Controller Showdown! - Elite Series 2 vs. SCUF Instinct Pro 

I really love the elite 2, the only problem i have is with the bumpers. Im now on my 3rd controller. The first one I bought full price, second was covered with warranty, the third was through a "repair order" which cost around $150. Now my problem is, all the controllers have had THE SAME ISSUE. After about 6 months the bumpers start either double/triple clicking on a single input, or just dont receive the input. So although I really want to recommend it, I cannot say you should go buy it in good conscience.

The scuf instinct pro paddles are supposed to be used with only 2 fingers and you have to roll your fingers in to the inner paddles. Is kinda awkward but after about a week you get used to it and you don’t have the issues with breaking paddles

Great review mane keep up the good work.

Def subbing my man. Love a good review and I liked the scoring style fr.

Your video was super helpful and amazing thank you sir you have earned my subscription and I hit that bell button

From 1 growing channel to another this was a very good quality production. How did you shoot this if u don't mind me asking?? I'm still learning so I m always looking for tips and suggestions

You give the best review and comparisons 👍🏼

Really nice RU-vid video! And happy Halloween 🎃

I really wanted the elite series two. With the numerous quality control issues, I settled with the 8bitdo ultimate. It has been very good.

The video comparison I need. Thanks.

Ngl the Elite trigger config is a bit of a dream sell imo. I set mine to go 1-100 instantly but when I play cod I still need push the trigger further. I have them set so its a short pull anyway but that Scuf trigger click looks like you would sustain fire quicker than the Elite 2s best setting

I have the elite series 2 for over a year and have had to do multiple repairs. I literally had to shave the face plate down so the bumpers didn’t stick. I’ve had to send it in for repair of the B button. The joysticks will randomly start unscrewing and you have to screw them back in (usually happens with the right joystick) and to top it all off the button that connects to the bottom right paddle is now indented to far and sometimes when pressing that paddle it does not actuate until the second or third click of the paddle. I ordered the instinct pro a week ago so hopefully it goes better than my experience with the elite 2. Also my little brother has gone through two elite series 2 now and had similar issues as mine

Wow finally a good comparison video!👍🏼

I had my Elite 2 Controller for about 2 years now and been gaming heavy on it I dropped it a few times from sleeping there something tiny inside make noise but nothing wrong with it it’s still going strong with no problems

I’ve had elite controllers since the first white one came out and they have not gave me any issues at all I don’t abuse them either tho the elite 2 is just amazing I just ordered on on the Xbox design lab I’d highly recommend them if they could make the triggers like mouse clicks it would be a beast imo

i just bought the scuf instinct pro a couple days ago! cant wait

How Do You not have thousands of subs 😮 your videos are like professional and just absolutely amazing ❤

One Question, if I have a warranty and need to use it. Does the new controller come with a renewed warranty? Or does the previous warranty remain? Or does the warranty get void after one use? Thanks

The back pedals on the Instinct are part of the rear case and are a common failure point for scuf controllers. They won't sell you a replacement part. On the upside you can add clicky buttons to the instinct controller, those are not out for the elite controllers.

this channel is underrated, you deserve 100k subs

Great Comparison!

Can the removable D-pad from scuff be used on Elite? I don't like the dpad bundled with elite, scuff looks better.

Bubba for someone who likes pretty loose triggers is the ES2 the real way to go?

As much as I like SCUF, the Elite Series 2 is just the best value

I’ve had an elite two controller before, don’t think it lasted 6 months, and didn’t know about the warrantee since it was a gift, issue I had was stick drift. Haven’t had the scuf instinct, but I didn’t get a scuf prestige a couple of years ago, and it lasted me for around 2 years before it was stolen from me, I’d say the biggest improvements from the prestige to the instinct would be the instant triggers is your gonna use them, and also the paddle design, not just for feel but duribility, I ran through about 3 sets of paddles because of the angle they were positioned, glad they fixed that

I have a elite series 1 and the left bumper button broke, it bad ass that i could map that button to one of the rear paddles so thats a plus with controler software. With that said. I was just going to buy a new replacement left bumper button but i wanted to check out if the series 2 was worth upgrading to. Do you reccomend the series 2 from the series 1? Any mayor dofferences between the two?

