Scuf Xbox 360 Controller Review

Just holding the Scuf controller is a big improvement over the regular Xbox controller, the new domed sticks feel fantastic, if a little weird at first, but you do get used to them. The improved grip and slightly softer feel of the controller provided by the textured hard rubber finish, feels great too, its a big improvement over the regular plastic feel.

My only regret was removing the rumble from the controller, which if I’m honest I didn’t do on purpose. I misread the site and thought it said “removable rumble pack”, it actually said “remove rumble pack”, but oh well, at least I can now confirm that it really does make the pad a lot lighter. The fact the controller is now so light weight is something I actually like about the Scuf, I just wish it was lighter and had rumble at the same time. Either way we’re off to a good start here, it looks and feels great, now lets plug the thing in and give it some serious play testing.

I chose Halo Reach and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 for my play testing, just so you know how seriously I’m taking this review, I can’t stand MW3 but I’ll bite my lip on that one. I just want to make sure I cover this product properly as Scuf controllers seem to prove very popular with the MW3 crowd and Scuf them selves recommend the setup I have for MW3.

The trigger stops are not compatible with Battlefield 3 and while you can remove them, Scuf say their intention isn’t to be constantly removed and re-applied, most likely for fear you’ll break the controller.

In Halo reach I definitely had a distinct advantage, with my left back paddle being configured to Jump and the right one to Melee, I was able to run, jump, turn and melee without taking my thumbs off the sticks, very handy if you’re a big fan off Grifball but it was just as much fun in any game type, online, campaign and in firefight.

For MW3 the left and right paddles are setup for Jumping and Prone respectively, or if your in tactical configuration the right paddle is set to Knife. The advantage here is you use both paddles together to perform a flying drop shot! or you can just knife people quicker, either way I see this as a game changer.

I had my trigger stop set to about 1/4 pressure, meaning they were pretty sensitive and only required you to push them 1/4 of the way in to fire off a shot, meaning I really could see a difference across both games in my response times, its not a vast amount of time, but in Halos Swat mode or any time your lined up for a quick sniper shot, you’re really going to see the time difference play out to your advantage.

The Domed sticks are great, with a higher level of control, but this really is a matter of preference, if you love the Xbox standard sticks, then keep them standard, if you love the PS3 style sticks, get them switched, its all a matter of taste in my opinion.