Customer Ratings & Reviews

The SCUF Nomad Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller is an amazing addition to my fun gaming time let me briefly explain further: The controller arrived nicely packaged, it comes with 2 additional thumb stick grips, iPhone 14/15 adapter and finally with the USB C Cable to easily charge it. And out the box the controller has a sturdy build with a combination of matte and glossy finishes. The materials feel premium, and the buttons have an awesome click. And the textured grips provide excellent handling during any gaming time while providing a reliable connection. Speaking of connection, pairing the SCUF Nomad with my iPhone is straightforward. Simply enable Bluetooth on the iPhone, turn on the controller, and follow the on-screen instructions. Best of all it maintains a stable connection even during fast-paced gameplay. The designated record and share button is also cool; I can capture screenshots by tapping it twice and press and hold to record so I can share with others. As for the layout of the controller, it mimics traditional console controllers so it makes it very easy for gamers to adapt without learning a new layout. I also like the two rear paddles that are standout feature and these can be assigned as any button or function, in return it enhances gameplay. Also the SCUF app that it was easy to find on the App Store allows further customization such as adjusting stick sensitivity, trigger stops, and paddle assignments. With the app you also get firmware updates as it did once I paired for the first time. One of the important things to know is the battery life, it has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts around 20 hours, which is impressive for a mobile controller. And best of all if the battery life is low or off, I can connect charge and continue playing using the included USB C cable that looks nice and feels strong. Something else to like, is that the SCUF is designed for iPhone but it does not stop there, I can also connect it to my iPad, Apple TV, or even my PC so it is versatile, not only for mobile gaming. Overall, the SCUF Nomad is nothing but a great companion to keep the fun going while on the move. Having a console like control over my iPhone games is much easier to keep going. The Controller is made of good quality, it is customizable and compatible with different devices not just my iPhone.

I've had this new SCUF Nomad controller for almost a week. I've had a BB1 for some time and it's nice, but after using the Nomad they did more right. The twin sticks are in the same position on the Nomad controller and the XYAB buttons just below, much more natural. And every button on the Nomad can be remapped via SCUF profiles and per game customizations. The front contains the L & R sticks, Up, Down, Left and Right pad and the X,Y,A, & B buttons. The back has two buttons that can be programmed to be either Up, Down, Left or Right. The top has 4 trigger buttons L Trigger and bumper, and R Trigger and bumper. The buttons are silent but have a bit of tactile feedback. You can create and save 12 named custom profiles. The triggers and sticks can be set from aggressive to dynamic, to linear to exponential, this accelerates/decelerates the triggers/sticks responsiveness/speed.You can also set a dead zone so that the trigger must be depressed a certain percentage (very cool/flexible). This personalization of the controllers' feelings/actions is exceptional. And you can vary it by game and with different stored profiles so they can be automatically used across multiple games..You can also copy profiles from one to another, so you can create a base profile, and easily tweak specific buttons. The SCUF controller also allows you to easily take screenshots and game clips to save to your Gallery to share with others. By double pressing the SCUF button you take a screenshot, and with a hold press you create a recording, which is saved to your iOS device and in the app Gallery. There are many predefined Apple Arcade games to automatically open or you can add to your Arcade Games. The controller can also be configured as a PS remote controller and you can add/define PS games (I didn't try this). You can attach any stored profile to any game. The controller can be used with or without the case on your phone.an it can easily be moved to adjust for the camera bump. I tried it with my iPhone Max 15 and my wife's iPhone 15 Plus, with no issues, both with phone cases on. The controller has a removable rubber bumper to keep the phone from dropping down. The controller comes with a long braided USB-A to USB-C cable for charging. The controller connects to the phone via Bluetooth, set up was a breeze. After playing several games for hours, I did not notice any real lag in the responsiveness. Fully charged battery life is specked at 16hrs (much longer than I'll ever use in one sitting). The back of the controller is a textured rubber that is very comfortable in the hand. The all black controller is very attractive (I believe it also comes in white). The SCUF controller launcher app is free (no subscriptions), they do request you register. After using this controller on several iOS games that I played on my phone, it kind of feels like you're cheating, you have so much more control and it's so much faster. Much more arcade like. My wife is a long-time PacMan/MsPacMan addict. She uses her phone but it does not have the arcade feel. I let her try this controller with PacMan256 and I almost didn't get it back (I could be wrong about that). This controller is a game changer for handheld gaming. It is easy to put the phone in and out to start/end play. It compresses to a compact size a little longer than an iPhone plus. The only thing I'd like better is a version that supports an iPad tablet (this might work with the mini). But my grandkids are big gamers on their iPad tablets, and if this expanded a little more (or a lot more) it would be excellent with an iPad too. But I'm most impressed with its size, responsiveness and functionality.