I have been dealing with the elite series 2 bumper issues as well. My suggestion is purchase the controller at best buy with the geek squad 2 year warranty. That way if your passed your Microsoft warranty you can just take it to best buy and get it replaced for free. I would recommend if you do replace it this way to just purchase the warranty again because idk why Microsoft can't fix this bumper issue already. I have returned about 3 Elites over the past 3 years , it costs me $60 for the warranty so it's cheaper then buying a new controller each time. The sad part being is it took me awhile to get comfortable with 4 paddles and now I don't want to give up that accessibility. I just haven't found paddles like the elite series controllers and the awesome software to boot. I owned the original elite controller and let me tell you that thing was a tank. I never had any issues with bumpers or anything for that matter until about 4 years in when the grips started to peel off. Miss the elite series 1.

I just picked an elite series 2 controller and absolutely love it. I 100% agree that the paddles are in the perfect spot because of how I hold the controller

Just purchased my elite 2. Haven’t opened it as of yet, but I research about a lot of drifting right out of the box. I got the extended warranty also which is up to 3 years. Hopefully I got a good controller.

I have both controllers and I would agree that the Elite 2 shades it. The triggers are better on the Scuff, that's the main advantage IMO. The paddles underneath the Scuff are more like switches and not as good at the paddles on the Elite 2. I swapped out the original paddles on my Elite 2 with Scuff Elite 2 paddles which are waaaaay better. For me the Elite 2 is the most comfortable controller, but let down by the quality and sustainability of the buttons and bumpers. I also have a Chroma Wolverine 2 which has excellent buttons and pad which are like mouse clicks. If you could combine all the best best features of these 3 controllers you would have the absolute best Xbox controller bar none.

I’ve been using an Elite 2 for about two years now and early this year is when the right bumper started to not recognize the input at time. It’s become worse since then and I’ve had to make one of my profiles account for that and map the RB to a paddle. Loved the controller very much though

Great review!! You should get more views!

iv got a series x and a ps5, the one thing that really stands out between the two for me is the controllers, the ps5 pad is nice and quiet when you move the thumb sticks and click the buttons, but the series x pad it pretty loud when the plastic thumb sticks hits the side of the plastic controller, buttons are loud as well, maybe not really loud but i have an ear problem that makes the series x controller noise really annoying at times when my ears hurt, are either of these quieter than the x controller or is there any other makes that would be better? thanks

My Elite series 2 has an issue where when I have the stick pushed in one direction and release it, it returns too quickly and will cause an input in the opposite direction. >=o( Really annoying.

how do you not have more subscribers man. this is the best comparison video i’ve ever seen!

If the Scuf came down in price it would be a much more tempting rival. That 6 month warranty is grim too.

I love the Elite 2, except that it's complete crap. I've had 2 and both had a problem where the tactile actuation point of the face buttons was above where they actually register a press, and my current one has had one of the bumpers fail, and when on the shortest setting the triggers do not always register a press.

11 months and my scuff is starting to sticky on my b button. Any way to fix at home?

I use the elite 2 for a month and never had any problems with the battery. Had to charge it maybe 2-3 times total since I bought it.

Love my elite series 2, great comparison!

I like the Xbox elite series controller but I don’t like the Xbox thumb sticks. Is it possible to swap ps4/ps5 thumb sticks into the Xbox elite series 2 ?

After having the elite 2 and loving it, I have run into the bumper issue. And after reading everyone constantly having that issue, looks like it’s the scuf this time for me

What player pack did you get

I have only owned the scuf prestige but im really disappointed that I have gone through 2 sets of thumbsticks that have just melted. The paddles underneath were very cheap plastic and ive lost two to breaking them when taking them off. I kinda want to risk the instinct but the is the strength of the price and lower price of the Elite worth it I cant decide.

