Scuf Valor Pro Wired Xbox Controller Review – A Pro Controller That’s Light(ish) On The Wallet

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For a controller to thrive, it requires three essential aspects: ease, functionality, and user-friendliness. Interestingly, the bulky controller that came with the original Xbox in 2001, known as the Duke, was eventually swapped for a sleeker design despite its robustness. The reason behind this change is that the Duke was excessively heavy and oversized, and its buttons were spaced too far apart on the interface.

Scuf’s latest controller, the Valor Pro Wired Controller, excels in all key aspects. Its featherweight and sleek front panel make it effortless to transport and grip without discomfort. The design of the bumpers and triggers atop the device facilitate seamless transitions, while its four rear paddles provide extra control in crunch times. Other useful features, such as integrated audio controls, offer added convenience. Although it doesn’t revolutionize gaming controllers, the Valor Pro is an excellent pick for both Xbox and PC gamers, assuming you can handle a cable connected to your play equipment.

From the moment I unboxed it, the Valor Pro controller felt like it was tailored just for me, a gamer with larger-than-average hands. The ergonomic layout of the buttons and sticks seemed to anticipate where my fingers naturally wanted to rest. It’s amazingly lightweight, almost feeling more like a toy than a professional gaming controller, yet it doesn’t compromise on quality. The sturdy feel of the sticks, buttons, and d-pad is evident with every touch. The sleek surface provides a firm grip, and the textured grips hold up even when my palms get sweaty, as they often do – something I can personally vouch for.

On the Valor Pro controllers, you’ll appreciate the extra comfort provided by a textured border around the stick’s outer edge. This feature eliminates any harsh edges that could potentially annoy your thumb. Instead, it offers a soft cushion for those intense gaming sessions in Fortnite or Call of Duty. The durability of these sticks is also impressive, as the Valor Pro incorporates Hall Effect anti-drift technology to maintain their precision over time. During this review, there was no noticeable drift, which would be problematic for a brand-new controller. I hope this consistent performance continues into the future. Additionally, the d-pad’s ergonomic design snugly fits your thumb, and unlike some controllers with flimsy d-pads, this one has a reassuring weight to it with every press.

Among the controller’s features, the four rear paddles stand out as particularly noteworthy. Unlike other back buttons I’ve encountered, these have been designed to prevent unintentional presses, a common issue I’ve faced for quite some time. In critical moments requiring stealth, I often find myself accidentally pressing a back button, ruining my strategy. Surprisingly, these paddles seem more like traditional front face buttons compared to any I’ve used previously, and during this review period, I haven’t experienced any unintended activations at all.

The Valor Pro controller comes equipped with multiple profile options, allowing you to switch among three distinct configurations for the rear buttons. One layout is tailored for shooter games, positioning the change-weapon and reload functions at the back, making rapid fire and reloading smoother. Another setup caters to sports games like NBA 2K, moving the A and B buttons to the rear area, facilitating actions such as easy shooting and passing. The third profile is designed for racing games, transforming each rear button into a different directional control, although I didn’t find it quite as appealing, it was still functional enough that it didn’t detract significantly from the usability of the other two configurations.

If none of the pre-set profiles work for you, the Valor Pro’s custom remapping feature allows you to tailor each profile according to the buttons you frequently use in your favorite games. The process of reassigning is straightforward; each profile is distinguished by a unique color, and pressing and holding the profile button on the back causes the LED to blink. Once it does, you can then assign paddles to buttons as per your preference. Controller customization is growing more common, and the Valor Pro’s solution effectively caters to this trend.

By connecting a headset to your Valor Pro device, you’ll enjoy additional control over your audio. The volume controls, located at the bottom of the controller, provide separate adjustments for game and chat sounds. The knob on the left manages the in-game audio levels, while the one to its right controls the chat volume. You can also press either knob down to mute their respective audio sources. This built-in control setup is incredibly convenient, with the knobs strategically placed for easy access by your fingers, much like other buttons on the Valor Pro controller.

Regarding its functionality, the Valor Pro doesn’t present many novel features. Priced at $99, it falls under the “professional budget” category, competing with controllers such as the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Tournament Edition and Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot. Alternatively, the 8BitDo Ultimate, priced around two-thirds less, offers comparable features. However, Scuf has skillfully designed this controller to give a premium feel, rather than one that appears economical in comparison to top-tier controllers.

Another point to consider is the inconvenience of dealing with the troublesome cord. While wired controllers can work well if your gaming environment accommodates them, wireless controllers have gained popularity for good reason. For instance, the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, or Xbox Elite 2 all offer wireless options at a comparable price.

Although wired controllers can provide lower latency, devices such as the SCUF prioritize precision and thus require minimal delay, which is something that a wire can provide effectively.

For individuals who have their gaming console and seating arrangement spread apart, it’s important to note that the Valor Pro controller, being directly tethered to the Xbox system, may not be suitable for you due to its limitations, even with the 10-foot USB-C cable provided. Instead, a wireless controller would provide a more convenient and safer option by eliminating potential tripping hazards.

All in all, I’m extremely satisfied with the SCUF Valor Pro. It’s incredibly comfortable, with button placements that feel like they were tailored just for my hands. The back paddles are customizable and robust enough to prevent unwanted activation during intense gaming moments. The ergonomic grip ensures it stays firmly in my hand, even during the wildest gameplay sessions. Plus, the integrated audio controls make managing both game and chat sounds a breeze. Although a wireless version would have been ideal, the SCUF Valor Pro remains an excellent choice for your next Xbox or PC controller.

You can purchase the SCUF VALOR PRO WIRED GAME CONTROLLER right away, priced at $99, at certain outlets as well as directly from scufgaming.com.

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2025-02-20 18:39