Xbox Elite Series 2 vs Scuf Instinct Pro - Which is the Best Xbox Premium Controller

In this video, we're comparing the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller vs Scuf Instinct Pro. Which is the best premium controller for Xbox?
The Xbox Elite Series 2 is a great controller, but the Scuf Instinct Pro is just a bit better. If you're looking for the best controller for Xbox, then you should definitely check out the Scuf Instinct Pro!
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[@aTacoNinja]

Whatever controller you go with fork out the extra money for warranty protection. I’ve tried every controller and had 4 elite controllers 2 series 1 2 series 2. They all use the same cheap modules for the thumb sticks and will inevitably start to drift. The mechanism for the bumpers is poorly designed aswell. Bumpers will stop registering, start double registering, or completely snap off within a year if you play games that use them extensively. Better safe than sorry with how expensive these controllers are just a fair warning.

[@tyronechickin1180]

⁠that’s really good to know what xbox games do you play that you’d want to map any button anywhere though?

[@vyte6531]

This is absolutely cap I have had no stick drift on series 1 and 2 with the same pair for a year each

[@xenmaster1987]

@@vyte6531definitely not crap. I went through 4 in a day cuz they had shit buttons and stick drift

[@brianbenitez5522]

I got two series 2 controller in the matter of 2 weeks and both controllers bumpers were not registering so imma agree

[@zelt22]

@@vyte6531i had 2 series 2 controllers both bumpers are fucked i aint got stickdrift but I literally can’t click my bumpers anymore instinct pro is definitely built better you may get less customization but don’t matter if the controller lasts 6 months

[@JS-we2et]

Great video! And even better for the straight up answer at the start!

[@USAisLife]

Great review my friend. I have only had the Elite 2, and mine recently had button issues, so I had to return it. I was looking between the Scuf and Elite 2, but I think I'll stick with the Elite 2. Thank you once again.

[@Gaming-Enthusiast]

Nice comparison 👌👌

[@franksmith8210]

The series 2 didn't impress me, the triggers and bumpers were very mushy compared to the Scuf and it got stick drift after around 150 hours of play. My Scuf is going strong with around 800 hours on it and the trigger stops are much better. I think either controller you go with is great as long as you have a warranty just Incase.

[@John_R_Jackson_III]

Ima have to disagree with this one family but aye everyone likes what they like.

[@jackscott233]

Does the warranty cover stick drift?

[@Daniel-of2ss]

I'm "triggered" by this comment

[@inpursuit500]

Do the thumb sticks wear out and get “loose” as fast as standard controllers?

[@John_R_Jackson_III]

More me personally I’m going Elite Series 2 every time. Never had stick drift on my Elite 1 or Elite 2. I guess I’m just lucky. I also love the longer paddles (pause)

[@injusticeberserker2800]

No Diddy

[@John_R_Jackson_III]

@@injusticeberserker2800 lol

[@davidrose4004]

Have they fixed the issues with PC bluetooth with the Elite Series 2?

[@Ink2057]

Can someone explain how switch the thumb stick clicking on the scuff instinct. There’s a way to make it where you don’t have to click it to sprint. It’s just pressure and I can’t figure out how.

[@LaurenceHoneytoast]

Been running the Scuf Instinct Pro for about a year now had to send it out for a module repair for stick drift six months in wasnt cheap either almost as much to replaced the whole controller. I do however like it enought to replace it even with its faults. The mouse triggers are amazing and the bumpers are fun to use once you get use to them. I will buy another just wish they used better modules for the sticks. Forgot to mention I also own the elite and prefer the scuf for competitive gaming. The elite bumpers are in the way of my fingers too much.

[@adrianyeager6463]

Do you own the elite 1 or elite 2?

[@LaurenceHoneytoast]

@@adrianyeager6463The Elite 2 is what I own. I have buddies who have run the Elite 1 as well and had similar issues with trigger failure and drift.

[@stevenbishop1782]

Is the stick drift issue mainly a pro controller problem because my standard xb1 and both SX white and black controller have no drift and my xb1 controller is 8 years old with only wear down on the rubber.

[@DefinitelyNotMyRealName]

I’m four decades old and have never experienced “stick drift”

[@johnoconnor-fq4wt]

Thanks Bud .

[@justinmoreno1550]

I’ve had my Elite series 2 for 4yrs now and my only complaint is the MINOR stick drift. Other than that the controller works as I’d did when I bought it. I mostly play FPS. And yes I play extensively.

