SCUF Gaming specializes in high-end customizable controllers. Its latest product is the SCUF Prestige for Xbox One, PC, and Android. Like all SCUF controllers, the Prestige offers players a variety of personalization options. While superior to a standard Xbox One controller, the Prestige fails to live up to the SCUF Vantage and Xbox Elite. Though a solid, dependable controller, the Prestige isn’t all it could be.
The SCUF Prestige has most of the features you’d expect from the company’s controllers. This includes a removable faceplate, backpaddles, adjustable triggers, trigger stops, and interchangeable thumbsticks. It also has rubberized grips and Bluetooth connectivity. You’ll also get a 10-foot braided cord, two longer thumbsticks, a magnetic key, and a hardshell case. There is no real need for set up. You can start using the Prestige right out of the box.
It is easy to remove the faceplate, even if you have short fingernails. While you can swap out the thumbsticks, you cannot remove the d-pad or rumble motors. The latter might be a sticking point for professional players who prefer to play without rumble. There is nothing wrong with the built-in d-pad, but it’s odd that you cannot remove it. The Prestige lacks the two extra buttons found on the left and right sides of the Vantage. I won’t fault it for that since those were unique to the Vantage and aren’t as essential as the back paddles.
You can program the back paddles to act as any of the other buttons. This is one of the best features of SCUF controllers, especially for those with limited mobility. Programing the paddles is easy, though much different than before. Instead of flipping a switch on the back of the controller, you must now use the included magnetic key. Using the magnetic key is a straightforward process. You’ll just have to remember where you’ve kept the small key. If you don’t need or aren’t a fan of the back paddles, you can always remove them.
The controller comes with another key used for adjusting the tension of the triggers. The quick-stop switches on the controller’s back make it so the triggers stop short. This is beneficial for players who want to get shots off quicker in FPS games. For racing games, however, you’ll want to disable the trigger locks.
The Prestige functioned nicely when playing games like Forza Horizon 3, Cuphead, Doom, and Monster Hunter World on Xbox One and PC. The thumbsticks, face buttons, bumpers, and triggers all performed as well as you’d expect. I especially liked the rubberized grips which made holding the controller for long periods of time easier. The controller works great with a variety of game genres.
At $159.95, the SCUF Prestige is a well-designed, if pricy, SCUF controller. It does everything it promises and is a cut above a standard Xbox One controller. Though limited, the customization options give players the chance to personalize their gaming experience.
While great in its own right, it isn’t a controller I can fully recommend — not with the Xbox Elite 2 on the horizon. If you’re a pro gamer, you may want to wait and spend the extra $20 for Microsoft’s controller. Still, the Prestige is the best Xbox One controller available from SCUF. You won’t go wrong if you decide to purchase it. Just be aware there are better high-end controllers on the market.
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