally superior build quality.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

Weight

10.6oz / 0.3kg

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains largely identical to the original eSwap X2 in design. It’s the exact same shape and has all the same features. That includes swappable thumbstick and D-pad modules, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad.

You also have a row of on-board function buttons at the bottom of the controller, and these are for headset volume and mic muting, as well as swapping between custom button profiles. You can hit a ‘map’ button to customize the rear remappable buttons, too, if you don’t like the fact that they’re assigned to the four face buttons by default.

The controller does feel quite bulky in the hands, and the thumbsticks rest higher than what you’ll find on the average pad. As such, it really benefits players with larger hands, or those looking for an especially sturdy grip. It’s not quite to my personal preference, but I absolutely can see it being many players’ go-to pad for specifically this reason.

Much like the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. supports swappable stick and d-pad modules. These are magnetic, and pop out either by pulling them (don’t worry, you’re not at risk of breaking these as they’re especially sturdy and there’s no physical connection), or the included screwdriver which slots into the D-pad. This makes it easy to adopt a symmetrical stick layout if you prefer, or to swap out with other Thrustmaster modules that are sold separately.

As was the case with the eSwap X2, you can expect build quality to be solid here. After all, it is for all intents and purposes also an eSwap X2, just with the addition of those Hall effect sticks included in the box. So no movement or changes on that front.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance

The inclusion of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. thumbsticks really is the selling point here. These resist stick drift and are a massive improvement over the eSwap X2’s default sticks. They feel super smooth, too, reminding me greatly of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sublime stick feel.

Like the original X2, the face buttons here are impressively responsive and tactile, offering a mouse click-esque press. You’ll feel the difference immediately if you’re used to the softer, spongier button presses of cheaper pads like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The immediacy of presses here are super satisfying, and that also goes for the clicky bumpers and D-pad.

Speaking of, the D-pad here actually isn’t among my favorites. While I appreciate its responsiveness, the raised, bumpy design is something I found to be quite uncomfortable to use over longer stretches of time. It’s far from horrible, but for platformers, arcade-style games, and the best fighting games, it’s not a great fit.

One other thing to note is that the H.E. is still a strictly wired controller. To an extent, this is to be expected, as what we have here is essentially a slight revision of the eSwap X2. The ‘definitive’ version, quite possibly. I’d definitely like to see Thrustmaster offer a wireless solution for its next big gamepad release, though, as I strongly feel the option should be there when your controller is north of the $120 / £120 mark.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?

Buy it if...

You’re new to the eSwap line
If you’re looking to buy an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. really is the only choice you need to make. Depending on where you live, it’s the same price or slightly cheaper than the standard eSwap X2, and offers Hall effect sticks in the box.

You want a chunky, sizable controller
There aren’t many controllers that seem designed primarily for larger hands. This may not have been the intended design goal with the eSwap X2 H.E., but its chunky build and high quality make it extra comfortable if your hands are on the larger size.

Don't buy it if...

You own an eSwap X2
Quite simply, if you already have a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller, there’s no reason to buy this latest revision. Instead, you should consider picking up the H.E.A.R.T. modules from Thrustmaster’s website.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider

Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300)

Weight

10.6oz / 300g

9.3oz / 265g

11.53oz / 327g

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm

7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately)

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

Around 20 hours

Around 10 hours

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is more expensive, but offers wireless connectivity and a similar module-swapping tech to the eSwap X2 H.E. You’re even getting a ‘fightpad’ module in the box that works excellently with fighting games or your favorite arcade classics.

Read our full Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Certainly a strange one at first glance with its built-in LCD display. But this ends up being the Revolution X Unlimited’s best feature, offering plenty of convenient options and features right on the deck without needing to open any external software. A real winner and one of my favorites.

Read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review

How I tested the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

  • Tested for a week
  • Played a variety of games across Xbox and PC
  • Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others

I tested the eSwap X2 H.E. for about a week for this review. I was already familiar with the original eSwap X2 via its excellent Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree special edition, and I found the H.E. to be completely identical in design and performance, with the addition of those included Hall effect sticks.

I played games across Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, including Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage.

I compared my time with the eSwap X2 H.E. primarily with that of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Victrix’s pad is the most similar to Thrustmaster’s with its swappable modules. While I do prefer the Pro BFG Reloaded overall, that mainly comes down to personal preference given its aptitude for fighting games and a comfier build for my smaller hands. Still, the eSwap X2 H.E. is more affordable, which is a strong reason to consider it here.

First reviewed October/November 2025

Read more about how we test

The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is a great premium PS5 controller, but it hasn’t blown me away like its Xbox counterpart did
6:00 pm | October 23, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: one-minute review

After roughly two weeks with the Razer Raiju V3 Pro, I can confidently say it’s one of the best PS5 controllers I’ve tested to date. While it’s arguable that the space doesn’t have all that many compelling third-party options - outside of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded at least - Razer’s controller nonetheless sets a new standard for PS5 pads.

It accomplishes this partly through its inclusion of tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) thumbsticks. That’s not as glamorous as it sounds - simply providing a highly drift resistant pair of sticks similar to Hall effect - but it’s an overdue inclusion among the best PS5 pads that significantly cheaper offerings on rival platforms have had for a number of years now. See the GameSir Tarantula Pro or 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for proof of that.

But that’s not the only reason to consider buying the Razer Raiju V3 Pro. Like with the Xbox-compatible Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, Razer’s own mouse click tech powers its remappable rear buttons, bumpers, and triggers, and they all feel so amazingly satisfying to press. As an esports-facing controller, rapid responsiveness for button presses is paramount, and the immediacy on offer here is simply excellent.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Aspects that I loved about the Wolverine V3 Pro are here on the Raiju. Razer has arguably the best trigger locks in the business, again leveraging that mouse clickiness for quick and satisfying results. The circular d-pad design remains one of my favorites, too, allowing for a heightened level of precision over traditional 4-way d-pads; truly a wonderful thing for the best fighting games, especially.

So far so good, then, and the inclusion of a carry case is a welcome one if you’re inclined to take your controller out with you to local tournaments or just to a buddy’s house. But I have to mark down the Raiju V3 Pro slightly in its overall build quality.

While still certainly on the higher end of PlayStation pads, it just doesn’t feel quite as premium as its Xbox counterpart. The face buttons, too - while still making use of tactile microswitches - don’t feel quite as satisfying or clicky as they do on the Wolverine V3 Pro. A shame, especially given that the Raiju is more expensive than the Wolverine in the US and the same price as it in the UK.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: price and availability

  • List price: $219.99 / £199.99 (around AU$339)
  • Available now at Razer and select retailers
  • Similarly priced to the Wolverine V3 Pro

The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is available to buy now for $219.99 / £199.99 (around AU$339). You can pick up the PS5-compatible controller from Razer’s own website, or stocking retailers in the US and UK. An Amazon listing is due to go live at a later date.

In terms of price, it falls in the same territory as other premium-adjacent PlayStation 5 controllers. For example, the DualSense Edge comes in at $199.99 / £199.99, while the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is available for $209.99 / £179.99.

But why are these controllers so expensive? Truthfully it usually comes down to two things. For one, they’re aimed at a specialist market - usually competitive gamers. Secondly, such gamepads typically come loaded with extra features like enhanced thumbsticks, trigger locks, remappable buttons, microswitches and more. There may or may not be a bit of a brand tax in the mix, too.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: Specs

Price

$219.99 / £199.99 (around AU$339)

Weight

9.8oz / 279g

Dimensions

6.6 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 168 x 105 x 65mm

Compatibility

PS5, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

Around 10 hours

Razer Raiju V3 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: design and features

While a counterpart to the Wolverine V3 Pro, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro actually looks a lot more similar to the Wolverine V2 Pro from a few years back. It has the same general silhouette, albeit with an entirely matte black finish rather than a clean white. It’s a very unassuming look, with even the PlayStation face button iconography sharing the same black as the pad itself.