[@FeedYourGreed]

Hey, great review. Question: Can you map the Scuf Instinct Pro paddles to a diagonal directional imput, say up/forward at the same time?

[@GarrettMusic1]

good question, I will look into it

[@BeardedGolf22]

I don't think you can do that.

[@kram9850]

Just get a refurbished one, i did and its been 2 years since, bagged my elite series 2 for £60 with 2 year warranty and other than it being refurbished it came with all orginal packing with a detail list of what was wrong before it was refurbished and what was replaced turns out someone returned it to microsoft becuase of the usb c not working they replaced it with a oem part and its £80 less than new, honeslty id go with refurbished grade A if you not fussed if you need it to be brans new out of box

[@samgray3]

I just wanna hear about durability and compatibility of the paddles.

[@ryanrios7531]

Honestly the durability for the elite series 2is a hit or miss.I’ve had my controller for 7 months and I already had problems with my LB button and some drift so I sent it in for a replacement.It’s a fantastic controller but if you plan on buying you need to buy some sort of warranty on it.

[@cosmicabyss7358]

Elite can map any button to any other button/paddle. Scuf instinct pro can only map face buttons and bumpers to the paddles but you can't map any other buttons location aside from the paddles.

[@g.o.9513]

No matter what... accidents happen on both controllers.

[@JabberWaker]

The video does not match with the description, He says elite is better but then in the description he says the scuf is better???

[@SixLowa]

I have two elite series 2 controllers since 2019 and they're going strong so far I just update them on Xbox 👍🏿

[@itfollowsme6565]

Do you get stick drift

[@titchpr2]

@@itfollowsme6565yes

[@dopemojo327]

I've been considering a Scuf Instinct Pro but after watching your video I think I'll just stick with my Elite 2. Hopefully there's a 3 in our future that addresses some of the issues people have with the 2's... especially the bumpers.

[@chazzthaspazz4475]

same dude multiple issues happened with my elite 2 finally traded in today at best buy got the warranty got my 2nd elite 2 then come home and guess fuckin what? stick drift right the fuck away go figure! goin back tomorrow and see what they can do

[@Bittuio]

Honestly the only thing better about the elite 2 is customization AND THATS IT I've had 3 elite 2s and I've tried other controllers like victrix gambit and razer wolverine ultimate and they both feel 10x better than the series 2 especially in FPS games I've used my Elite series 2 yesterday to see how it held up to my other two and JESUS CHRIST the input delay got me killed so many times

[@stefanpayne9199]

How is the paddles on the scuf? Are they hard to use??

[@unkownunkown9617]

They suck

[@thehorrorhunter]

To me the best part of the series 2 is being able to charge it in the built in charging case.

[@ziddijatt44]

I have 2 elite controllers and 2 elite series 2 controllers all of them have stick drift issues and it all magically starts after the warranty runs out 😂 idk how

[@DonnyANDCheeks]

I’m trying the scuf now, hopefully it doesn’t suck. The elite series 2 I had for 2 year has been a terrible experience.

[@Gibbonfiddler]

Great video. I'm about to take the plunge and am torn between the two controllers. Leaning towards the Instinct Pro right now, but durability is going to be the main issue for me. Can anyone who has had either/ both controllers for a period of time give me any insights into durability please? Rumours abound that the Elite Series 3 may be released towards the end of the year, so may hold off, unless there are huge discounts before then.

[@TheeSmiths9520]

dont have instint pro but have had elite 2 for year and going strong no replacement of anything and no issues. PS i have kids who throw it not alot but its happened couple times. Looking been looking at vidss of the instince pro really want to know if the click triggers are worth the 200+ when you can get a white series 2 for 109 119 rn.

[@Gibbonfiddler]

@@TheeSmiths9520 I was heavily leaning towards the Elite Series 2, but I placed my order for the Instinct Pro a couple of days ago. Please remind me to check back and I'll be more than happy to provide feedback once I've had it for a few days!

[@TBPE]

i've had 3 elite series 2s and same issue with all 3, stick drift and bumper issues. I've went for a scuf instinct this time as its probably by only option left

[@beny7160]

If you get the elite series 2, IMMEDIATELY map the 'stick click' to the rear paddles. If you spend more than a week clicking the sticks in with any regularity you will gain some truly wicked stick drift or, as in my case over four different series 1 and 1 series 2, sunken stick to the point it just flat out doesn't register stick movement. I have only just recently noticed my left bumper almost completely non responsive and after another hour of play my right bumper is starting to lose response. It feels great in the hand and, if you are SUPER careful with it, it shouldn't give you too much trouble. What I despise is that it's advertised as the elite controller, built to withstand professional gamer use but actually is more fragile and has more inherent problems than the plastic POS standard controller you get included with your console.

