The standard Xbox Series X|S controller is reliable but fairly standard. Its sturdy build and no-nonsense design make it a very efficient controller that won’t fail you under duress. Yet, it has always felt cheap and runs batteries dry despite lacking the features of its contemporaries.
Playing wirelessly gives players a lot of freedom and feels freeing not being tethered to a console or PC; it has its benefits. A good wired controller will always have less input lag than a wireless one. The difference may be imperceptible to an average gamer, but anyone who plays competitively or enjoys intensely fast games will notice.
The boys at SCUF have made some of the most reliable third-party controllers around, and their new wired model promises to be the ultimate option for serious players. Are you in the market for a premium controller that just works and still offers plenty of flexibility, comfort, and responsiveness? I put the SCUF Valor Pro through its paces to find out.
SCUF Valor Pro Wired Controller
Manufacturer: SCUF
MSRP: $109.99 USD
After opening the Valor Pro’s premium clamshell container, I was already impressed by its aesthetic design and matte black, rubbery finish. The weight and balance felt perfect in my hands and the futuristic, hexagonal grip pattern promised a controller that won’t slip from my fingers.
Included in the container was an extra pair of domed thumbsticks for gamers who prefer to operate like a surgeon. Also enclosed is a 10-foot braided USB-C connector cable and two alternate paddle plates. The magnetic faceplate is removable, but I stuck with the gothic black model.
All seams are tight, ensuring a strong build quality and every button and paddle has a muted, yet satisfying click for maximum sensory feedback. The entire layout of this thing is truly inspired and the brushed metallic textured patterns on the triggers are a nice touch.
Plugging the Valor Pro into my Xbox Series X was painless and recognized immediately. The lengthy USB-C cable is lightweight yet durable, thanks to its braided design, and prevents tangling. Thanks to using a wired controller, the improved responsiveness was instantly noticeable to me.
I booted up Turbo Overkill and got to work smashing hundreds of cyborgs and wall-running across a cyberpunk city with unbeatable fluidity and peak comfort. No matter how much heat the game threw at me, my sweaty palms kept a firm handle on the Valor Pro. I felt as if a Valkyrie was guiding me on my way to Valhalla, holding my hand all the way through.
The Valor Pro comes with three profiles. Each is tailored to a different competitive genre: first-person shooter, racing, and sports. These profiles affect the configuration and mapping of the paddles on the back. Using the shooter profile felt like it gave me an edge when it came to jumping, reloading, and weapon-swapping since all four paddles get assigned to the face buttons.
The adjustable triggers modify the inputs with a switch designed to emulate rapid-fire mouse clicks. It’s like applying semi-automatic burst shots to every weapon. The triggers feel more premium compared to the standard controller and the analog sticks have improved flow and rotation, allowing for a smoother glide and no drift. Other helpful features are the mic dials at the foot of the grips for easy volume control.
The overall quality and build of the Valor Pro feel enhanced. Using the Valor Pro with PC games is a bonus for gamers whose skin crawls at the notion of gaming with a keyboard and mouse. Just like with the Xbox Series X|S, the Valor Pro connects easily with no fuss and you’re ready to rock and roll.
If you are looking for the most reliable and fully featured wired controller, then the Valor Pro is the one to get. The faceplate, thumbsticks, and rear buttons are removed easily enough without them coming off by accident and the different control profiles are purely optional.
Being a wired controller makes the Valor Pro the ultimate option for superior responsiveness and surprisingly durable build quality and ergonomics. The customization options make this controller very flexible for gamers who take certain genres very seriously and find the standard issue controller to be too provincial. The only problem you’ll have is going back after using the Valor Pro.
SCUF Valor Pro was reviewed using a review unit provided by SCUF. You can find additional information about Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy here. SCUF Valor Pro wired controller can be purchased from SCUF for $109.99.
