The Scuf Instinct Pro is in an odd position because it is the sole wireless option from a third party, but it is also by far the most costly Xbox controller available (it starts at $199.99). The one we tried cost $263.91 with a unique faceplate and color accents. That is more than the Xbox Series S, which is a full console, occasionally sells for. Still, if you’re willing to spend that much money, the Instinct Pro is arguably better than Microsoft’s Elite in certain very particular areas, most notably its comfort and inclusion of rear buttons and hair triggers.
The Instinct Pro has very distinct rear buttons, which we actually enjoy. Instead of paddles, there are four rocker-like buttons incorporated into the controller’s body that you push with your middle finger toward or away from your hand. It still takes some brain training to get used to it but we found them more intuitive.
Aside from the rear buttons, the Scuf’s other standout feature is its hair triggers, which have the fastest response time of any controller tested here. Simply flip a button on the rear, and the left and right triggers feel exactly like mouse clicks – it’s really amazing. The hair triggers, rear buttons, and well-textured grip material on the controller’s underside all contribute to the joy of use.
The Instinct Pro feels like Scuf essentially hot-rodded a stock Xbox controller, but it comes at a hefty price. Meanwhile, it still runs on AA batteries and lacks software customization, so as much as we enjoy using it, we’d only recommend getting one if you’re extremely passionate about its very specific qualities or if you absolutely adore the colorful accents and magnetically swappable faceplates on Scuf’s configurator.