Expect a similar layout to that of the DualSense Wireless Controller, or indeed the DualSense Edge. Symmetrical thumbsticks, a central Home dashboard button, along with a large center (and functioning) touchpad with Options and Share buttons on either side. The triggers and bumpers are a bit of a departure, though, feeling more similar to that of the Xbox Wireless Controller.

Usual suspects aside, the feature set is practically identical to the Wolverine V3 Pro. Two claw grip bumpers (essentially secondary bumpers lodged next to the triggers) are joined by four remappable rear buttons situated behind the pad’s grips. There’s also a pair of two-way trigger lock switches at the top rear, and between those, switches for swapping between wired and wireless play, and PC and PS5 connectivity.

The textured grips feel wonderful, and let you get a firm, comfortable grasp of the controller during play. The remappable buttons are positioned so that your fingers rest conveniently on them, too.

It’s a very solidly built controller, overall. But a nagging feeling I had during testing was that it just doesn’t feel quite as nice as the Wolverine V3 Pro. For that Xbox controller, I found its build quality to be one of the highlights, feeling suitably weighty and well-built.

The Raiju V3 Pro is noticeably lighter, which isn’t a bad thing in and of itself, but materials used here just feel a touch less premium overall, from its chassis to its sticks and buttons. Plus, the fact the USB-C port juts outwardly is an awkward blemish on the controller’s looks. And it could also mean that cables beyond the one Razer has included might not fit.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: Performance

I at least can’t fault the Razer Raiju V3 Pro when it comes to gaming performance. Like its Xbox cousin, the Raiju provides a superb play experience especially in online multiplayer environments.

TMR sticks are a really welcome addition here. They achieve much the same as Hall effect by eliminating the risk of stick drift. However, they’re a lot closer to traditional analog sticks in feel, if that’s something you prefer. If you’re jumping over from a DualSense, you should feel right at home here, then, albeit the sticks on the Raiju are leagues ahead in durability.

Like the Wolverine V3 Pro, the Raiju is an exceptionally satisfying pad from a play perspective. The tactile immediacy of its buttons, d-pad, bumpers, and triggers (provided you’ve got those trigger locks enabled) just feels great in practice.

While I dabble in Fortnite and PUBG Battlegrounds, fighting games are my go-to competitive experience. And I’m as happy with the Raiju in this regard as I was with the Wolverine V3 Pro. The clicky, circular d-pad helps tremendously with rapid movement and motion-based inputs, whereas with traditional 4-way d-pads, it’s a lot easier to fumble commands or hit something you didn’t mean to. I’d genuinely love it if this circular design became the standard across most gamepads going forward; it just feels so nice in comparison.

In terms of battery life, it’s a similar story with the Raiju as it was with the Wolverine V3 Pro. I got around 10 hours out of the controller before it started to drop off and lose connection. Not brilliant, especially compared to the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded and Revolution 5 Pro, but certainly a step up from the DualSense Edge’s 5-6 hours on average.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Razer Raiju V3 Pro?

Buy it if...

You want a more fulsome premium PS5 controller experience
The DualSense Edge is nice with all its PlayStation-centric features, but it doesn’t offer TMR sticks, claw grip bumpers, or the same tactile feeling. The Raiju addresses all of this, making for a more complete competitive-ready controller overall.

You play a lot of online multiplayer
Whether it’s shooters, fighting games, or otherwise, this controller is tailor-made for competitive play, and absolutely succeeds in delivering a satisfying, expertly responsive experience.

Don't buy it if...

You want to enjoy the DualSense’s bespoke features
You won’t be getting PlayStation’s haptic feedback or adaptive triggers here while playing on PS5 or for compatible PC titles. If you really want those extra layers of immersion or tactility, you should stick with a DualSense or DualSense Edge.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: Also consider

If the Razer Raiju V3 Pro isn’t quite what you’re looking for, there are other premium controller options for PS5 you might want to consider instead.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

DualSense Edge

Price

$219.99 / £199.99 (around AU$339)

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

$199.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95

Weight

9.8oz / 279g

9.3oz / 265g

11.4oz / 322g

Dimensions

6.6 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 168 x 105 x 65mm

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm

Compatibility

PS5, PC

PS5, PS4, PC (Xbox version sold separately)

PS5, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (PS5 native), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

Around 10 hours

Around 20 hours

5-6 hours

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
An excellent premium PS5 controller with a unique selling point; the ability to swap out dedicated stick and button modules to your liking. This lets you adopt either symmetrical or asymmetrical stick layouts, for example. An included fightpad module is also excellent for fighting games.

Read our full Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review

DualSense Edge
Not quite as impressive when compared to its immediate competition, but it does offer PlayStation’s unique haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. A pair of handy function buttons also let you swap button profiles on the fly, which is a nice touch.

Read our full DualSense Edge review

How I tested the Razer Raiju V3 Pro

  • Tested for two weeks
  • Played a range of PS5 and PC games
  • Compared directly to its Xbox counterpart, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

I tested the Razer Raiju V3 Pro for around two weeks for this review. In that time, I played a handful of games across PS5 and PC - both single player and online multiplayer-focused. These include Monster Hunter Wilds, Fortnite, Final Fantasy 14 Online, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and the recently-released Ninja Gaiden 4.

I compared my experience with the Raiju to that of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. I certainly prefer that Xbox counterpart thanks to its more premium-feeling build quality. But overall, both are top performers when it comes to gaming proper, and I could easily recommend both depending on your platform of choice.

First reviewed October 2025

Read more about how we test

The PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox frustrates with distracting RGB lighting and trigger locks that aren’t fit for purpose
11:00 pm | October 18, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: One-minute review

It brings me no pleasure to find that the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox is the most disappointing product I’ve tested in the brand’s catalog to date. PowerA is admittedly a brand I’ve had mixed feelings about in the past. Sometimes it provides real winners, like the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller, which I consider a solid alternative to the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Other times it doesn’t quite hit the mark, like we’ve seen recently with the PowerA Advantage Switch 2 Wired Controller and indeed the Fusion Pro for Xbox here.

First and foremost, the best Xbox controllers should provide a satisfying play experience with minimal frustrations, but this PowerA pad is loaded with them. From its awkward d-pad and abrasive textured grips, to obnoxious Lumectra RGB lighting and trigger locks that simply don’t work most of the time, this is a controller that tries and fails to punch above its weight class with an absurdly high price tag to match.

It’s not all bad. You at least get a carry case and charging dock included in the box. Battery life is reasonably strong, and a neat audio switch lets you adjust headset volume or mute your mic in an instant. I also love PowerA’s quick-twist thumbsticks here, which provide three adjustable height levels. Plus, they’re Hall effect, meaning they’ll be able to resist stick drift much longer than traditional analog sticks. Still, these high points don’t do enough to outweigh the myriad frustrations I have with this controller.

PowerA Fusion Pro

(Image credit: Future)

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: Price and availability

  • List price: $169.99 / £149.99 / AU$199.95
  • Comparable in price to the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
  • There are plenty of cheaper and better options available for Xbox and PC

I’d feel a bit more comfortable recommending the Fusion Pro for Xbox if it weren’t for that eye-watering price tag. At $169.99 / £149.99 / AU$199.95, it’s bordering on the premium territory of Xbox pads like the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro.

If the Fusion Pro provided a stellar controller experience, the price would be an easier pill to swallow. The issue for PowerA is that there’s no shortage of superb Xbox and PC-compatible controllers like it that are available for less than half of its price, including the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, GameSir Kaleid, and even the official Xbox Wireless Controller.

