There is really only one peripheral in my gaming gear setup that I consider a “must-have” while playing or streaming: my VZR Model One headphones. Besides sounding incredible, the headphones give me a considerable advantage over the completion thanks to the analog 3D audio. I honestly never thought it could be beat, but the new Victrix Gambit Wireless Headset, along with the Victrix Gambit Dual Core Tournament Controller, might just give the Model Ones a run for their money – which is especially true given that the headphones are a fraction of what the Model Ones cost.
The Victrix Gaming lineup was designed with speed in mind. The team has put in the research to find exactly what is needed to get a competitive edge, which can actually be decided in a split second. The Gambit reduces the latency between the controller and the console, while the 3D audio in the headset gives you a surround sound experience that allows you to hear the footsteps of an enemy who is close in proximity, allowing you to get the jump on them instead.
But how do the controller and headset handle in-game? Glad you asked.
Victrix Gambit Dual Core Tournament Controller
The Vitrix Gambit is the first licensed third-party controller that is certified by Xbox, and it’s easy to see why. The Gambit is about as close to a standard Xbox controller as you can get. What sets it apart, though, is its customization options to help give you a leg up on the competition in whatever way works for your style of play.
Here’s everything that comes along with the controller:
- Wired tournament controller
- Soft silicon faceplate
- Hard plastic faceplate
- Interchangeable gates
- Interchangeable D-pads
- Interchangeable analog sticks
- Interchange back paddles (2-button/4-button)
- 3M braided USB-C cable
- Carrying case
That’s a lot of bang for your buck in a single package – especially since the Gambit is priced at $99.99. Each interchangeable component is included to customize the controller to suit your needs. Install the programmable 4-button back paddle to have each one of your fingers dedicated to a single button without ever having to lift your thumb from the analog stick. Install the taller analog stick to get a bit more precision with the aim. Don’t like the “clack clack” sound of the analog sticks hitting against the gates? Switch out the plastic faceplate for the silicone Match Silencer to have a near-silent experience while playing.
Right out of the box, without changing any of the components, I immediately felt the controller’s impact on having a competitive advantage. The technology of the Gambit reduces the amount of latency between the time you hit a button and the in-game action. It may not seem like a split second will make much of a difference, but during firefights, I definitely found myself the victor more often than not. I tried out a slew of variations with the different components, finally settling on the plastic faceplate, 2-button back paddle, and elongated analog stick for aiming. I do still plan on trying to get better at using the 4-button back paddle, but it’s just a matter of teaching this old dog new tricks.
The Gambit is touted as the world’s fastest controller on Xbox – a statement that I can’t argue against. However, it’s the combination of the controller and the headset that truly gives you a competitive edge.
Victrix Gambit Wireless Headset
The Gambit Wireless Headset is hands down the best set of wireless headphones that I’ve come across, especially at the affordable price of $129.99. Of course, it comes with a 3.5mm cable that features in-line controls, but the wireless component works without a hitch – whether you’re utilizing Dolby Atmos on Xbox consoles and PC, or the 3D Audio on PS5.
It’s always a wonderful feeling when an enemy thinks they’re getting the jump on you by sneaking up from behind, but, to their dismay, you hear them coming and surprise them with an up close and personal headshot. The Gambit performs this duty beautifully, providing surround sound audio that lets you in on everything happening around you, near or far.
All of this, plus the controller’s built-in Dolby Atmos that gives you optimal spatial awareness, sets up a winning combination that will probably have other players accusing you of hacking.
I think my favorite feature, though, is that rather than having to find and push a mute button on the headset, all you have to do is move the adjustable mic all the way up. The mic clicks into place, automatically muting your mic – a wonderful feature for when dogs are barking and/or kids are screaming in the background. Your online teammates will probably love this feature as well.
The goal of the Victrix Gambit lineup is a combination of speed and affordability. That’s exactly what you get in the Victrix Gambit Dual Core Tournament Controller and the Victrix Gambit Wireless Headset. I’ve recently debated giving online esport tournaments a more consistent try, instead of my sporadic entries into random tourneys. With the combination of the Victrix Gambit peripherals, now I actually feel like I might have a chance to perform well.
Product samples were provided to TheGamer for this review. The Victrix Gambit Dual Core Tournament Controller is available now for $99.99, and the Victrix Gambit Wireless Headset is available for $129.99. Both can be purchased from Victrix’s website.