SCUF Controllers: What The Pros Use And Why It’s (Like) Cheating

This SCUF controller review is more about purpose than performance. We all know a SCUF controller is well-built and performs like a champ. What we’re questioning is whether it is like having a cheat code that only some gamers can afford.

The fact is, my stepson picked up a SCUF controller from Amazon after Warzone. He’s an eSports fanatic and actually pretty darn good to boot. Constantly topping charts with the most kills in CoD and arena ratings in World of Warcraft (WoW):

Yet, that changed with Warzone, and instead of topping charts, he was third(ish). A travesty in his eyes that required one solution – a SCUF controller.

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What is a SCUF controller?

The official spiel from SCUF says it optimizes player inputs around the ergonomics of their hands.

Translation: It’s a way of aiming and jumping or dropping prone while shooting, simultaneously.

It does this by adding paddles to the underside of its controller. They’re super-comfortable and have a genuine high-quality feel. At $150-$200 depending on customizations, you’d expect as much.

On the SCUF website, one pro-gamer states:

“I’ve been using a SCUF controller for a long long time, being able to aim and use movement mechanics makes you so much better as a player.”

TYLER “TEEPEE” POLCHOW, SCUF Pro Players website

And this is why my stepson purchased one. So he can aim, jump, and shoot simultaneously. This is where I start to question the pad, I’m no expert but how is giving some players more access to movement mechanics via a paid boost not cheating?

SCUF Controllers
Photo: Amazon.com

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So, are SCUF controllers cheating?

Officially, a SCUF controller is not cheating. The pros use them, and major tournaments allow them:

FACT: A tournament is an environment where everyone playing would have similar pro controllers.

The issue is when the competition is split between the haves and have-nots:

CONSIDERATION: If I’m using a normal controller with no special paddles, I’m at a disadvantage against someone with a SCUF controller.

Not because of skill but because I don’t have access to certain movement mechanics (as the pro gamer above stated in their quote).

On Reddit, the argument is that everyone can buy a SCUF controller so it’s the equivalent of having a gaming mouse and keyboard versus a standard mouse and keyboard. But that’s not a fair comparison at all…

In a PC game, you can map your inputs regardless of the mouse and keyword you’re playing with. Plus, jumping, aiming, and shooting simultaneously has always been possible on any keyboard and mouse.

In comparison, a standard controller and console game make this combination of jumping, aiming, and shooting practically impossible.

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What does a SCUF controller do?

The most common scenario has a player has two thumbs on thumbsticks which control movement and aiming. This means a player’s right thumb can’t control the thumbstick and press a face button (X, Y, A, B) simultaneously:

The outcome: A player cannot jump, aim, and fire simultaneously on a standard controller effectively or efficiently. A SCUF controller makes the combination easy by adding paddles.

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What are the paddles on SCUF controllers?

Paddles are inputs underneath the controller that mirror the same actions as the face buttons X, Y, A, and B.

TIP: If you pick up an EMR (Electro-Magnetic Remapping) tool with your SCUF controller, you can remap the paddles for other actions. This is ideal for keeping your expensive controller future-proof for other games.

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Are SCUF controllers worth it?

So, let’s double back to the earlier question: Is it cheating?

Yes, it is (however, it is clearly an acceptable form of cheating).

CONSIDERATION: What would the reaction be if Epic or Activision Blizzard sold a movement or aiming advantage via the microtransaction store that cost $150?

There would be outrage…

And a SCUF controller is no different – as it gives a paid advantage over gamers who don’t have it. It might only be a small advantage but that’s huge in competitive games like Call of Duty or Fortnite, just ask my stepson.

And that’s why in his opinion, a SCUF controller is definitely worth it.