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: Specs

Price

$169.99 / £149.99 / AU$199.95

Weight

1.44lbs / 0.65kg

Dimensions

6.1 x 4.2 x 2.4in / 156 x 107 x 61mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

Around 30 hours

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: Design and features

The initial package out of the box is promising. The PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox comes with a carry case and bespoke charging dock, both incredibly useful accessories that I welcome with any gamepad. Both are solidly made, too. Especially the charging dock, which is well-built, unintrusive, and can sit in any gaming setup ready to charge your pad up via USB-C. The carry case, meanwhile, is sturdy and has a compartment for the USB-C cable.

The pad itself bears a striking resemblance to the official Xbox Wireless Controller, which certainly isn’t anomalous in the wider Xbox controller market. It does feel slightly weightier than Microsoft’s pad, owing to inclusions like trigger locks and a magnetic charging dock connector.

Carrying on with the good, the controller’s quick-twist thumbsticks are genuinely brilliant. Turning them clockwise raises the thumbstick shaft, while lowering it when turned counterclockwise. There are three height levels here, and I personally found the middle setting to be the most comfortable. They lock firmly in place after adjusting, too, so there’s no unnecessary fiddling.

Besides a handy headset audio adjustment switch, that’s about where my praise ends for the PowerA Fusion Pro. To that end, I simply could not get on with the abundance of RGB lighting here. By default, a bright rainbow effect coats the controller, revealing a preset tribal-esque silhouette. It’s a nice pattern, but I found it to be really distracting during play.

You can change the RGB pattern profile (or switch it off entirely) via a dedicated button on the rear of the controller. I opted to keep it switched off, as some of the other pulse-like patterns weren’t much better.

The overall feel of the controller leaves much to be desired, too. The textured grips feel just a little too rough on my hands, making for rather uncomfortable long play sessions. The d-pad is also fairly listless, feeling fine on one end while awkwardly spongy and hard to press on the other. Admittedly, this could be an issue with my unit specifically, but something to keep in mind if you’re planning on buying.

PowerA Fusion Pro

(Image credit: Future)

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: Performance

Despite my criticism, I can at least say the PowerA Fusion Pro does get the job done as a controller. If you can ignore the awkward d-pad and abrasive textured grips, performance is perfectly reasonable across the board.

A major gripe here, though, is that the 3-step trigger locks just don’t work. When set to the midpoint, you have to squeeze the triggers really quite hard to register the press. And on the most acute setting, the triggers stop working entirely.

This was the case across multiple games I tested with the controller, including Halo Infinite, Fortnite, and Final Fantasy 14 Online. I like a shallow trigger in games like these, as it lets me fire weapons (or access hotbars in the latter’s case) a good deal quicker, but I was unable to do this on the Fusion Pro.

On a more positive note, the Fusion Pro’s battery life exceeded my expectations, coming in at around 25-30 hours when used wirelessly via a 2.4GHz connection. I tested the controller over the course of a week, across both Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, and found I didn’t have to charge the controller until my very last few sessions with it. Impressive stuff, and beats many other Xbox controllers - both cheaper and pricier than this one - on battery life overall.

PowerA Fusion Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox?

Buy it if…

You really, really like RGB
I can’t lie, the RGB pattern itself on the PowerA Fusion Pro is really quite lovely, and I like the underlying tribal-like pattern. For me, it’s just a bit too distracting during gameplay, but might be worth checking out if you like color-filled controllers.

Don’t buy it if…

There are better, cheaper options available
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a quality Xbox or PC pad. Most GameSir and 8BitDo controllers, for example, come in well under $100 / £100 while still being replete with desirable features.

Also consider...

I’m being honest here; the PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox would be a hard sell at most price points. Consider these two excellent alternatives if you’re currently shopping for a new Xbox and/or PC gamepad.

PowerA Fusion Pro

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

8BitDo Ultimate 2

Price

$169.99 / £149.99 / AU$199.95

$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$229)

$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)

Weight

1.44lbs / 0.65kg

0.72lbs / 0.33kg

0.54lbs / 0.25kg

Dimensions

6.1 x 4.2 x 2.4in / 156 x 107 x 61mm

6.5 x 4.5 x 2.2in / 164 x 115 x 56mm

5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

Around 30 hours

Around 10 hours

10-15 hours

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
A superb premium controller and one of the brand’s best-ever. This Xbox and PC controller’s unique selling point is its handy on-board LCD display, which lets you quickly customize aspects of your pad and gameplay sessions, including button mapping and headset volume. It’s a real winner for the price.

Read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review

8BitDo Ultimate 2
For a more budget-friendly choice, I can’t recommend the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate 2 enough. Pleasant and subtle RGB ring lights, drift-resistant TMR thumbsticks, and sublime build quality make this one a real budget powerhouse.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate 2 review

PowerA Fusion Pro

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox

  • Tested for one week
  • Played several games across Xbox and PC
  • Compared to competitors from Razer, Nacon, 8BitDo, and more

I used the PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox for a week in order to write this review. During that time, I played a wide range of titles on Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, including Fortnite, Silent Hill f, Tekken 8, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and much more besides.

Given this controller’s high price point, I compared it directly to similarly priced Xbox gamepad competitors like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and Nacon Revolution X Unlimited. These pads are slightly pricier, but offer more satisfying play with better build quality and high-end features (not to mention trigger locks that actually work).

Even then, I found a lot more to love with cheaper controllers, including the GameSir Kaleid and 8BitDo Ultimate 2. Both offer sublime features like Hall effect or TMR thumbsticks, clicky microswitch-powered buttons, and a tasteful amount of RGB that isn’t overly distracting to the eye.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2025

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a must-play for tactical RPG devotees – here’s my verdict on Square Enix’s revamped classic
4:00 pm | September 24, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

When Final Fantasy Tactics was released in 1997, it was lauded as a masterful tactical role-playing game (RPG), mixing impressive visual effects with depth-filled combat and a stellar narrative. But now, this beloved title has been reborn, affording longtime fans as well as new players the chance to experience it all. Enter Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – Square Enix’s remaster of a true classic.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Nintendo Switch (physical and digital); Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC (digital only)
Release date: September 30, 2025

This expanded remaster brings plenty of shiny new stuff to the table. It’s fully voice-acted, has considerably upgraded visuals, and a fair few quality-of-life updates. All of these are available in the ‘Enhanced’ edition of the game, but you can also play through the original if you’d prefer, which uses the translation from War of the Lions – an updated version of the game which launched on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) back in 2007.

Anyway, I’ve played through the entirety of the Enhanced version of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, and I’ve got plenty of thoughts – most of which are positive, fans will be delighted to hear! Let’s take a closer look at this remaster, then, and find out if it can do justice to a real fan favorite.

An adventure like no other

Two chocobos drinking water in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)

If you’re new to Final Fantasy Tactics, I’ll give you a quick rundown of the game’s premise. Ramza Beoulve is a highborn young man, who is thrust into a deeply political, brutal conflict – one that centers around two nobles vying for the throne of Ivalice.

Ramza – alongside his allies – will play a gigantic part in the war’s trajectory…though his actions will later be obscured in the history books. It is up to you, the player, to uncover the truth behind this conflict – and the importance of Ramza’s role within it.

You’ll control young Ramza and his allies across various battlefields, which use a tile configuration – something that fans of the Fire Emblem series, for example, will be well familiar with. You’ll have to level up your characters, recruit increasingly powerful units, and make use of the renowned job system – one of the best parts of the game, hands down.

You can switch between a number of jobs – spell casters like Black and White Mages, sword users like Squires and Knights, and a whole lot more. A key difference in the Enhanced version is that there’s a fully-fledged Job Tree, which makes it easy to understand how to unlock each class, and lets you track your progress in doing so.