I’ve been looking for a controller for my mobile phone for a bit and saw SCUF was releasing the Nomad mobile gaming controller. With the “made for iPhone” and Apple Arcade logos, on the box, it felt like this was a great choice for iPhone users. Unpacking this controller is pretty much a non-event. You get the controller, an USB-C charging cord, a couple extra thumbsticks, and a little piece that helps adjust/place your phone in the correct position taking into account your phone’s camera bump. As is true about just about everything thing mobile electronics related, there is an app to download to help set up the nomad controller, and an immediate firmware/software update to complete. The download and update go pretty quickly and your one step closer to some gaming. Within the app, you can set up different profiles complete with button customizations & game favorites. There is also a section for recommended games and a game launcher for Apple Arcade & PS Remote Play. While not my exact cup of tea, you can also set up recording options (resolution & FPS) that the dedicated button on the controller will use, which is probably helpful for those that post how-to videos, or videos of cool things they encounter in game. After setting up your Bluetooth connection to your mobile device, and charging up the Nomad a little bit, your ready to game. Using an iPhone 15 Max, the total size of the controller is just about equal to a Nintendo Switch. It feels remarkably natural to hold and use. The curves on the Nomad handles fit well within my hands. The button layout is familiar to an Xbox controller with one difference. On the right side, the thumb stick is above the XYAB buttons, the opposite of the Xbox layout. The response while playing games is good as well. I’ve tried this controller with mobile app/games like Diablo Immortal and with Xbox Cloud gaming, and the Nomad worked very well with each. Having a controller made each of these experiences a little bit better rather than using the touch screen controls, as I have been doing along. Having good battery life, quoted at 16 hours, also makes using the controller a worthwhile experience. The one thing that was a little disappointing was that Honkai: Star Rail doesn’t have controller compatibility on iOS devices, not the fault of SCUF or the Nomad controller, but disappointing nonetheless. The only other thing that isn’t ideal about this controller is that it does cover up the iPhone charging ports so if your phone battery is running low, there is no way to charge the phone and continue playing at the same time. While I didn’t have an issue in the week I’ve been using the Nomad, I can certainly see that happening at some point. The Nomad is an excellent mobile device controller, especially for iPhone’s. The controller fits different iPhone models well and feels secure. The controller is also comfortable to hold and use. It makes for a good gaming experience on a mobile device. There are many gaming options built into the SCUF app and with other options like Xbox cloud, you won’t have trouble finding something to play. Hopefully your favorite games are controller compatible, because the Nomad can enhance your experience with them.

Unboxing Experience: The SCUF Nomad Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller arrived in packaging that was pretty standard for a mobile controller device. The light cardboard was adorned with bright graphics, making the unboxing experience visually appealing. Inside, the controller itself stood out as a well-built device. Build Quality: The buttons on the SCUF Nomad feel solid, offering a satisfying response to the buttons, while the joysticks, though lighter than those on standard gaming controllers, show no signs of compromising on quality. The initial concern was about the spring-loaded holder, which in many controllers tends to be either too tight or too loose. However, SCUF has nailed the tension on this one, striking a perfect balance. Loading the phone is a breeze, even with one hand, and once in place, it remains secure. Compatibility and Comfort: I tested the controller with my phone both with a leather case and without. Using it with the case felt preferable, not just for the added protection, but also because the camera bump on the iPhone 15 Pro Max fits better against the back of the controller. This eliminates the discomfort some other controllers might cause. Compared to console gaming controllers, the SCUF Nomad's hand placement is wider, and the button placement on the right side is notably different. The ABXY buttons are positioned directly below the right joystick, which takes some getting used to. App Integration: Downloading the accompanying app was a fantastic experience. SCUF provides a list of recommended games that are controller compatible, which is a real timesaver compared to sorting through the iOS App Store. I quickly identified a few games to try out, including Madden and Call of Duty Mobile (COD Mobile). Gameplay Performance: In Madden, the controller performed flawlessly with no noticeable lag. The gameplay was smooth and responsive. However, my experience with COD Mobile was mixed. During online gaming, I noticed significant lag specifically with the right joystick, suggesting a potential Bluetooth connectivity issue. Interestingly, when I removed the phone from the controller and propped it up in front of me, the gameplay became perfect instantly. This workaround defeats the purpose of the mobile controller, though it confirmed that the issue was indeed with the connection between the controller and the phone in that specific placement. I checked the app for firmware updates and tested the controller without the case, but the lag issue persisted in COD Mobile. Despite this, the controller remains playable, and for a COD Mobile expert like myself, it adds a bit of unintentional challenge (sarcasm intended). It's worth noting that the issue didn't occur in Madden, or at least it wasn't noticeable to me, so perhaps it's specific to certain games. Conclusion: Overall, the SCUF Nomad Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller offers a solid build, comfortable design, and an excellent app experience. While there are some issues with lag in specific games like COD Mobile, other games like Madden perform perfectly. I am hopeful for future updates to resolve these issues and will continue using the controller for its many positives.

