SCUF Instinct Pro Controller review: The ultimate Call of Duty weapon

SCUF creates top-tier video game pro controllers, offering a depth of customisable features that cater to almost every playstyle, genre, and gamer.

The most recent entry in the Call of Duty series is Black Ops 6 and following its launch comes officially licensed accessories such as the HS80 RGB Wireless Gaming Headset from Corsair and the SCUF Instinct Pro ‘Black Ops 6 Edition’ for PC and Xbox.

Check out the SCUF Instinct Pro trailer below!

Based on the asymmetric Xbox controller, the SCUF Instinct Pro is already off to a great start. However, unlike the standard Xbox controller, this SCUF version comes with additional bells and whistles that may give you an advantage when testing your skills in the competitive world of online gaming.

On the back of the controller are four perfectly placed paddles with a mouse-click function that are easier and faster to press than the traditional face buttons. For example, during the heat of a Call of Duty battle, that split-second difference between pressing the assigned X reload paddle and the one on the face can be the difference between killing your opponent or getting killed first.

The SCUF Instinct Pro has three preloaded profiles in the controller, each representing a different genre and can be easily switched by pressing the profile button located between the paddles. The blue light indicates a profile for first-person shooters, red is for sport, and green is for racing.

If those profiles are not for you, then remapping the buttons is simple. Press the profile button until the light begins to flash. Then, hold the face button and the paddle you want to remap simultaneously. When the light flashes, move to the next remap and repeat until complete. Just remember to hold the profile button before exiting to save your configuration.

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Unlike the SCUF Reflex Pro FPS which has mouse-click functions for L2 and R2, the Instinct Pro has trigger blockers for LT and RT. When the trigger blockers are used, it provides the same mouse-click function as the Reflex Pro FPS. But if anything, this Xbox controller has the advantage because you have the option of a mouse-click and the traditional long press, the latter being better suited for accelerating in racing games such as Forza Motorsport.

The SCUF Instinct Pro also has an ergonomic rubber-textured grip on the handles which not only makes it more comfortable to hold but will also reduce slip if you get sweaty palms on a hot summer’s day. You also get a selection of interchangeable thumbsticks that vary in height and width. These are clicked on the analogue modules underneath the easy-to-detach faceplate making them extra secure.

The one criticism that I have with the SCUF Instinct Pro is that my official rechargeable Xbox battery does not work in it. Instead, you have to rely on AA batteries (two provided in the box). You can also use the USB-C cable provided. Though I wouldn't recommend that method for the long term, I do advise ordering a batch of AA batteries so that you’re never unprepared.

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The SCUF Instinct Pro starts from £189.99 and will increase depending on the features that you add. The Black Ops 6 Edition costs £229.99 with all the extras equipped. If you were to have the standard SCUF Instinct Pro, it would come to over £200, so you’re paying extra for the licensed product. If you’re a devoted Call of Duty fan, I doubt that will be an issue.

The SCUF Instinct Pro is a fantastic controller and coming from someone who owns an Xbox Elite Series 2, the SCUF controller surpasses it in terms of overall features and I prefer the design and placement of the backpaddles - so much so that I bought the SCUF paddles for my Elite Series 2. If you’re reading this, I assume you’re tempted to make the purchase and if you do, I have confidence you’ll love the SCUF Instinct Pro as much as I do.

A review sample was provided by Corsair.