Best bit

Monk unit in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)

I had a huge amount of fun creating an army-crushing squad in The Ivalice Chronicles. Creating a monk, who could heal and hit-hard, while also using the Ninja’s dual wield skill for 2x the power, made for a truly devastating combination.

As had previously been the case, you earn job points in battle to increase a unit’s proficiency in a particular class, through which you can earn new abilities and passive skills. Mixing and matching skills from different jobs is great fun – and optimizing your skillset will be crucial if you want to make it through the main story, which is by no means a breeze…more on that later.

Some jobs do take ages to unlock – but it doesn’t always feel worth your time, given that some of the classes further along the tree have skills that seem a little situational. Still, you don’t have to make use of these jobs. One of my main units, for reference, was a monk – a melee fighter class you unlock pretty early. I just ensured that he had secondary skills from the Ninja class to keep him primed for late-game combat.

If your beloved monk unit dies in battle, for example, it may well be gone forever…devastating, I know. When a character faints, a display with three hearts will appear above it, and one heart will deplete for each turn a character remains unconscious. If you don’t revive it or complete the battle objective within this time, it will be gone forever.

New auto-save slots have made it easier to go back to before your unit dies – which is a very welcome inclusion. I used this a fair amount in my playthrough. After all, do you really want to spend hours on end re-training a new unit? Personally, I don’t have time for all that!

There’s one more thing I’d like to note about perma-death. In Fire Emblem titles, your units typically have a unique appearance and personality – something that can leave you feeling attached to them, and this causes deaths to feel that little bit more gutting.

In Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, though, a lot of characters have identical appearances and no personality beyond their brief vocal soundbites. This meant I wasn’t particularly attached or interested in my standard units – I often replaced them with special ones that play a more direct role in the plot, have unique costumes, and join your party as you progress through the story. By the way, Cloud from Final Fantasy VII (one of my favorite games, and one of the best RPGs of all time) is one of these…how cool is that?!

Not for the faint of heart

Ramza's turn in battle from Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)

Speaking of special units, some of these are going to be extremely helpful – and sometimes almost feel necessary – to get through story battles. There’s one in particular who will join you late on, who is seriously powerful. I won’t spoil who it is for newcomers, but without them, I’d have been toast on a number of occasions.

Yes, I’ll be honest, I found The Ivalice Chronicles to be hard. At times, very hard. I’m an RPGs guy, and have finished some pretty punishing titles – yes, even Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne. But the thing that caught me off guard in this game was its severe difficulty spikes.

Some of these, especially early on, forced me to better my understanding of the title’s impressively deep battle mechanics – stuff like zodiac compatibility, faith, and bravery elements require close attention.

Difficulty spikes later on, though, could feel pretty frustrating. I went from reconsidering my team’s build and strategy early on to reconsidering whether my sanity was still intact by the end. These spikes can make progression feel a little uneven, it has to be said, although there are ways to push through the most challenging encounters.

For instance, you can hop into random battles on the world map to grind up your levels and earn job points to get better healing skills, spells, and combat abilities. And these are entirely at your own pace – don’t fancy a random encounter? Just press flee and you can skip it. Need some EXP? Run around for a bit and prepare for battle. I love that you’re not forced into fights – something that can make some RPGs feel repetitive and relentless.

In addition, you can complete errands, which give you gil (the game’s currency) to spend on better armor, weapons, headgear, and accessories. They can also give you experience points and job points. These are entirely optional and are a useful way to earn experience for any backup units you want to use in the event of a character dying, for example.

Anyway, after you’ve been struggling in a fight and you’ve taken some time to train up, you’ll likely find a route to victory. And when you do, you’re going to feel very satisfied – I know I did. The endgame especially was pretty rough for me, but I got there in the end. It's worth noting that I played the whole game on Knight difficulty – the sort of ‘normal’ level. However, the Enhanced version adds an easy mode, Squire, and a hard mode, Tactician – that one’s for the show-offs.

A message more potent than ever, for a new generation

Barbaneth speaks on his deathbed in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles has a stellar narrative – one that plays to themes that are arguably even more timely now than they were almost 30 years ago.

The conflict I mentioned earlier takes place after a separate 50-year-long war, which has left much of the kingdom in economic turmoil. Distrust in the ruling class is at an all-time high, with the masses left to struggle in a ruined kingdom while nobles indulge in luxury. The world was, and remains, incredibly designed, with a new ‘state of the realm’ page that clarifies story details and can refresh your memory of character names, among other things.

State of the realm is one of many additions – most of which make for a much more refined experience. Personally, I love the revamped graphics – the game remains true to its roots, visually speaking. Battle animations are incredibly fluid, backdrops are beautifully composed, and colors really pop, injecting a ton of character into this complex world. The incredible score also adds so much texture to the world, and even random encounter tracks, like Apoplexy and Desert Land, had my head bopping mid-battle.

Functionally speaking, one of the best new features is fast-forward, which makes the pace of battle so much more palatable. A lot of movement and combat does feel pretty sluggish, so being able to speed through your enemy’s actions is most welcome. This also helps if you’re sitting through dialogue you’re already familiar with, and I made extensive use of it.

I already mentioned stuff like difficulty options, the job tree, and auto-save – and these all feel like considered, user-friendly inclusions – but despite that, there was some stuff I wasn’t loving about the Enhanced version.

Job tree in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)

This might be controversial, but I think the voice acting is, at best, just OK. Some characters are well represented. Ben Starr – who was phenomenal as Verso in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – does a good job with the cunning and crafty Dycedarg. The personalities of other characters, including Agrias, Cidolfus, and Ramza himself, are also communicated well – but the same can’t be said for others.

Some performances feel a little restrained, non-special characters occasionally have inconsistent accents or tones of voice, and some non-player characters (NPCs) have voices that don’t match their sprites whatsoever. I mean, am I really meant to believe this teenage-looking soldier sounds like a 50-year-old geezer from the east end of London?

Furthermore, I was frustrated by the game’s camera on numerous occasions. Sometimes, it would pan to a bizarre angle that prevented me from seeing the on-screen action. A new overhead tactical view did remedy this at times, but I would’ve liked some further improvements here. Otherwise, performance is fantastic on the PS5 version, no notes.

There's one more thing that didn’t bother me too much, but will be a concern for others. Content from War of the Lions is largely missing in this remaster. That means that its side content and drawn cutscenes have been mostly left out – something that will upset fans of the well-regarded PSP version, I’m sure.

Still, though, I have to say that I had a great time with Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. Yes, I have some minor gripes – severe difficulty spikes, a sometimes flawed camera, and imperfect voice acting, above all. But those things are certainly not enough to get in the way of an unforgettable adventure, packed with satisfyingly deep combat, a timely, well-written story, and a great score. The quality of life upgrades and enhanced visuals make this the ultimate way for new players to explore Ivalice, and if you’re a fan of tactical RPGs, this remains easy to recommend.

Should you play Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles?

Cyclops appears in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)

Play it if...

You want to revisit a 90s classic
If you’re a new player, or you were a fan of the original Final Fantasy Tactics, this expanded remaster is the perfect way to play it. With fast-forward, a tactical view, and graphical refinements, it’s a far more fluid and fast-paced adventure than ever before.

You want to sink your teeth into some deep lore
Ivalice is a kingdom that has long been marred by war and political disorder. Seeing how this climate influences the ideology of various actors from a range of factions is engrossing. The plot itself is densely layered, and the new ‘state of the realm’ menu provides an impressive level of context and information around Ivalice’s characters and conflicts.

Don't play it if...