Best gaming controller for an iphone on the martket in my opinion. I also have a Backbone but this Scuf Nomad controller is far superior. Fits in your hand just like a console controller. Built solid and it’s compatible with many different iPhone cases with no need for add ons. I have a slight issue as I have an Oh Snap Luxe phone grip on the back of my iPhone, so it doesn’t have the best possible fit, That said, it’s still locked in pretty good and I would have to throw the phone down or drop it significantly for it to fall out. It’s not going anywhere without effort to do so. It’s compatible with iOS 16 or higher and connects via Bluetooth. Setup was incredible easy. All you need to download is the Scuf app. Best part about the app is that it’s subscription free! Thank you Scuf, much appreciated!! The setup walks you through all the features of the controller so anyone can pick this up and get playing right away. Loads Apple Arcade games and also makes suggestions for you for games to play. This controller has a USB-C port and comes with a nice 5’ long braided charging cable, so no annoying lightning cable to deal with. It sports a 16 hour battery life and I believe it. I’ve been using it for a week and have not had to charge yet. For racing fans it has paddle shifters on the back. You can customize the controller for certain games and save profiles. That way you can just start your favorite games with your saved profiles and your good to go. There is 2 antidrift thumbsticks and a directional pad. Standard X,Y,B,A buttons in tow, it really functions well in all the games I’ve played. Worth noting I did experience today, some really bad drifting while playing Diablo Immortals. I restarted the game twice before it started to work correctly. It was pretty annoying not gonna lie, but it recovered quick enough. My only suggestion to Scuf would be to mark the X,Y,B,A buttons white, or a backlit brighter color for greater visibility. They’re currently a dark gray that is hard to see if you’re playing in a dark environment. To be honest, most gamers wouldn’t care about that because you become very familiar with which button is which while playing games. Just a suggestion as it’s really the only thing I would personally change. I hope the drifting doesn’t continue while playing. Knock on wood, it’s only happened while playing Diablo so maybe it’s a glitch in the game. COD and other games I play were just fine. All in all, this is really hands down my favorite, and I think best option for you, if you want a controller for your iPhone to play mobile games. The only problem I have now, is how to hold myself to not playing games too long because this makes it so much more fun than without a controller. I can hear my wife yelling at me already :). Well done Scuf, look forward to your future products!

The advantage of making a product specifically and only for iOS is that you can much better integrate with the devices. SCUF has proven this with this brilliant Nomad Game controller for iPhones. The layout and feel are excellent. The SCUF app interface is quite frankly perfect. And the whole thing makes your iPhone a beast of a mobile gaming device to rival any other such dedicated device. PROS: - Feels great in the hands - Fits any iPhone - SCUF App integrates perfectly with Apple Arcade - Ability to Screenshot or Screen Record with simple button presses - Super Easy to customize controls - Long Battery Life CONS: - Wish it gripped the phone a little bit better Sometimes you just don't know what you have isn't the best until you've had the best. That's how I feel about this controller. I had a previous game controller that I thought was great, but this one blows it away. Partially because that other one was for ANY phone and this SCUF Nomad controller was specially made to work with iPhone. Add this to your phone and you are as good as having any portable game system out there. At first I wasn't sure about using the SCUF App - I kinda thought I might just skip it and connect the controller and separately go into Apple Arcade or whatever game I wanted to play. However, after using it, now I can't imagine NOT using it! It's awesome! It integrates so well with Apple Arcade and makes accessing all your games or downloading new games super easy. And though I haven't used this feature, it also works with PS Remote Play. You can so easily go from the game itself into the Nomad Controller settings AND there's a dedicated button on this to snap a screenshot during the game or record the screen. Any of those are saved into a special gallery inside the SCUF app for easy access. It's also easy inside the app to change the controller settings if you want to. It's super easy to slide your iphone into the holder which just slides open and has springs that pull it back together to hold your phone. Even my iPhone 15 Pro Max with a case on it fit with no problem. There's an included bumper to help if you need to push your phone up a little because of the camera bump which I did use. My only complaint which is just being picky is that I do wish the Nomad had "stickier" grips for the back of the phone and the sides so that it held it even better. Especially with a case on, my phone slides out maybe a little too easy. It's not that big of a deal - but I feel like if I got distracted and say, held it with just one hand and it angled the wrong way it could slide out on its own since there's nothing at the top holding it in. Overall, I am SO in love with this iPhone game controller. SCUF really knocked it out of the park with this one. It has taken my game play and enjoyment on my iPhone 15 Pro Max to a whole new level. If you're looking for the best game controller out there for iPhone, this should definitely be at the top of your list to consider!