[@dareddemon8171]

I have the scuff instinct pro trigger is amazing

[@Looch1717]

I love the S2 Controller, but as LOTS of others have reported with it too, it creates button issues.. The 2 buttons I use the most, the B button and the RB button both doesnt register unless I click down hard now. And its no coincidence considering how many others have these issues aswell. Its really dissapointing. I wonder if the Scuf controller has the same issue.

[@hartmtg4316]

I have and have had both controllers. My elite series 2 has RB problems where it wont register unless you press it in a certain area of the button. My scuf I had almost 2 years and its just now starting to get stick drift. If there is a newer production model of the elite series 2 that has fixed these issues. Then maybe I would try the elite series core and just use my previous series 2 pieces. But as for now if you want overall quality, nothing beats the Scuf.

[@user-tw2un7pq8e]

It’s the same I have the same problem with the newest elite control

[@toasti1]

I have the elite 2 and the back left paddle got loose a bit and wiggles now because i play Titanfall 2 that I always hold down the paddle so it wear out after a while.

[@squidMB]

With the amount of issues on the elite series 2, i’ll stick with my scuf. It can do most things the elite series 2 can do anywho

[@Alexifeu]

I still have my Scuf Prestige... I don't get why they took it down. Sad that Scuf fell off.

[@alexrey5175]

what about joystick drift?

[@drnick647]

Anyone know which of these 2 controllers more closely resembles the default Xbox series x stick tension and feel?

[@Lyonborn]

Scuf because it is the series x controller just with the scuf add ons

[@Requiem754]

Ive had both one being a custom scuf (instinct) and a elite 2 the custom one paddle went out after a accidental fall from maybe 3 ft. The elite 2 literally fell apart after a month, the lock triggers literally locked and would not shoot on fps and the rb lb decided to ejecto seato cuz felt good with bot the elite feeling more durable but not in reality. As far as customisable you can custmize the scuf the way you want with some cost (duh) but you cant with the elite at a lower cost, limited colors, not much difference from the scuf other than a little mor durable feeling but the scuf feels 100xs more comfortable in my own opinion. This is all opinion after owning both but after the constant deaths from the elite on ranked modes. Ill be ordering a scuf again. All comes down to the person both have pros and cons. Scuf did up the warranty to 1 year vs 6 months just like the elite look futher into the cons of both before buying not just how great the customizing is

[@Requiem754]

The elite core btw you have to buy the paddles charger and all accessories do not buy it if you expect paddles or accessories

[@Requiem754]

The core is a stock controller you can buy accessories for basically

[@RefrigeratedTP]

I've had my elite 2 since launch and it's perfect. I just treat my expensive things carefully

[@Requiem754]

@@RefrigeratedTP I enjoyed and liked elite very much but it fell apart with the gaming I did which im sure will be figured out eventually but if you game as much as me even with a full time job it just needs a few upgrades for the price for the serious gamers and also there can be bad batches no matter the company. Hope yours last longer than mine!

[@Requiem754]

Mostly being the rb lb 1&2 both wore and was unstable depends on the games as well Not in anyway saying the elite is bad if that one very common issue if you look it up is fixed then it's great

[@pinetree7296]

This worries me there is so many reports and complaints on the Elite V2 for it's lack of build quality to me it feels unacceptable for a ''premium'' controller tho the Elite 2 has alot to offer package wise, Might get the SCUF have some gift cards laying around.

[@iiDefied]

I wish they made a controller shaped like a PlayStation controller that works on Xbox

[@Speedy.2ss]

Scuf made them for xbox but idk what happened to that, I saw them a couple years ago but not anymore

[@FlameCreations]

I'm going for scuf because of the built in mic

[@nutjager]

I’ve never owned a scuf but the Xbox elite will most likely have issues the first week in I’ve been through 3 and my Xbox stock controllers have lasted 3 times longer than any elite I’ve had

[@Deaconbrowngaming]

The build quality of the xbox controllers as a whole are poor, the bumper buttons and tricker buttons break easily, well within a 6 month period. I have had both elite and elite S2 and had to send them back for exchanges as the bumper buttons had broken. The stick drift is a huge issues as well. I thought about getting a scuf but decided to go with a Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, and tbh I will never go back to an elite again as the build quality of the razer is 100% better. But a very good video, keep it up

[@GarrettMusic1]

I'll have a look into the Razer Wolverine V2

[@DooplisTheGhost]

I would get one of the Razer controllers but the paddle placement is just weird imo.