You’re expecting an action RPG Final Fantasy experience
If you’re expecting the action-focused combat of more recent Final Fantasy titles – or even the active time battle system from others, The Ivalice Chronicles may catch you off guard. It’s a tactical RPG which shares a lot of similarities with games like Fire Emblem, so if you’re not into strategic tile-based titles, you may want to give this a miss.

You’re not digging the pixel style
The Ivalice Chronicles uses an Enhanced version of the pixel style used for the original PS1 title. But if you’re not really a fan of that, and want a full-blown 3D adventure more akin to Final Fantasy XVI, then again, you may be better off skipping this one.

Accessibility features

There are a few useful accessibility settings in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. For instance, there’s a sound visualization option, which displays in-game sounds on the edges of the screen, as well as the choice to show speaker names during spoken exchanges.

There are also sound effect subtitles, volume sliders, multiple text languages (Japanese, English, German, and French), and both English and Japanese voice language options. Unfortunately, there is no colorblind mode or similar.

How I reviewed Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles:

Ramza from Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)

OK, so I spent more than 50 hours playing Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, battling through the entire main story, a healthy portion of side content, errands, and random encounters. I played the Enhanced version of the game in order to assess the remaster’s quality of life upgrades, graphical improvements, and voice acting.

I played the PS5 edition of the game, with my console connected up to the Sky Glass Gen 2 television and the Samsung HW-Q800D soundbar. When I was out and about, I’d also occasionally dip into the game via remote play on my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, but this was pretty rare.

Personally, I’ve reviewed a variety of games here at TechRadar, including recent releases like Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army and Drag x Drive. I've also played a number of tactical RPGs, such as Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade, and a range of Final Fantasy titles.

First reviewed September 2025

Lost Soul Aside is Final Fantasy meets Devil May Cry… and some jank
2:00 pm | September 7, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Playstation | Tags: | Comments: Off

Lost Soul Aside has come a long way since its initial promotional video went viral back in 2016, with super slick combat and visuals being enough to catch Sony’s attention. Nine years later, the final product is a PS5 console exclusive that mostly lives up to the exhilarating battles and landscapes that were shown that day.

Still, its shallow story and poor performance on PC makes Lost Soul Aside sometimes feel like a husk of an action adventure game.

Lost Soul Aside follows a young man named Kaser as he joins a resistance group named Glimmer against the empire. It starts off as a potentially intriguing and politically engaged story, but quickly devolves into a generic adventure about saving the world against interdimensional monsters called Voidrax and their commander, Aramon. The plot twists are obvious, so it’s hard to really stay invested, even when the stakes are increased when the Voidrax steal the soul of Kaser’s sister, Louisa.

Along the way, Kaser joins forces with a floating dragon-shaped Voidrax creature named Arena, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed their banter together as they traveled across different biomes and dimensions. Arena expresses regrets about his past actions and vows to make amends by giving Kaser the ability to fight back against the Voidrax. Learning more about Arena’s backstory kept me engaged with the game outside of the combat even when the story itself was a plodding bore.

DMC meets Final Fantasy

Lost Soul Aside.

(Image credit: Sony)

The gameplay is where it really shines. Its real-time action combat plays most like Devil May Cry with its heavy emphasis on combos, and you’ll gain access to more weapons as the game progresses. Between Kaser’s four options, a sword, greatsword, spear, and scythe, it’s immensely satisfying to seamlessly switch between each of them during the heat of battle.

While the pace at which the spear and scythe are unlocked later in the game may be a bit slow, there are plenty of combos to execute with the sword and greatsword during the first half. This is due to the excellent upgrade system. Kaser has a skill tree for each of his weapons, and each node provides a stat boost or some sort of follow up attack to his combos. It isn’t necessarily revolutionary, but its straightforward nature gets the job done. This helps to alleviate the pacing gap between unlocking all of Kaser’s weapons.

Lost Soul Aside gets even more of a visual spectacle by giving Kaser his own Voidrax-infused special attacks with Arena. They switch up the gameplay enough so it’s not a constant button mashing affair. Kaser can equip up to three at a time and they vary quite a bit.

My favorite ones include Breath Barrage, which summons two floating smaller Arena-shaped heads that automatically fire like turrets. Lifeforce Bestower summons a tree that slowly heals Kaser as long as he remains within range.

Best bit

Lost Soul Aside.

(Image credit: Sony)

Lost Soul Aside is at its best when you've unlocked all of Kaser's weapons. The combat is the most refined aspect of the game and being able to switch between weapons on the fly makes battles feel like butter, even with the less than ideal frame rate. The weapon trinkets and accessories that Kaser can equip have a compounding impact on the moment-to-moment action, adding a surprising amount of depth and customization to combat.

These powers also add a more strategic element to the fights. After breaking an enemy’s shield, I’d activate Breath Barrage so that I can maximize my damage output before they can recover, and Lifeforce Bestower lets me reserve my own healing potions as long as I play conservatively for an amount of time. Experimenting with how Arena’s powers could synergize with Kaser’s combos gave the gameplay a new dimension to have fun with.

Kaser can also augment his weapons with accessories found throughout levels in chests or rewards for story progression. They give various effects like simply increasing your damage output by 5% or restoring some amount of HP when landing a critical hit. At first, these don’t really seem to make immediate changes. However, as you accumulate more weapon accessories and even stronger ones, their impact becomes apparent. It really scratches the min-max part of my brain even though there’s no traditional stat upgrade system.

Not so smooth

Lost Soul Aside.

(Image credit: Sony)

On the graphical side, Lost Soul Aside is impressive. It’s got the hyper-realistic anime style that Final Fantasy is known for. The numerous biomes and environments are breathtaking to look at too. While levels can feel a bit railroaded sometimes, there are instances where you’re encouraged to explore and can find chests containing gold or sometimes even trinkets Kaser could equip on himself for passive effects.

There are also special combat trials called Dispersed Dimensions hidden throughout the levels that provide rewards for beating them under certain conditions like completing under a time limit or Kaser’s health constantly drains. The rewards were definitely worthwhile as the trinkets were rarer and had more powerful effects than the ones you’d find in chests.

However, the experience is mired by poor performance on PC. There are constant stutters and framerate drops everywhere, both in and out of battle. Even opening up the menu causes a bit of lag, and there’s about a second of a delay where the screen turns to black before returning back into the game, which is noticeably annoying. The performance is particularly detrimental considering Lost Soul Aside is a fast-paced action game and every second matters or you risk losing.

Lost Soul Aside.

(Image credit: Sony)

For example, there’s a specific Dispersed Dimension challenge where enemies can only be damaged by Arena’s attacks. With all of the particle effects activating simultaneously, this caused my game to slow down to a crawl, and even freeze for a few seconds before resuming. This same trial also gives a bonus reward if complete without taking any damage. With performance issues like these, meeting this condition was frustratingly impossible.

The stuttering can also be a huge problem during platforming segments. Missing a platform jump really gets on the nerves, especially when it sends you all the way back to the start of the section. The platforming itself is awkward as well. His jumping range fluctuates too much, causing me to miss more platforms than I’d like to admit. When Kaser’s feet touch the ground, it never feels quite right—the sensory impact feels too soft and doesn’t quite stick with the landing for me.

Lost Soul Aside arguably excels the most where it matters: the frantic and exciting gameplay, along with the pretty visuals. Everything else around it, however, isn’t really up to par. Its story isn’t all that interesting, and the performance issues on PC leave much to be desired. Its influences are certainly apparent, but it's clear that its blade isn’t nearly as sharp.

Should you play Lost Soul Aside?

Play it if...

You love character action games
If you’re a fan of Devil May Cry and recent Final Fantasy titles, you’ll enjoy Lost Soul Aside’s combat.