Verdict: The SCUF Nomad mobile gaming controller delivers a high-performance device to easily enjoy gaming on iPhone and iPads. I was skeptical about having to rely on an external device for gaming, but I actually enjoy mobile gaming again, after many years of avoiding it. Initial impressions. The game controller looks sleek. It’s comfortable, light, and easy to setup on an iPhone. Most importantly, it feels and plays like a high-quality console controller nice progressive buttons. Setup. While the controller links to a phone or tablet over Bluetooth, it requires the Scuf App. From the app, you can select games for download and easily launch gameplay from there. That’s really it for setup… It’s very easy. App. The app is actually great. It’s simple to use and it contributes a lot to an enjoyable gaming experience. Games are easily accessible through Apple Arcade and Play Station Remote Play, different profiles can be saved for different games, and it’s easy to setup recordings. Gaming. After giving up on mobile gaming a few years ago because the experience was not optimal, I am now once again excited to play on my phone, and especially on the iPad. I tested this controller with Asphalt 9 (car sim), Call of Duty Mobile (iPhone and iPad), Call of Duty Warzone Mobile, Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, and Madden NFL 24 (iPhone and iPad). Controls are excellent and easily adapt to all these games. Sensitivity adjustment was necessary on the first-person shooter games, but not the other games. Using the controller not only improves game play, but it also recovers a lot of screen real estate. The controller easily connected to an iPad (after downloading the SCUF app on the iPad) and can be used as a traditional controller with the iPad as a screen. This provides great versatility: when space and/or time is limited, I use the game controller with an iPhone; with more time and space, I pull out the iPad to have an epic gaming session with the SCUF controller. Things I love: - Comfortable and enjoyable game controller - Easy to setup and quick to play on the go - Useful app that contributes to a great experience - Ability to adjust trigger and thumbstick sensitivity - Nice tactile and progressive feel on the buttons - Lots of buttons to customize and adapt for any game - 12 hours of battery life Things I don’t love: - Fit will vary based on the thickness of your phone case Conclusion. The SCUF Nomad mobile gaming controller is a wonderful accessory to play at home or on the road, and it works with an iPhone and an iPad. Playing on an iPhone with the SCUF controller provides better controls and more screen real estate, and playing on the iPad is just incredible. Great price for the enjoyment it offers. I highly recommend this game controller to all gamers.