Hey guys . Little question . Is the elite series 2 working with the Xbox app on windows 10? I bought it few weeks ago on Amazon , tried the configuration but Xbox app won’t recognize it and the customer support said something about having an issue that they were going to fix with compatibly pc/app . You know if it’s fixed ? You didn’t seem to have any of the mentioned above . I ended up returning mine on Amazon so I didn’t have to wait for a fix that nobody knows when’s coming .

hey i just wanted to tell you that if you pull of the front on the xbox elite controller you dont lose your warenty but there is a screw that is cover with a special sticker if you poke that sticker you lose your warenty

Ok i've owned both. Recently switched to the instinct pro from the elite 2. the elite 2 paddles do break over time. You get to a point where the round part of the metal that sticks into the small actual button in the back doesnt make good contact anymore and you have to press it harder and harder. Value wise, it's not even close, elite 2 all day. Thats where the elite 2's fight ends. When we move to performance these are 2 different generations of controllers and people just havent caught up to what scuf did with this controller yet. I get sweaty hands. With the elite 2, those metal paddles became ice rinks for my finger tips. Not to mention that 8 fingers are assigned to buttons which leaves your small two fingers to really grip the controller. Again with sweaty hands it can be a nightmare. The scuf, the grip is beyond amazing, i can finally grip my entire controller tight and no matter how much i sweat, that thing isnt moving. The mouse click is ridiculous on warzone, and please for the love of God DO NOT place a finger on each of the paddles, you wanna use the "finger roll" technique he showed. There is a steep learning curve, but thats where the game changer is. My movement on warzone has skyrocketed thanks to the scuf and im still getting used to it (tip: which button you map where makes ALL the difference). But yea elite 2 best value/budget controller. If you want true performance, scuf all day

I've had 2 elite series 2 controllers and both had RB issues. The button stops working after less than a year of use. I'm going to have to Google if I can repair myself as they are both out of warranty now.

okay thanks video wicked one question tho Elite 1 vs Elite 2

I just got my red custom instinct pro and I love it I also got the elite 2 and honestly I like both

If the elite's paddles were on the Scuf Instinct Pro, it would be a game changer. The Scuf triggers are the only thing that's great about the instinct pro but other than that there's really nothing else special about it unless you talk about the price which is a lot compared to the elite's series 2. Sadly, the Scuf only lasted me 6 months until I got stick drift which is the equivalent of the red ring of death on the Xbox 360 console in my eyes loll.

You should do the thrustmaster e swap x pro bed controller out there

You didn't compare and test the analog sticks or the d-pad. I'm trying to find an Xbox elite controller that has a retro style d-pad using the rubber bed braid versus that clicky new d-pad that Xbox One used. Do these two elite controllers have that classic-feel d-pad?

I have elite series 2 within 6 month started to have drifting issues so I used the warranty and got another series 2 but in the span of 4 month AGAIN with same issue 🤦‍♂️ And FYI I always leave it the carrying case.

Just an FYI u can EASILY remove the paddles on the Scuf and EASILY put them back on. I like playing with only two on certain games

Super easy to roll your fingers and press all 4 bumpers on the instinct . Plus the mouse click triggers are god tier , way better than elite trigger stops. $40 more for scuf but a truly better controller

7:58 doesn't xbox scuf already have this? Doesn't the adjustable trigger stop do the same thing??

2 1/2 years using the Elite 2, been through 3 controllers. Between the paddles, buttons sticking and sticks sticking/ drifting really bad after an average of 8 months each

Is the D pad and the other buttons on the face of the Scuf as loud and annoying as the regular or elite controllers? Compared to my Ps5 controller - my Xbox Series X controller sounds loud and cheap.

I have had nothing but issues with Xbox pro controllers. Either bumpers popping out or the triggers sticking(on press AND release). I'm exhausted with returning what is meant to be a pro controller over minute issues like this when it takes no physical impacts whatsoever.

Bought a elite series 2 and returned 3 of them all within 1 month. Nothing but issues. Extremely disappointed. All had stick drift. Bluetooth didn’t work on one. Dpad didn’t fit correctly on another. Buttons were non responsive and other issues.

Just ordered the scuf , I hope it’s better than the 3 elites I’ve gone through already. Just nervous about only having a 6 month warranty with the scuf and no analog tension adjustments

Something that's driven me mad especially when it came to the Dualshock 3 was how sticks would wear and loosen. It feels HORRIBLE, like when someone has a really weak noodley handshake. The Elite's option to customise stick tension was an instant sale for me.

I use the Razer wolverine chroma v2 and its a beast. With 6 mappable buttons 2 on top next to the bumpers and 4 on back that are away from the handles/grip of the controller, there are no accidental button presses. The biggest downside is that its usb-c wired only. You should def check it out.

Brought nee elite core on 6th August 2023 but warranty says it ends 5th June 2024 can’t work out why that’s not great.

