Scuf’s Valor Pro is a promising begin for its Hall impact Xbox controllers

Scuf simply introduced its newest pro-style controller for Xbox and PC, the primary to come back near the $100 worth level. The $99.99 Scuf Valor Pro — obtainable for buy beginning at the moment in 15 totally different kinds — isn’t precisely a finances controller in its personal proper, however context issues.

I’ve examined the delightfully translucent model of the controller for almost two weeks now to see the place precisely it suits amongst Scuf’s present Xbox lineup, consisting of the $169.99 Instinct and the $219.99 Instinct Pro (our earlier decide for the perfect pro-style Xbox controller), each wi-fi. The wired-only and Valor Pro someway sits within the center.

It has the Instinct’s easy thumb sticks with replaceable tops, now with Hall impact magnetism to scale back the possibility of creating stick drift. It additionally borrows the flagship Instinct’s 4 programmable rear buttons, its devoted change for swapping between its three mapping profiles, and the interchangeable faceplates.

At the identical time, you get the Instinct Pro’s rubberized rear grips (including consolation whereas retaining that premium really feel) and set off stops. And but, neither has the Valor Pro’s devoted dials to regulate sport quantity and chat combine, nor the devoted mute buttons embedded beneath each.

As a long-time Xbox gamer, I felt at dwelling utilizing the Valor Pro, which nonetheless largely takes after the official Xbox Wireless Controller’s ergonomic design. Scuf’s refinements to that successful system appear minimal, however could make a significant distinction. For instance, the bumpers are a bit wider and some millimeters longer than you’ll discover on most controllers, draping additional down either side. This makes it simpler to shift my finger from the set off to the bumper.

I don’t even must take away my fingers from the triggers to press the bumpers. The design permits me to make use of the edges of my index fingers to actuate them with a lightweight press. That meant I might lob grenades in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 whereas staying on the prepared for a gunfight or leap out of fights as Doctor Strange in Marvel Rivals with out decreasing my protect. The journey and really feel are constant throughout the complete floor, so it doesn’t really feel stabby or straining.

I instantly observed the redesigned rear paddles, which felt off to me on the Instinct Pro. They’re in roughly the identical place because the Instinct’s, designed for all 4 buttons to be comfortably reachable the place your center and ring fingers drape when gripping the controller.

But the 2 inside buttons have a bit extra topside floor and use a downward vertical power for actuation as a substitute of the horizontal movement required on the Instinct Pro. They’re simpler to press whereas sustaining management over the larger facet paddles. They additionally don’t require as a lot power as they did on the Instinct Pro, however the give isn’t so mild that misfires change into problematic (and you may disable them solely, if that’s the case).

As a lot as I’ve tried, I’m merely not a back-button gamer. My proportionally stubby fingers mixed with forged iron skillets I name palms make it troublesome for me to make use of them successfully in most video games. The Scuf Valor Pro is the primary controller with 4 rear buttons that really feel pure and don’t make me really feel cramped.

PC players will quickly get help for a 1KHz polling charge in a post-launch replace. That replace wasn’t obtainable as of writing, however I’d wager you’d discover the supposed lowered enter lag imperceptible when you aren’t the kind to qualify for tournaments. I positive couldn’t inform the distinction on different controllers I’ve examined with the characteristic.

Should you purchase a Valor Pro? That relies upon. Although you’ll be able to swap thumbstick sizes and take away two of the rear paddles, it’s not fairly as customizable as one thing just like the Xbox Elite Series 2, but additionally not almost as costly. There are additionally significantly cheaper wired choices with comparable options I’ve examined just lately just like the $69.99 PowerA Fusion Pro 4, which presents 4 rear buttons, Hall impact sticks with adjustable top, and Hall impact triggers with three cease ranges.

Most don’t stay as trustworthy to the patented Xbox form, nonetheless, and that is perhaps a deciding issue. Perhaps after an eventual sale, the Valor Pro is usually a nice first cease for somebody new to Scuf, as long as you don’t thoughts taking part in with a cable.