The Scuf Nomad is easily the best mobile gaming controller I've ever used and here's why: 1. You can use it with your phone case! Works perfectly with my Spigen case and iPhone 15 Pro Max unlike my Backbone. 2. It has its own battery and lasts for 16 hours instead of leeching off your phone battery 3. Connects via BT so there's no concerns about lighting vs. usb-c connector or positioning for larger/smaller phones. No lag to speak of and certainly not worse than any console wireless controllers. 4. Has amazing quality buttons and thumbsticks compared to competitors like Backbone 5. Has additional paddle shifters underneath that allow for extra button presses like crouch, jump or aim/scope without moving your thumbs off the sticks while you shoot with trigger finger. 6. Deep, contoured, rubberized hand grips are super comfortable to hold and a big step up from competitors and handheld consoles. 7. Excellent Companion App that manages your favorite games and also acts as a portal for Apple Arcade, Playstation Remote Play etc. There's a few head scratching decisions that I didn't love, but this is more personal preference and not something I would consider taking stars off: - The thumbsticks are symmetrical and both on the top side of the controller, instead of top for the left dpad and offset to the bottom for the xyab side. In games you use the sticks this is great, but for any games that use the xyab buttons a lot, this kind of cramped up my hand and I don't have huge hands either. - There is a small rubber adapter that lifts up the phone in the frame that I'm not sure what it is used for. It says it is needed for iPhone 14 and 15 phones, I can only think it is so the camera is not obstructed? My iPhone Pro Max 15 didn't seem to need it, I could use the camera and it could still take a picture without being obstructed, but I did have to pull my left fingers back to not get in the picture. With the adapter put in, the phone feels less sturdy/secure and looks worse too and not as cleanly fitting in the Nomad. - There is no rumble built into the controller, which is expected I suppose. Any kind of rumble would need to come from the haptic feedback in your phone itself. - I use iPhone and the Nomad is marketed as iPhone compatible, but it connects via BT so I don't see a reason why it can't support Android phones too. Maybe it will at a later date? This is a great quality controller for those who like to play mobile games on their iPhone. You can't get a better looking, feeling and performing mobile controller right now and the price is fantastic. Highly recommend!

Scuf is a well known maker of video game controllers and accessories, their newest product, the Scuf Nomad does not disappoint. My first impressions of this mobile gaming controller was a good one, as soon as I took it out of the box it looked and felt “premium” meaning that it’s got a nice weight to it, it’s made well and with good quality materials. The controller itself fits a wide selection of smart phones, this one in particular is made for iPhone, but pretty much any size smart phone would fit in here. Adjusts to different sizes very easily. When I first tried to connect it to my phone, I got a message saying that I needed to download the Scuf app. I did and the app was really easy to use, it gave me step-by-step instructions on what all the different buttons do on the controller (theres more buttons then you would think there are) I would say the analog sticks are full-size, but everything else is a little smaller than a standard controller. For example, the D-pad resembles an Xbox D-pad, only smaller. And the four face buttons are also significantly smaller. They have an Xbox pattern of. XY AB You also have the standard two shoulder or “bumper” buttons and two triggers on top, as well as two “paddle” buttons on the back of the controller itself. This is a legitimate console controller, only slightly smaller. The controller itself does take some getting used to, but once you do, you should be gaming in no time. It’s got a nice grip all around and feels nice in the hand. People with huge hands might find this a little small, but everyone else should be OK. Button mapping is relatively simple using the scuff app. You’re also able to record videos of your gameplay if you wish to do so through the app as well. And at $100 its priced just right…

I was never really a huge iPhone gamer to begin with. I mean, most of the games are geared for "basic" play and it was all touch screen so, why bother? It wasn't until they started releasing older, console games in iOS did I start to take gaming on my iPhone a little more seriously. Specifically, the COD and GTA franchises were big in my book so really cool to have these titles added to the mobile gaming platforms. BUT, biggest drawback for me was the touch screen interface. Not really conducive to gaming on that level since the movements and actions a lot more involved in those types of games. That said, pairing this SCUD controller to my iPhone has really made a world of difference in terms of playability. It connects via bluetooth and has a companion app where you can sync and remap buttons as you see fit. So much nicer using this setup to play GTA Vice City than some on-screen keypad or separate controller. The grip fits and feels really nice and isn't too bulky. It's noticeable but not annoying by any means. This will fit just about any phone/case out there....just about. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit my setup at the moment. I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max with an Otterbox Defender XT case and it's, literally, like 2mm too long for the controller. I have to take my phone out of the case in order to use this controller. Sort of a pain but it's doable. If I had a slimmer case then it probably would've fit without issue.

The TL;DR is pretty simple: this is the best mobile controller available on the market right now. I have been using a mobile controller for my iPhone 13 Pro Max, and it’s probably the best known controller. The layout is simple, and the app does a decent job organizing games, screenshots, etc, and the physical controller itself is fairly well suited for my hand. However, my constant complaint ever since I first started using it was that I had to remove my phone from its case to attach the controller. The SCUF is Bluetooth, so I no longer need to mess with my case every time I want to play a game. And the SCUF Nomad has more substantial grips, which look reminiscent of an Xbox controller body. Which is great because it’s just enough extra heft to fit more ergonomically in my hands, but not thick to the point of me ever feeling like it’s too bulky to take around in my bag. In addition, two extra back buttons allow for mapping tac sprints and other actions instead of having to double tap the sticks or whatever button you choose. The app was what had me most worried, but immediately upon opening it, I was ok. Layout is clean, with easy to follow labels for recommended games and your saved favorites. The one nitpick I have is that instead of endless scrolling, you have to constantly tap the “+” to load more games beyond a certain point in the recommended tab. Bluetooth connection was quick and I didn’t have any problems with lag during my play. Added bonus, works great as a ps5 remote play controller Excellent controller all around