[@cosmicabyss7358]

Yeah I have horrible stick drift in both thumsticks of the Elite 2 within a year. So I decided to try out the scuff instinct this time they also have much cheaper repair costs. Downside is Elite 2 can map literally any button to any other button. Scuf Instinct pro can only map face buttons and bumpers to the paddles only. So you can't make X button attack if the game has it set to RB on the scuf but you can on the Elite.

[@Deaconbrowngaming]

@@cosmicabyss7358 Im telling you, get the azer Wolverine V2 Chroma, you can map any buttons, you have 6 extra buttons instead of the normal 4 and its well built and smooth.

[@eduardomillan5475]

@@Deaconbrowngaminghow long did it take u to get comfortable with the back paddles ?? I’m thinking of getting one two as my core 2 rb trigger won’t register as long as i press hard on it.

[@GarrettMusic1]

Which controller do you prefer, Xbox Elite Series 2 or Scuf Instinct Pro?

[@sakmiov688]

The scuf customizable trigger is amazing

[@GarrettMusic1]

@@sakmiov688 good to know

[@dareddemon8171]

I have the scuff and my roommate has the elite scuff is a lot better faster getting trigger off to fps games

[@pndr]

the paddles are so uncomfortable for me on the elite controllers. anyone can say if they are more convenient on the scuf?

[@jesseback3536]

I agree they are not comfortable at all and I can really only use one on each side because they are too close together.

[@xanthony1919x]

The scuff paddles do feel more comfy/more out of the way feel. And really only need one finger use on each side.

[@sneakkyz3696]

Take care of you're elite series 2 and buy the extra warranty and you're golden. I get a brand new elite series 2 once a year for $60 bucks a year. And i don't even need to exchange it i just do to get a new one. Warranty lasts 2 years for $60 bucks at best buy. So if you wanted to you could just pay $60 every 2 years and have a brand new elite 2 literally every 2 years for basically $30 a year. You can't beat it.

[@GarrettMusic1]

Smart

[@g.o.9513]

@@GarrettMusic1 this is not smart. Subscriptions for a controller is not necessary. Something is fundamentally wrong here. Buy ONE and done. Scuf.

[@ruckus755]

So I use both regularly and I noticed the elite series 2 is prone to getting stick drift in the right stick vs the scuf pro controller and when you use the right stick to crouch/prone like I do it just accelerates the initial stick drift

[@Blitz_TK]

i think ill just buy the case of the elite 2

[@MrSilentTTV]

My elite series 2 don’t last I’ve been through 6 in 1.5 years stick drift and the bumpers always go to hell

[@Slapsr]

Ok so every single elite 2 I owned were 2nd hand I never experience drift or anything ridiculous I had purchased a elite 2 core white edition brand new I have 0 issues been using it since Christmas Verizon just shipped me out a brand new elite series 2 black for free promotion and I’m excited for it I have literally no problems with used elites or new I want a scuff but I don’t wanna dish out 220 + cus I’ll customize it pc gamer ** btw and I could never play with a stock remote ever since I switched to elite remotes always buy game stops warranty they will swap out the remote for any reason I spilled water on one of mine and they swapped out as long as it’s in stock & keep your box so you don’t deal with the issue

[@Usmc3169O]

People that get stick drift clearly need to breathe when they play with their controllers, you dont need to grip the controller for dear life and abuse it, slow is smooth, smooth is fast

[@firefistx7477]

Everyone here has owned an elite controller this review gave me no information about how the scuf wears. Are they paddles more responsive and less likely to shit themself? Anyone know?

[@quiltedstatue1325]

The paddles on the back of the instinct pro are fine. They are actually buttons instead of paddles. The model before had actual plastic paddles that broke all the time. I have owned 3 instinct pros and the right sided stick drift is a serious problem. As a CoD player that is ridiculous. That's why I am looking for a new controller.