I ran through 2 elite controller the first was on me… I was dropping it a lot and the right stick was stuck…. Bought another one and fresh out the box the right had a fault

Xbox just added the elite to Xbox design studio. Now you can do whatever you want and even add text.. sooo cool. Ordering opened like 3 days ago.

that one year Warranty on elite 2 saved me so much. I got 4 new controllers in one year

Can SOMEONE ANYONE please connect this controller to pc VIA (Bluetooth or wireless adapter) "STEAM BIG PICTURE MODE" and tell me if all the buttons and peddles show up to be customized??...before ibuy!

I’ve had 4 elite series 2 controllers. I play quite often and after only a month or so I would get horrendous stick drift bumper issues and paddle issues. I love the way the controller feels but every one I’ve owned has broken super fast. I just bought a scuf and am waiting for it.

Ill tell you what they are both missing... hot-swap joystick sockets. My biggest issue with any controller is the eventual stick drift then going through the headache of swapping the module

Hope you can solder if you get a elite on my 4th from warranty due to bumper switch problems taking it apart and soldering on higher quality switches today as the left bumper as failed again..... bumper jumper users beware with the elite or be ready to replace the switches with better ones again that is a total teardown and soldering on the motherboard

Question... I like my scuff instinct pro Xbox but I’m not liking the tall dome thumb stick. Do you know if I am able to put the elite thumb sticks(or any other brand) in the instinct pro? I don’t want to try and jam anything in there only to damage my new scuf. I know scuf sells the tall convex thumb stick in a pack for $15. However, I really only need one tall convex and not a pack of assorted ones. Besides, I love the feel of my elites sticks and if I’m able to combine them it would be the best of both worlds(to me).

Thank you. you sold me on the elite

I have no experience with the elite 2, I literally just bought one today but I haven't used it yet. That said, I bought my elite 1 five years ago, and it's been treating me well ever since I bought it. The one thing I really like about the Scuff are those rear paddles. They're so much harder to accidentally press than the elite 2. I tend to iron grip my controller, so the Elite is just way too hard to not accidentally click.

Just bought the Elite 2 on sale and seeing all the reviews online and comments is making me scared to take it out the box and start using it lol. Seems like there’s one too many different issues that come with controllers nowadays especially pro ones. No single controller out there is perfect but the elite 2 seems to have the most going for it. If only it didn’t seemingly have so many problems with things like drift, bumper issues and faulty paddles. I hope they get it right with the elite 3

The original elite controller came with 2 year’s warranty I believe I had to warranty it once or twice and I believe it reset the ware because they just sent out a new one but this was years ago

Good review, though I'll stick to the Eltie 2. Got a used one, bad LB, so I'm desoldering the switches atm the putting in some good ones. Got a new faceplate and front facing buttons, since I absolutely dislike the damn Grey on Black. I miss the old days where shit had color ffs.

You can now change the colors for the xbox button on the elite controller for customization 👍

I’m on my third replacement on the Elite 2 due to bumper issues. Annoyed with the quality control, but I prefer it overall. Hopefully, Microsoft will address the problems.

My only problem with the elite controllers i stick drift. I opened it up and adjusted the sensors, but ultimately had to replace

I don’t know what to feel, I bought an elite series 2 core, clicked down on the sticks and rolled them while clicked and all I felt was plastic, it felt like plastic shards were rubbing against the stick and stopping it at times. Sent it to Microsoft under warranty(I haven’t gotten it yet back) But come to suddenly be given an Elite series 2 controller by my brother in law, because the bumper won’t work correctly. So now I have two of them, both of them broken in some way-…

Isn’t there a known issue with the elite 2 left analog’s forward motion not being recognized…. ? I’ve heard it’s been a known issue for quite some time now… apparently nothing has ever been done about it. You forgot to factor that into your scoring system. At the very least it should’ve been brought up in the comparison video.

