Scuf Instinct Pro Wireless Controller REVIEW

An innovative, advanced controller that helps users to play better and faster. 

Last year I updated my gaming system to the Xbox Series X and decided that my controller needed an upgrade, too. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of options for pro-level controllers that are wireless for the Series X console. Earlier this year, Scuf Gaming released the Instinct Pro wireless controller for the Xbox and I thought it would be the perfect addition to my new gaming system. 

DETAILS

The Instinct Pro was designed to be a high-performance gaming controller for the Xbox. It is, in fact, the first wireless performance controller designed for the Xbox Series X|S. It was released in mid-2021 and it incorporates features such as a paddle control system. The controller body is shaped like the standard Xbox controllers, but it has a refined ergonomic shape for better control. The controller has interchangeable faceplates, thumbsticks, and D-pads.

Additionally, the Instinct Pro has adjustable Instant Triggers and a high-performance grip. All the buttons and triggers are remappable and users can even save profiles for different games. 

FEATURES

• Profile Switch allows you to save three remapping configurations for different games
• Wireless connectivity to play comfortably from a distance, now with improved dynamic latency input
• An optional wired connection for lower latency play from your couch with 2m USB Type-C cable
• Interchangeable domed, concaved, short, and long thumbsticks for the perfect fit
• Improved thumbstick design and material for more grip and durability
• Removable faceplate makes it easy to switch designs and thumbsticks
• New Share button for gamers to show off their best clips with friends
• Self-lubricating rings help thumbsticks glide smoothly against the faceplate
• Mute any headset connected to your controller with the press of a button
• Instant Triggers activate like a mouse click for faster shots (Instinct Pro only)
• Performance grip with a comfortable, non-slip feel for extended gaming sessions (Instinct Pro only)

USER EXPERIENCE

The Scuf Instinct Pro comes in a very secure, very well-branded retail box. The outside of the box has imagery of the controller and its features. When you take the outer sleeve off the box, you can open the flap to reveal the controller inside. When I opened the box, I revealed a green version of the Instinct Pro. There was a piece of foam around the two joysticks and the D-pad to help protect them.

When I lifted out the controller, I found the user manual and the accessories beneath it. The accessories that come with the controller are a pair of AA batteries, a USB-C cable, and a replacement set of joysticks. There is also a Scuf Instinct model controller and the main differences between the two models is that the Pro version has instant triggers and a high-performance grip. In addition to the Instinct Pro, I also have the Steel Gray interchangeable faceplate which comes with a replacement D-pad, too. 

The controller has a really nice feel to it. The weight is comparable to the standard Xbox controller, but it does feel more balanced and the performance grip is definitely noticeable. One of the first things I did was to swap out the faceplate and the joysticks. Removing the faceplate was incredibly easy.

It just pops off the top of the controller and then the joysticks pull off their posts. I installed the joysticks with some caution because I didn’t want to damage the posts or the joysticks. Since the posts move around, it can be hard to get the joystick in place just right. Once I got the joysticks replaced, I snapped the new faceplate on. The entire process only took about 2 minutes. 

As far as gameplay goes, I played two games for initial testing of the controller – Red Dead Redemption 2 and Call of Duty Black Ops 4. The pairing process of the controller was very simple. Once you place the batteries in their compartment, you plug the controller into the gaming system using the provided USB-C cable. This pairs the controller to the system.

Once the pairing is done, you can unplug the controller from the system and play wirelessly. Since RDR2 is one of my favorite games, I played for several minutes just to get a feel for the controller and out it functions. The controller has a great response time and just feels great in the hands. I moved on to COD next and got a great chance to try out the triggers. 

Before the Scuf controller, I used an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller by Microsoft. That was a step up from the standard controller and great for first-person shooter games. It also has programmable paddles that are interchangeable. The issue I had with that controller is that the paddles would pop off easily if the controller was not handled properly.

That and since I used it so much, the edges of the handles started falling apart. When I migrated over to the Xbox Series X, I wanted to update my controller to the Instinct Pro so that I had the same type of features for combat games. The Instinct Pro is exactly what I was looking for. The triggers make it easy to get quick shots off and compete against advanced players. 

CONCLUSION

The Scuf Instinct Pro Controller is a great upgrade from the standard controllers that come with the Xbox. I was able to use this controller with both the Xbox Series X and the Xbox One. It worked great with both of them and I feel like if you are trying to up your gaming performance, this is the way to go. The Instinct controller starts at $169.99 and the Instinct Pro starts at $199.99. Both models have multiple options for customization. 

For more information, visit scufgaming.com, Facebook, and Twitter.