The Pro Valor from Scuf Marks a Promising Start for Its Xbox Controllers with Hall Effect.
It is the most affordable Xbox controller that the gaming brand has released so far.
Scuf has unveiled its new professional-style controller for Xbox and PC, the Scuf Valor Pro, which is priced around $100. Starting today, this model is available in 15 different styles, although it can't be considered a budget controller. I had the opportunity to test the translucent version for nearly two weeks to assess its position in the current Scuf product lineup, which includes the Instinct at $169.99 and the Instinct Pro at $219.99, both of which are wireless. The Valor Pro, on the other hand, is a wired controller and is positioned in between these two.
This new controller features smooth analog sticks similar to those of the Instinct, which now include Hall effect magnetic technology to minimize the risk of "stick drift". It also incorporates the four programmable back buttons from the Instinct model, a dedicated switch to toggle between three mapping profiles, as well as interchangeable shells. Additionally, it comes with rubberized grips that provide comfort and a premium feel, as well as trigger stops, both features of the Instinct Pro. However, the Valor Pro offers dedicated dials for adjusting game volume and chat mix, along with mute buttons that are not present in the other models.
From my experience as a regular Xbox player, the ergonomic design of the Valor Pro feels familiar, similar to that of the official Xbox wireless controller. While the changes offered by Scuf may seem subtle, they can significantly impact the gaming experience. For example, the bumpers are slightly wider and longer than those on most controllers, making it easier to move your finger from the trigger to the bumper without lifting your hand. This allows for actions like throwing grenades in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 without losing shooting precision.
The new rear paddles, which previously felt awkward on the Instinct Pro, are designed to be more accessible for the middle and ring fingers. The activation now requires a downward vertical push, simplifying their use without compromising control over the larger side paddles.
Despite multiple trials, I'm not a player who frequently uses back buttons. However, the Valor Pro is the first controller that provides me with a natural experience in this aspect, without the feeling of discomfort. PC players will soon be able to enjoy support for a polling rate of 1 KHz in a future update.
As for the decision to purchase the Valor Pro, it ultimately depends on each player's preferences. While it is possible to swap thumbstick sizes and remove two back paddles, it doesn't offer the same level of customization as the Xbox Elite Series 2, although its price is not the same either. There are more affordable options, such as the PowerA Fusion Pro 4 at $69.99, which also offers comparable features but may not be as faithful to the proprietary Xbox shape. Ultimately, the Valor Pro could be an interesting choice for those looking to dive into the world of Scuf, provided they don't mind gaming with a wired setup.
