SCUF Gaming Controller

For those who want a little more utility from their controllers there are a number of companies out there who offer to 'supercharge' the standard Microsoft and Sony pads. Of all of these, SCUF Gaming's selection stand out from the pack as worthy of attention. Eschewing things like artificial rapidfire (cheaters never prosper), SCUF focus on wringing the last drops of potential out of your pad, improving reaction time and giving your kill/death ratio a welcome boost while remaining legal for competitive use. Their pads have a variety of optional tweaks including adjustable hair triggers; trigger stops to further increase firing speed; non-slip grip; rumble pack removal for less weight; as well as custom sticks, D-Pads, buttons and a guaranteed lack of slow turn.

The option to add 'domed' PS3 style sticks to a 360 pad is a welcome touch, but the stand-out SCUF feature is the addition of their patented back paddles, which can be mapped to any two buttons you wish – though they're hardwired at production. The paddles sit conveniently beneath the fingers cradling the controller, allowing instant access to face buttons without having to so much as lift your thumb. Opt for SCUF's Animal controller and you can have four such paddles, putting every button at your fingertips. As Empire can happily attest, playing with one of these pads will improve your game noticeably, though it's very, very hard to revert to a 'normal' controller afterwards. More information