[@firefistx7477]

@@quiltedstatue1325 ooo you mightve sold me

[@firefistx7477]

oh until i read the entire pitch haha

[@randy-mw5dq]

Dude, you didnt address any if the quality issues with the elite series 2, its like a nice looking car that runs like crap.

[@Shinobi_Bake]

The Elite 2 is the best controller when its brand new, but the build quality is shit and it WILL have some sort of issue within a few months of moderate use.

[@ProxJayy]

The elite 2 is half the price of the scuf I am seeing 110 for a elite and 210-270 on a scuf

[@J03L-]

I owned 2 elite series 2 controllers the first one came broken out the box because the trigger mechanism broke. The replacement lasted 5 months and then firstly the tension sticks broke on me after 3 months (feeling like the hardest setting on the loosest) this happened on both sticks. Then the LB bumper started to become unresponsive so I quickly returned to Amazon for a full refund. I have no bought a Scuf instinct pro but it hasn’t arrived yet. The elite series 2 is not a good quality controller it’s an over engineered nightmare of a controller. Do not buy it unless you get a warranty because it will probably break after 6 months and for a £150+ controller you’d expect it to last for a while longer than 6 months.

[@KerLurOTurHur]

i had 9 elites 2s in 1 year. Terrible always breaks

[@Callum_harvey22]

Elite series 2 don’t last I had 7 replacements

[@cosmicabyss7358]

I have stick drift in both my sticks on the Elite 2 after only a year and I don't play super heavy. Durability was the key factor this time for me picking the Scuf over the Elite. But I didn't realize I can't map my buttons however I want on the scuf like I can on the Elite.

[@jca8706]

Onto my 4 one 😂

[@austinolson143]

Ya it’s crazy today I was thinking about just buying the core bc I’ve gone thru 3 elite 2’s myself. Just hoping to save a little money but I’m sure this thing will end up drifting or bumpers stop working as well

[@user-ns5yj3lx2r]

There absolutely no difference then the core. I combined the parts rom a series 2 to a series 2 core. Everything the exact same. Mother board and buttons.

[@leomella46]

that's a lot of money for a controller that requires AA batteries. that's crazy.

[@Junior12997]

Ps player?

[@ProPayne84]

Nothing about the difference in triggers? Really? LoL

[@g.o.9513]

Small indicator that this comparison is skewed towards the Series 2.

[@lowxx4645]

@@g.o.9513I’ve had 2 lol . And the bumpers suck

[@Gbody_Klown]

So from what I get from all the reviews I watch the elite series is a waste of money just grab a scuf…

[@Tkarma77]

Don't get elite . Had 3 all faulty

[@mig6220]

Elite 2 is customizable garbage. I've had 3- all have had problems. The first- the shoulder buttons stopped working. Second one, thumb stick stopped registering the click press. I remapped to a removable trigger- which comes out too easy and gets lost(good thing I have 3 full sets, right?). The last one- the rubber grips bubbled, I had to peel them off. Now, the d-pad got stuck- it makes everything go up on the screen. All the nubs(that set the range of the trigger) on all 3 controllers came off long ago. Its just one thing after another. As for the warranty, I had to set an appt at a best Buy 100 miles away-just so they can look at it! I haven't had this many issues since the xbox red ring of death! Never again. None lasted over a year. Anything. ANYTHING has to be more durable than this junk!😑

[@theconsolekiller7113]

The best premium Xbox controller would probably be a PS5 controller like the reflex pro, using an adapter for compatibility on xbox. Too much deadzone in the Xbox controllers although I still like using them. I prefer the shape and grip of the PS5 controller as well. The King Kong Pro 2 is potentially even better , with an adapter, since it basically has no deadzone. My main issue is that it doesnt have stick tension adjustments. A little too easy to move for my tastes. No back paddles either.

[@The91jesus]

Was going to invest in the Kong but dosnt have the back paddles 😢

[@theconsolekiller7113]

@@The91jesus Right. That could be a problem for FPS players that really utilise that feature. In my case I play through everything from ancient to very new, but many different genres.

[@johncastillo2194]

PlayStation controllers suck

[@theconsolekiller7113]

@@johncastillo2194 that’s true none of the buttons work

[@mokacy8102]

Dead zone is software bro not the controller because Xbox controller is fine on pc

[@gamerguru2924]

Lost me at batteries

[@GarrettMusic1]

is there something you need me to make a video on with my channel?

[@ivaniniguez2553]

Xbox controller triggers are cheap

[@Bucs0n3]

No way in hell the elite is better