At least now you can do the design lab for the Elite series 2 which I think I'll do. Plus they don't charge extra for the colors

Great video. Just got a Scuf Reflex for PS5 recently. I will say it feels high quality, but the 300 I paid is a definite stretch, ha ha. I mainly got it for the rubberized grip as the ps5 controller I find very slippery with the grit texture on the back. So it is a little disappointing the the rubber grip on the back doesnt offer fuller coverage. Other than that the face buttons are a little lower in and I think it does feel slightly better all around than a default PS5 controller. Its too bad I couldnt get trigger stops on a toggle switch. With the PS5 controller you have to either choose trigger locks or no trigger locks. It limits it for other types of games if you get the triggers locked. Scuf does charge alot for any little thing you add. I think even a case is 40 bucks so I did not get that. My thinking was that if Scuf customer service is good I can send in the controller for stick drift and keep it alive for a very long time. From what I read its only 25 bucks to fix stick drift and you can just mail it in. Ive been keeping my elites alive off of best buy warranties. They break frequently. Microsoft customer service is overpriced and very shitty to deal with. Various things on those controllers also tend to break easily. When my Elite breaks again I may consider this, especially if my experience with replacing the sticks is easy with thier customer service. The rubber grip is the best ive used on the reflex, so I have no doubt its going to be an improvement over the elite (same looking grip). Havent used the reflex long enough to rate durability yet. Seems standard quality parts, minus the rubber. One issue I have is that theres no adjustable analog stick tension, which is one of my favorite features on the Elite 2, so that may make me hesitant since it costs considerably more.

For the elite 2 im not sure if aim are stable enough for playing or can be easly removable especialy for someone who hold the controler in agressiv manner like me

Pity you can't adjust the dead zone on the thumb sticks. I find the dead zone too big!

If you use all 4 paddles, map like a for mic mute since it’s like same length of finger moving

Well not having an inline mic mute button is more so sometimes about your headset I mean I'm using a wireless one with Xbox series x

i had at least 3 elite controllers and all had problems even had 1 where the trigger stop adjust knop broke off it is only plastic unlike the elite 1 that had metal adjusters. some other problems i had with them is stick drift, RB button registering 2 times when pressing 1 time, thumbstick grinding that created dust and thumbstick click left side not working anymore. i really want the new controller but i am scared it will brake again after just a few weeks. my elite 1 still works and have it from 2015, only a few things like the rubber coming lose on the grips and minor stick drift witch can be fixed on steam or threw ingame deadzone adjustments. i am looking at the SCUF instinct pro atm might going try that one but i hope the rubber on there grips last. i just would like to see an elite 3 that last long like the 1

I have had 3 elite series 2 controllers, 2 had terrible stick drift and bumpers stopped working, last one would randomly turn off, and now it won't turn back on.i have heard similar stories with the scuff.

My problem with the elite is the weight. So heavy and kinda slippery.

I have both and when you learn the back buttons on the Scuf it's a fantastic controller. That beeing said, I do recomend the Elite 2. I may have been lucky, because I've had no issue with the controller. The Elite 2 is faster and better to customize, have superior back paddles and cheaper. The Scuf has better bumpers and grip. But all in all I'm way faster on the Elite 2. Both are great tough and I think in the end it all comes down to what you prefer.

The elite series 2 is perfect, if it wasn't for the stick drift. I had stick drift out the box on my last one and just dealt with it. I'm on my third and they've all had it

Going against my gut to get the elite series 2. I just love the shape and paddles, hopefully I get a good copy that at least lasts Modern Warfare 2

I feel you on elite but the elite controller paddles don’t feel as smooth as my scuf

I’ve used just a normal stock Xbox controller for my whole 5+ years of gaming and I’m looking for something different, the only problem I have with normal controllers is after about 1 year I get stick drift, I want something like this because I play cod and think paddles and different sticks could be cool as I’d like to have that faster movement and better play in games. I dunno guess I’ll give it a try and see if I wasted my money or not.

Never buying an elite 2 again. I love the customization and the accessories that come with the controller, but I have some major concerns. I have had 3 controllers now and the right bumper has gone out on all of them (I play destiny 2 and use this often for melee and super). The paddle I have mapped to jump is starting to wear out as well. I started having bumper issues around the 6 month mark on all 3 controllers. My other concern is the that the paddles are narrow and made out of metal, so they begin to dig into my fingers, particularly the jump paddle, during longer play sessions.

I am so pissed off right now. My Elite 2 had such a low life span. I took care of it. Cleaned it. Treated it like my weapon. And I really enjoyed using it. It felt great and it was extremely responsive. But time to try SCUF.

I wish the Elite 2 it looked more like the Xbox Series Controller or at least give me the option to map the Share Button feature to the paddles or something. The Trigger Rumble feature is pretty janky on the Xbox One Controller lineup.