You love character action games
If you’re a fan of Devil May Cry and recent Final Fantasy titles, you’ll enjoy Lost Soul Aside’s combat..

Don't play it if...

You want a deep story
The story here gets the job done, but it's not particularly engaging.

You want a stable experience Right now, the PC version suffers from plenty of stuttering issues, so wait for a patch or update before diving in.

Accessibility features

Lost Soul Aside has disappointingly few accessibility features compared to other Sony-published games.

However, there are options for Colorblind mode (Red, Green, Blue) and a Colorblind intensity slider. There are also sliders for adjusting camera sensitivity and motion blur.

How I reviewed Lost Soul Aside

I played Lost Soul Aside on PC for 23 hours and finished the main campaign, along with doing a majority of the Dispersed Dimensions and finding as many collectibles as I could. I used an Xbox Wireless Controller.

Your first playthrough will also be on Normal difficulty, and both Hard and Nightmare difficulties are unlocked once you beat the campaign for the first time. You also get access to level replay.

My key PC specs include an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 8-Core Processor CPU, an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU, and 32 GB of RAM.

First reviewed August 2025.

Don’t buy a DualSense Edge if you’re after a premium PS5 controller; the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is better in almost every way
7:20 pm | August 11, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded: one-minute review

The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is a new, upgraded version of the original Victrix Pro BFG, which was originally released back in 2023.

Compatible with PlayStation consoles, an Xbox version hit the market roughly a year later. Thankfully, the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is immediately available as two versions for either console family, so you won’t be left out in the cold whether you’re Team Blue or Green.

Our original Victrix Pro BFG review (and that of the Xbox version) covers pretty much everything you need to know about the controller. This Reloaded model is a very similar beast outside of some welcome improvements and some slight aesthetic changes, so that’s what this review is primarily going to be focused on.

If you’re in the market for a cream-of-the-crop PS5 controller, then, and you don’t own the original Victrix Pro BFG, then the Reloaded version is definitely the one to go for.

Thanks to the addition of Hall effect sticks and triggers, as well as an improved Fightpad module, it’s easily one of the best PS5 controllers I’ve ever tested, and as premium gamepads go, I vastly prefer it to the likes of the DualSense Edge and Scuf Reflex Pro.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

(Image credit: Future)

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded: price and availability

  • $209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)
  • Available from September 28, 2025
  • Slightly pricier than the original in the US

At $209.99 / £179.99, the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is 30 bucks pricier than the launch price of the original Pro BFG in the US, but retains the same price point in the UK. The controller is available to pre-order now at Turtle Beach’s website, and is currently slated to ship on September 28, 2025.

As far as premium PS5 controllers go, the Reloaded's price point is pretty ballpark. Similar luxury controllers like the DualSense Edge or Nacon Revolution 5 Pro come in at $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95 and $199.99 / £199.99 (around AU$316), respectively.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review: Specs

Price

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

Weight

9.3oz / 265g

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC (Xbox version sold separately)

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

Around 20 hours

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

(Image credit: Future)

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review: design and features

  • Solid build quality
  • Some minor aesthetic differences compared to the original Pro BFG
  • Includes several accessories, modules, and a carry case

Put the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded side by side with its older sibling, and you may need to squint to see the differences. Size and silhouette are the exact same, and this new pad is differentiated only by some slight aesthetic adjustments. Namely, the grips now have a greyish outline, while the thumbstick base swaps the original’s bold purple for a sleek grey. The ‘Victrix’ text on the right module also sees that color change, but that’s really it.

The similarities extend to the included parts and modules. The controller is still housed in that compact Victrix carry case. And inside that, you’ve got a swappable Fightpad module, two alternate d-pads (in addition to the excellent diamond-shaped one affixed to the pad by default), two swappable thumbsticks, and a pair of octagonal thumbstick gates. A 2.4GHz dongle and 30ft cable are also packed in, giving you two connectivity options.

Just like the first Pro BFG, the unique selling point here is those customizable modules. In brief, these can be taken out or slotted in using the included screwdriver.

There are plenty of use cases for such a feature, including choosing between symmetrical or asymmetrical stick layouts, opting for a southpaw layout for left-handed players, and, of course, using the included Fightpad module for play with the best fighting games.

The Fightpad module here is a definite improvement. The ‘Fightpad’ logo has been pushed to the bottom, with the six buttons now higher up. It’s a small change, but one that I found to be more comfortable and gave my thumbs a bit more room during gameplay.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

(Image credit: Future)

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review: Performance

The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is, largely, aimed at competitively-minded players. All the hallmarks of such a pad are here: four remappable buttons on the rear, adjustable trigger stops, and a handful of swappable accessories as mentioned above. As with the original pad, these can all be customized on the fly, and you can even swap between profiles for different games.

Every multiplayer-focused controller should at the very least have Hall effect thumbsticks, and it was always a confusing omission to me with the original Pro BFG. Thankfully, they’re here now, along with Hall effect triggers, which should make for a much longer-lasting controller now that stick drift shouldn’t be a problem.

While the Pro BFG Reloaded is aimed at the competitive market, it’s still an impressively versatile controller that can be used casually. I tested a wide variety of titles across a broad range of genres on PS5 and PC, including Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, Zenless Zone Zero, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Final Fantasy 14 Online, PUBG Battlegrounds, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Across all games, the BFG Pro Reloaded offered a comfortable and responsive gameplay experience.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded?

Buy it if...

You play a ton of online multiplayer
The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is designed primarily for you in this case. With Hall effect sticks, remappable buttons, and swappable modules, it’s a pro-minded player’s ideal controller in more ways than one.

You don’t have space for a traditional fight stick
Fighting game fans are likely to get plenty of use out of the Pro BFG Reloaded thanks to its revised Fightpad module. Its six-button is ideal for games like Street Fighter 6 and Guilty Gear Strive.

Don't buy it if...

You already own the original pad or a DualSense Edge
Given the commanding price tag of the BFG Pro Reloaded, it’s hard to justify paying for this one if you already own a similarly premium PS5 controller, especially when the upgrades are welcome but slight overall.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review: Also consider

There are other premium controller options out there for PS5. Consider the following two options if the BFG Pro Reloaded isn’t quite what you’re after.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

DualSense Edge

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro

Price

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

$199.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95

$199.99 / £199.99 (around AU$316)

Weight

9.3oz / 265g

11.4oz / 322g

10.9oz / 308g

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm

7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC (Xbox version sold separately)

PS5, PC

PS5, PS4, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (PS5 native), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

Around 20 hours

5-6 hours

Around 10 hours

DualSense Edge
An excellent, if pricey, upgrade over the standard DualSense. The Edge doesn’t offer Hall effect sticks, but includes all the DualSense’s marvelous features while adding some handy remappable buttons, trigger locks, and a set of accessories.

Read our full DualSense Edge review

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
Developed in tandem with professional Street Fighter player Nathan ‘Mr. Crimson’ Massol, Nacon’s premium PS5 pad impresses with solid build quality and battery life, and is designed from the ground up for competitive play.

Read our full Nacon Revolution 5 Pro review

How I tested the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

  • Tested for a week
  • Played a wide range of PS5 and PC games
  • Compared directly to the original Pro BFG model

I tested the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded over the course of a week for this review. In that time, I endeavored to play a smorgasbord of excellent PS5 and PC games, particularly ones with online multiplayer environments.

As I was already familiar with the original Pro BFG, I felt right at home testing this new model. It’s a familiar yet fresh-feeling pad thanks to its welcome upgrades. And as an avid Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 player, I had tons of fun playing with the included and improved Fightpad module.