The SCUF NOMAD has left me with mixed feelings. For starters, this gaming controller is well built and the attention to detail shows. The controller has a sturdy feel in the hand and the mechanism that extends, allowing your phone to be inserted, has an action that feels buttery smooth. All of the buttons have a nice tactile feel and everything seems to be positioned appropriately. Unfortunately, that's about where the positives end for me. I will say that the size is much better than most phone controllers that I've use but I still feel my hands getting cramped after a short period of time. The thumbtacks also feel a bit mushy for me and have almost no resistance. Again, the SCUF seems to be at the top of its class in quality for these controllers but the ergonomics put your hand in an unnatural position and I couldn't use it for more than 20-30 minutes. The app is the real star of the show. The set-up process was incredibly easy and the step-by-step guide was incredibly helpful. I also like the game recommendations because sometimes it can be difficult trying to find a new game to try. You can also utilize the app to map buttons as needed. I was expecting a better experience from the SCUF NOMAD but there were simply too many issues for me. Maybe if you have smaller than average hands you would be fine but when I can't use a controller for more than 30 minutes... it makes it difficult to recommend.

Imo Ive played with this controller for about a week and a 1/2, 2 1/2-3 hours a day after work, 3-4 days out the week and I honestly like it. NO I haven't experienced serious lag as others but there have been times, 2x's not back to back, where I wasn't sure if it was me or the controller. Eh! Im not tripping. The grips feel nice, a lot of people want more button clickyness but it's honestly clicky enough. Back triggers feel springy. The app is better than most, and the only thing you might find frustrating if you've never used this type of controller is the M1 M2 buttons because your not use to them you tend 2 forget they're there in critical moments of play Im getting a white one as well. Pick one up for yourself if you'd like you wont be salty.

Much better than razer and backbone’s offerings for ergonomics and especially ease of attaching (don’t have to remove iPhone case!). The only potential downside was that it is charged separately but I have not found that be a problem, though im sure it could be a dealbreaker for other people. I have also not felt any input delay for games I play. This is the one!

I haven’t use it a lot but one thing I can tell you. The quality of this controller is better than the quality of the Backbone. At least on the way the controller feels. The buttons and the joysticks feel a lot better. The one good thing about the Backbone is the app and they way you get access to the games.

Input lag is terrible. Will be returning. Bought it for warzone mobile and it is unusable.

