SCUF's Instinct Xbox controller almost beats the DualSense

Corey Plante 8.18.2021 3:00 PM Sophisticated Gamer The Instinct is SCUF’s greatest controller yet, elevating the base Xbox Series X hardware to heights that rival even the PS5 DualSense. SCUF Gaming

SCUF Gaming SCUF Gaming launched the SCUF Instinct and Instinct Pro on Tuesday. This high-end controller is made specifically for the Xbox Series X|S.

SCUF Gaming Inverse went hands-on with the Instinct as part of a preview. It’s the first third-party controller that feels truly worthy of this new generation of gaming.

SCUF Gaming Unlike some SCUF controllers, the shape sticks to a familiar form factor. But it doesn’t skimp on any of the luxurious upgrades SCUF is known for.

SCUF Gaming SCUF’s patented rear paddle system remains prevalent — and potent — with four easy-to-reach paddles that can be reprogrammed to mimic the ABXY buttons.

SCUF Gaming Bumpers are built into the chassis rather than detachable, and they’re easy to reach with these particular ergonomics.

Faceplates, thumbsticks, and D-pads are all customizable. Not only can you express yourself however you want, but if you prefer shorter or longer thumbsticks, you can get them.

SCUF Gaming The Instinct Pro also offers Instant Triggers , which can be toggled on or off. Eliminating the need for trigger-pulls, the feature instead registers a one-tap motion similar to a mouse click.

SCUF Gaming Gone are the days of SCUF’s occasionally cumbersome magnetic remapping system. With the Profile Switch , the Instinct can store up to three custom profiles.

SCUF Gaming There’s even a button to mute your active headset if your roommate says something embarrassing.

SCUF Gaming Thumbstick edges, bumper buttons, and triggers are all coated in a hexagonal gradient with increased friction, which enhances your grip.

SCUF Gaming Best of all, this approach carries over to the rubbery performance grip that comes with the Instinct Pro.

- Jonas Ferry, SCUF Gaming Director of Product Management

“We looked at the heat map of where you place your hands on the product — if you look, the hexagons’ size and textures grow out in a gradient. “It maps where your fingers land and places where you have the most grip.” SCUF Gaming

SCUF Gaming SCUF engineers measured nearly 100 hand sizes in playtests with various controllers. After scanning the data, they developed this pattern to optimize the grip.

SCUF Gaming SCUF launched its Xbox controller thanks to an intimate relationship with Microsoft, but there’s no standing relationship for licensing Sony’s technology.

Sony SCUF’s take on the PS5 DualSense should launch sometime later in 2021. But for now, Xbox gamers can luxuriate in the best possible controller you can use on the Series X|S.

SCUF Instinct starts at $169.99 and Instinct Pro starts at $199.99 SCUF Gaming

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Faceplates, thumbsticks, and D-pads are all customizable. Not only can you express yourself however you want, but if you prefer shorter or longer thumbsticks, you can get them.

- Jonas Ferry, SCUF Gaming Director of Product Management

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