First reviewed August 2025

Read more about how we test

The GameSir T7 Pro Floral is another solid controller from the brand, but I’d still recommend other gamepads instead
10:00 pm | July 21, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

GameSir T7 Pro Floral: one-minute review

The GameSir T7 Pro Floral comes from a third-party controller brand I rate very highly, and one I put right up there with the likes of 8BitDo and Victrix. Many of GameSir’s controllers feature in our buying guides, too, including best Xbox controllers and best PC controllers.

But that doesn’t mean every single one of the brand’s controllers are out-and-out bangers. While I like the GameSir T7 Pro Floral, I certainly prefer and would be more likely to recommend other pads from the brand, including the GameSir Kaleid and GameSir Tarantula Pro. Not because the Pro Floral is bad, far from it. It’s more that GameSir has put out so many quality pieces of hardware that this gamepad comes across as just a little less impressive.

It certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to looks, though. I’m a child of the early noughties, so eye-catching gaming hardware designs that look good enough to eat are right up my alley. Case in point, the GameSir T7 Pro Floral’s translucent icy blue finish - emblazoned with flowery imagery - is utterly stunning.

It’s helped by reactive RGB lights, too, which move around the controller depending on the direction of the sticks or which face buttons you press. GameSir always finds a way to include nice little aesthetic flourishes like this, and that’s no different on the Pro Floral.

Otherwise, the Pro Floral plays all the GameSir hits. It packs Hall effect sticks, a pair of remappable buttons on the pack, as well as trigger locks that let you swap between analog and digital presses. Said trigger locks can be a bit inconsistent, as the digital trigger presses didn’t register in some games I tested, but when they do work, they’re a welcome inclusion.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral

(Image credit: Future)

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: price and availability

  • $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89
  • Available on GameSir's website
  • Cheaper than the Xbox Wireless Controller

The GameSir T7 Pro Floral is available now for $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89, and can be purchased directly from GameSir’s website. It’s similarly priced to other GameSir controllers such as the GameSir Kaleid ($49.99 / £59.99) and cheaper than the official Xbox Wireless Controller ($64.99 / £59.99). If you’re after a cheaper Xbox alternative, then I can definitely recommend checking out the Pro Floral, so long as you don’t mind the lack of wireless connectivity.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: Specs

Price

$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89

Weight

7.7oz / 217g

Dimensions

5.71 x 3.66 x 2.32in / 145 x 93 x 59mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB Type-C)

Battery life

N/A

GameSir T7 Pro Floral

(Image credit: Future)

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: design and features

As I mentioned at the top, the standout design choice of the GameSir T7 Pro Floral is its aesthetics. I’m a huge fan of the semi-translucent shell, and the icy blue buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, and d-pad complement the white gradient really nicely. The RGB lighting here is another excellent, if subtle, touch; different sections of the controller light up depending on stick direction, or which buttons you’re pressing. Something you probably won’t notice while gaming, sure, but I love the detail here.

There are some neat design flourishes for the buttons, too. The triggers, d-pad, and rear remappable buttons are fully transparent, while the sticks and face buttons are a pleasing light blue hue. The overall look here is a lot more carefully considered than cheaper pads that might just splash some artwork across the front and call it a day.

Otherwise, there’s not a ton to report in terms of design and features. The Pro Floral’s silhouette is almost identical to that of the Xbox Wireless Controller, and also features a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the pad. Meanwhile, those aforementioned trigger locks are located on the back, just above the two remappable buttons.

The Pro Floral does feel a good bit lighter than the Xbox Wireless Controller, though this may be because it’s not housing a pair of AA batteries or the Xbox Play & Charge Kit. While lightweight, it’s thankfully not flimsy or listless in the hands, still offering firm placement thanks to its textured grips.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral

(Image credit: Future)

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: Performance

In terms of actually using the GameSir T7 Pro Floral for gaming, it doesn’t really put a foot wrong outside of one key area, but I’ll get to that soon. It’s otherwise a very capable gamepad that provides longevity thanks to its drift-resisting Hall effect thumbsticks. Plus, the addition of two remappable buttons and trigger locks grants you some customizability for button shortcuts or if, say, you prefer instant digital trigger presses over a more fulsome analog squeeze.

I played a wide variety of games over my two weeks of testing the controller, including some of the best fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, racing games like Forza Horizon 5, and action titles like Lies of P, Nioh 2, and popular MMORPG Final Fantasy 14 Online.

Now, while the trigger locks are a nice addition, I did find them to be pretty inconsistent, even when compared to other GameSir pads like the Tarantula Pro. They worked where it mattered; I prefer digital presses for Final Fantasy 14 Online, for example, as it lets me access my secondary hotbar abilities faster. However, some titles did not register the presses while in digital mode at all, including Elden Ring Nightreign, and Hades 2. It’s worth noting that your mileage may vary here, but these are not the most reliable trigger locks out there.

Otherwise, the last thing you’ll have to contend with is the lack of wireless connectivity. This isn’t necessarily a complaint, as plenty of excellent GameSir controllers opt for a wired-only connection. It’s more a matter of preference; if you prefer going wireless, you might want to consider a controller that supports that, such as the GameSir Tarantula Pro or even the cheaper GameSir Nova Lite, which also works on PC.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the GameSir T7 Pro Floral?

Buy it if...

You want a gorgeous controller
The Pro Floral brings one of the nicest-looking controller chassis I’ve seen in a while. The blue-to-white gradient is lovely, and that titular floral pattern isn’t something you see much of among game controllers. Its looks are a real winner.

Don't buy it if...

You want more reliable digital triggers
The biggest weakness of the Pro Floral is its trigger locks. While analog presses work just fine across the board, digital trigger presses are inconsistent and didn’t work in some games for me.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: Also consider

You should consider the following two similarly priced GameSir alternatives if the T7 Pro Floral controller isn’t quite what you’re looking for.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral

GameSir Kaleid

GameSir Nova Lite

Price

$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89

$49.99 / £59.99 / AU$109

$24.99 / £19.99 / AU$39

Weight

7.7oz / 217g

7.5oz / 213g

7.2oz / 205g

Dimensions

5.7 x 3.7 x 2.3in / 145 x 93 x 59mm

6.1 x 4.21 x 2.4in / 156 x 107 x 60mm

6.1 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 155 x 104 x 61mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB Type-C)

Wired (USB Type-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C)

Battery life

N/A

N/A

10-15 hours

GameSir Kaleid
One of the best, most affordable Xbox controllers on the market. I love the feeling of its microswitch face buttons, which provide tactile and instantaneous presses. A pair of RGB strips flanking the controller is also an eye-catching flourish. It’s one of my go-to Xbox controllers, and I would recommend it over the Pro Floral if you’re torn between the two.

Read our full GameSir Kaleid review

GameSir Nova Lite
Single-handedly the best budget controller out there, the Nova Lite isn’t compatible with Xbox, but can be used on Switch, Switch 2, and PC. Wireless connectivity is also supported here in both 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth formats. And yes, it still packs a pair of Hall effect sticks despite the low price.

Read our full GameSir Nova Lite review

How I tested the GameSir T7 Pro Floral

  • Tested across a period of two weeks
  • Played a wide range of games in that time, on both Xbox and PC
  • Compared to the Xbox Wireless Controller and GameSir Kaleid

I tested the GameSir T7 Pro Floral over the course of around two weeks. In that time, I played a wide variety of my favorite games on both Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC. These include Tekken 8, Final Fantasy 14 Online, and Lies of P.

I went back and forth testing the Pro Floral against some of its contemporaries, including the Xbox Wireless Controller and the brand’s own Kaleid. I ended up preferring the Kaleid overall, thanks to its more tactile-feeling buttons. But if you’re an aesthetically minded player, then the Pro Floral’s lovely design might just do it for you instead. I can wholeheartedly recommend both at the end of the day.

