I have known about competitive pro controllers for quite some time now. But looking into other ones, besides the stock Xbox Elite and PlayStation Dual Sense Edge versions, was something I never bothered with. Ever since I got extended time with the Fall Scuf Lineup earlier this year, I realized that was a problem I needed to fix. To remedy that, I got my hands on the Valor Pro Wireless Controller, which is designed for Xbox, PC, and Bluetooth devices, to see how it performs in day-to-day use.
Before getting into the actual review, I’d like to point out how Scuf presented its controller, which feels on par with Apple or other luxury brands. After all, it should, given that the controller sells for 190 USD. As soon as it’s opened, everything is packed neatly for you to see, and instead of a paper manual, there’s a QR code you can scan that takes you to a digital version. Inside the controller, you’ll find the following items: Valor Pro Wireless, USB-C Cable/USB-C Wireless Dongle, and 2 Tumbsticks/Back Paddles.
As for the controller’s specs, its dimensions are 153 mm (L) x 107 mm (H) x 64 mm (W), it comes with a USB-C port and a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, an asymmetrical thumbstick layout, connects wirelessly, it has a magnetic shell, and weighs roughly a pound. It has two toggles on the back: one to set which platform you want to play on, and another for button mapping. It also has two audio control wheels that can only be used with a wired headset. Last but not least, the controller also has two trigger locks that make pulling both a lot easier, and of course, the back pads that can act as any button on your controller.
Setting up the controller was reasonably straightforward. There are two different ways you can go about this. The first way is to download the Valor Pro app on PC or Xbox. From here, you’ll have all sorts of options to truly deck out your controller to your liking. But one thing worth noting is that every time I looked for it on my Xbox, it was nowhere to be found. Thankfully, it wasn’t too much of an issue because when I got to tinkering with it, I didn’t change much. If anything, I used the built-in controller mapping instead. Doing this was as simple as pushing a button. What was especially nice was how fast it could be done, because in my first couple of hours, I found myself trying to find the right buttons for the pads during ranked games of Marvel Rivals. Being able to remap on the fly more than likely saved me from dropping a rank or two.
Using the back pads felt incredibly natural. As someone who mainly used the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, using these back pads required some mental training. This was due to their sensitivity, so you need to hold it a specific way. But all of that goes away with the Valor Pro Wireless. Even though the back pads can be removed, they’re snugged into the controller and require just enough muscle to press them. This solved two major issues I’ve had with the Xbox Elite: the first being how I hold it. Because my hands fit perfectly in place of the controller, and I don’t have to place them in a specific way to prevent myself from pressing a button.
The other issue it solved was that I no longer had to worry about accidentally pressing a button mid-game. Since they require a little bit of muscle, I was able to rest my fingers on the back pads without worrying about pressing a button that I didn’t mean to. These are two key components that really set this controller apart from the competition.
Scuf Valor Pro Wireless Controller is a Serious Upgrade for Competitive Play
One of the main reasons why I use a Pro Controller is its battery life. Because nothing is more annoying than having it die out in the middle of an important fight, thankfully, that’s an issue I didn’t have to run into with the Valor Pro Wireless. According to its fact sheet, it can last a full 17 hours with all settings on, and if you turn off most of them, it can run for around 30 hours. In the two weeks I’ve had this controller, I haven’t had to charge it once, and it’s running as strong as it did fresh out of the box.
Another feature I love is the built-in screenshot button. Although this may seem like a minor issue, it’s something that the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 lacks. To get around it, you either have to capture footage the default way or map a button to use that. But all of that is solved by the screenshot button in the center of the controller. This simple button saves some valuable time while gaming.
Although this really doesn’t change how I use the controller one way or the other, having a magnetic faceplate is a nice touch. Not only does this help you change the thumbsticks, but it also lets you change the face whenever you want. Doing a glance over at the Scuf online store, you’ll quickly notice all of the different faces you can swap to make the controller uniquely yours. Even though a lot of these features may seem small, it’s the little wins that really add up that make this controller unique.
The Good:
- Long Battery Life
- Lots of customizations
- Back Pads are comfortable
The Bad:
- Some of the customizations can be overwhelming
The Final Word
It’s tough to say anything bad about this controller. It’s clear that it’s designed for fast-paced games, but it can cater to so much more, and you get a lot of bang for your buck. It addresses many of the significant issues other Pro Controllers face, and the final product really shines as a result. If you’re in the market for a premium controller, look into the Valor Pro Wireless. After spending some time with this controller, it’s hard for me to imagine anything else other than the Valor Pro Wireless.
MonsterVine Rating: 4 out of 5 – Good