First reviewed July 2025

Read more about how we test

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is an excellent PC controller, but I still prefer the superb original
4:27 pm | June 26, 2025
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8BitDo Ultimate 2: one-minute review

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 gaming controller is a pretty straightforward upgrade over the original 8BitDo Ultimate - a pad that continues to feature in our list of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. And while the Ultimate 2 is yet to receive its own Switch-compatible model (it’s just PC and Android for now, sadly), it remains a very competent gamepad that brings several welcome improvements.

Chiefly, the Ultimate 2 now features TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance, for those curious) thumbsticks. We’ve seen this tech implemented in other fantastic PC controllers such as the GameSir Tarantula Pro, and they’re just as welcome here, offering greater stability and longevity than even Hall effect sticks.

The controller also adds two extra shoulder buttons, making for a total of four remappable buttons (the other two are found on the rear of the pad, like before). You’ll also find a pair of trigger locks back there, letting you quickly swap between analog and digital trigger presses based on your preference.

The last major addition here is RGB lighting rings around each thumbstick. These look nice and can be customized via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software PC companion app. But if you’re playing wirelessly, I would advise against keeping them on, as they’re a pretty major drain on the gamepad’s already average battery life.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: price and availability

  • $59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)
  • Cheaper than the 8BitDo Ultimate at retail price
  • Available via Amazon

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller is available to buy now from the brand’s Amazon store. It costs $59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90), which is actually $10 / £10 cheaper than its predecessor. As a result, I can confidently say that if you’re shopping for a new PC controller in the 8BitDo line up, this is the one to go for. You’re saving cash and getting more features to boot.

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Specs

Price

$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)

Weight

8.7oz / 246g

Dimensions

5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm

Compatibility

PC, Android

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

10-15 hours

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: design and features

  • Eye-catching RGB lighting
  • Additional remappable buttons
  • Supports 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections

As I’ve come to expect from the brand, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 boasts excellent build quality. It feels exceptionally sturdy in the hands, with lightly textured grips allowing the pad to rest firmly.

The TMR thumbsticks now feature metallic shafts, a pleasant upgrade over the original model that not only looks smart but should help the sticks in the longevity department, too. Otherwise, the d-pad, face buttons, and central utility buttons (including Start, Select, Home, etc.) all feel similar to the first Ultimate. That means you can expect very solid materials overall. One nice change is that those central buttons are spaced out much better here than on the Ultimate, where they felt a little cramped together on that pad.

As mentioned above, you’re also getting four remappable buttons, two on the rear, and two nestled up next to the bumpers and triggers. These are labeled ‘L4’ and ‘R4’ on the left and right, respectively, while the rear paddles are labeled as ‘PL’ and ‘PR’. The rear also houses two trigger locks for switching between analog and digital trigger distances, as well as a toggle for swapping between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections.

If you’re curious as to where the included 2.4GHz dongle is located (it took me a moment to realize this at first), it’s housed within the charging dock that the controller also comes with. Simply flip open the hatch on the bottom and you’ll find it tucked inside. One thing to note here is that the dongle requires a USB-C port for connection, unlike the original Ultimate controller. That’s naturally great for Android devices, but you may want to invest in a USB-C to USB adapter if your gaming PC or laptop lacks the necessary USB-C port.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Performance

  • Sublime drift-resistant TMR thumbsticks
  • Battery life is hurt compared to the original Ultimate
  • Satisfyingly tactile buttons and triggers

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has been my go-to controller for the past couple of weeks - and not just for testing purposes. The controller simply feels fantastic during play, largely owing to the buttery smooth TMR thumbsticks and the highly tactile shoulder and face buttons.

Having tested the controller with titles like Lies of P, Elden Ring Nightreign, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, Tekken 8, and Final Fantasy 14 Online, I find that the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is well-suited to a broad variety of genres and gaming styles.

One slight dampener, though, is the inclusion of those RGB rings around the thumbsticks. Don’t get me wrong, they look lovely in action, and produce a very pleasing moving light based on the direction you’re pointing the sticks (and respond to button presses, too). It’s snazzy, but the toll it takes on battery life makes them not really worth enabling during wireless play.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

I was quite surprised at first when the batteries emptied from full in around 10 hours, with those RGB lights enabled. However, when I played wirelessly with them switched off, I managed to squeeze a more fulsome 15 hours before needing to charge. That’s still not quite class-leading, but by no means terrible. However, given I managed around 20 hours out of the original Ultimate, it’s certainly a downgrade overall.

Lastly, a word on the Ultimate V2 Software app for PC. It’s not much of a looker with a very basic user interface, but it does offer robust customization. Downloadable from 8BitDo’s website, it lets you create up to three individual profiles, which you can swap between via a button press on the gamepad.

You can fully remap every button - including the extra rear and bumper buttons - as well as set button macros, stick and trigger sensitivity, vibration strength, and more. It’s all accompanied by handy diagrams which show you in real time how your changes affect the controller’s performance.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the 8BitDo Ultimate 2?

Buy it if...

You want an affordable PC or mobile controller that offers top-notch quality and performance
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 barely puts a foot wrong. I have some qualms with the RGB lighting and its effect on battery life, but this is a phenomenal upgrade to an already world-class controller.

You enjoy in-depth controller customization
The Ultimate Software V2 app gives you the tools you need to customize pretty much every aspect of your play experience. From sensitivity and vibration strength to full button remapping, it’s got it all and is especially perfect for competitive players who like specific control schemes.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a PC gamer
Unfortunately, the Ultimate 2 is not compatible with consoles like Nintendo Switch or Xbox Series X|S. For that, you’ll need the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller, which is also available at the brand’s website.

You want more battery life
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, this ain’t. If this controller’s short battery lifespan of around 10-15 hours has you feeling queasy, you may want to consider alternatives like the Xbox Wireless Controller (around 20-30 hours) or the aforementioned Switch Pro Controller (40+ hours), which is also compatible with PC.

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Also consider

There’s every chance the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 isn’t quite what you’re after. If so, consider these two similarly priced alternatives.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

GameSir Tarantula Pro

8BitDo Ultimate

Price

$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)

$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$107)

$69.99 / £59.99 (around AU$107)

Weight

8.7oz / 246g

11.5oz / 325g

8.7oz / 245g

Dimensions

5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm

6.2 x 3.9 x 2.4in / 157 x 99 x 61mm

5.7 x 4.2 x 2.5in / 147 x 104 x 62mm

Compatibility

PC, Android

PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS

PC, Nintendo Switch

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

10-15 hours

Around 12 hours

15-20 hours

GameSir Tarantula Pro
Arguably the brand’s best controller, and that’s high praise given its usually high-quality output. This is a symmetrical controller with excellent build quality and a handy button layout switching feature that swaps the face buttons between XInput and Switch displays.

Read our full GameSir Tarantula Pro review

8BitDo Ultimate
The original 8BitDo Ultimate is still one of the best controllers ever made. It’s a touch pricier, but you are getting Nintendo Switch compatibility and a better 20-hour battery life for your trouble. It’s a bit slighter on features than the Ultimate 2, but still a worthwhile consideration.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate review

How I tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2

  • Tested for two weeks
  • Played a large variety of games across various genres
  • Compared directly to the original 8BitDo Ultimate

I tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 across a period of two weeks, mainly on my gaming PC. I played titles from a variety of genres, including action games like Lies of P and Elden Ring Nightreign, as well as some of the best fighting games, such as Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6.

I primarily played wirelessly to gauge overall battery life, and made use of either wired play or the included charging dock when it was time to top up (which was fairly frequent given its slightly shorter battery life compared to its older sibling, the 8BitDo Ultimate).

First reviewed June 2025

Read more about how we test

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