Corsair enters the mobile phone gaming controller market with the Scuf Nomad, a premium controller aimed at iPhone users. It offers shortcut buttons for game center, and the Scuf Nomad app, as well as hall effect joysticks, a full compliment of MFI controller buttons, triggers, D-pad, and a couple customizable rear paddles. The controller has a premium feel, good ergonomics, and solid build quality that sets itself apart. In the box you’ll find a USB C cable, a couple extra thumb stick covers, and an adapter that helps space out the iPhone 14/15. I was able to use my iPhone 15 without this adapter comfortably in my case due to it flattening out the camera bump, so you’re mileage may vary. The battery came partially charged, but the unit charged quickly from my USB-c outlet. Starting up was fairly easy once I found the pairing button. The first step is to download the Scuf Nomad app. This app guides you through setup, but for some reason I didn’t get the memo that the pairing button is located below the blinky lights on the right side. Once I got it into pairing mode, it connected quickly and updated its firmware. Of note: iOS 16+ is required. The app is really good for a first effort. It offers much of what you want from a controller experience. It creates a launcher that’s accessible from the home button. This launcher lets you not only customize the controller, but also add apps, and serve as a game library. It’s smooth, attractive, and gets the job done. You do have to add predefined shortcuts from the library of recommended games, which is most likely a limitation of the OS, but it is a bit janky that it can’t just list all installed games, and show which ones support controller profiles. The Scuf Nomad app allows you to screen record (using the broadcast feature in iOS), and that’s a pretty cool feature. You can screen shot with a double click of the record button as well, but holding the button will pop-up the broadcast UI. The controller itself has a good feel to it. If you’re used to either an Xbox or Playstation controller, you’ll find some adjustment as the sticks are located above the buttons like a Wii U Pro controller. Luckily, this suits many iOS games quite well. I played quite a bit of Alien Isolation, and the walk and camera sticks are your primary controls anyways. GTA San Andreas played quite well with this controller as well. All the buttons have a satisfying resistance to them and decent clicks, including the joysticks. The back buttons, which are customizable, are not easy to accidentally press, like some controllers. The joysticks are quite nice, with customizable dead zones, and acceleration control found in the app. This is a step beyond what I’ve seen in other mobile controllers, so kudos to Corsair for this feature. The hall effect sticks are top notch, and offer a great value over the competition. Corsairs app is free, so unlike some of the others, this app, and its features don’t require a subscription (yay!). The app allows you to customize controls per game, and even setup overall profiles and remap buttons. I love this level of customization. Battery life seems good, but it’s hard from my limited use to tell exactly how long it will last. I’ve gotten it down to around 50% after quite a few hours of play, and Corsair quotes 16h. While primarily setup to use for iPhones, I was able to connect this to my AppleTV as well and it worked fine, despite the app not being available. In a pinch, it works great for other Apple devices. Overall, I’ve not used a lot of these devices, and Corsair’s entry to this market seems like a strong offering. Hall effect joysticks, and just the plain level of customization allowed to the sticks, and controller overall is phenomenal. Build quality seems high, and it’s priced in line with its competitions, but pushes a lower TCO by not requiring any subscriptions or otherwise. The lack of Android support is underwhelming, but only if you're contemplating a switch to Android. Overall I’d recommend this whole heartedly.

I consider myself a gamer but I am by no means a hardcore everyday gamer. However, I love technology and trying new tech. This controller is geared toward the hardcore gamer. Don't get me wrong, I liked using it and was impressed by the quality. However, the cost and the types of games available to play on the iPhone make it a device for a small subset of iPhone owners. I'm pleased that this accessory is available despite the one or two dislikes. The controller might become more appealing once Apple continues to open its ecosystem and lets more emulators in the App Store. The controller feels high quality and good in the hands. Even with an iphone connected the controller felt balanced and was not heavy. It was great that I did not have to remove my phone case. I also wasn't worried that the iPhone would pop out from the sandwich-style controller. The analog thumbsticks offer a pleasant, loose feel and emit a satisfying click when pressed. Out of the box, they feature concave grips, but you have the option to switch to the included convex grips if you prefer. I stayed with default. The D-pad looks Xbox-like and is also clicky. All buttons are responsive. There's also a  Scuf button to record and share gameplay. The Scuf app is where you can quickly access your controller-supported games, change the paddle inputs, customize the thumbstick’s sensitivity, set profiles for different games and different players, etc. The app also stores your screenshots and clips. You don't need the Scuf app to play games with it. I did not experience perceptible latency during my gameplay. However, I did not get to test it with an online game. This wouldn't be the controller with the lowest latency because the controller only connects wirelessly through Bluetooth. But iPhone gamers should be satisfied. Speaking of which, I wish the controller was compatible with Android and allowed for USB-C connections and pass-through charging. That means that you can't charge your iPhone while charging the controller. Though, using Bluetooth means you can use it without inserting the phone. The battery life does last quite a while. I never let it get low enough to confirm the quoted 16 hours of battery life but that time should be within reach. I had a good time using the Corsair iPhone controller for gaming. If you're heavily into iPhone gaming then I recommend this controller. It's a high quality product that hopefully will get more features via updates.

In the past couple of years, mobile gaming has come a long way. Mobile phones can run graphic intensive games and I would even go as far as calling it the modern day “Gameboy.” The one issue with gaming on a phone is the lack of a physical controller. A few manufacturers have made mobile controllers that attach to your phone, but frankly they have not been that great. The SCUF Nomad gaming controller is here to improve the mobile gaming market and offer pro controls. The design of this controller is far superior to anything else on the market. I have to start this off by discussing my all-time favorite thing about it. That is, it works with the iPhone 15 Pro Max in a case. I have tried out tons of iPhone accessories in the past and they make you remove your phone from the case. With the price of iPhones and the all-glass design, I prefer to keep it inside of a case. If you have one of the smaller iPhones, it also has a rubber piece that can be added so that it fits correctly. Another thing this controller has is paddles on the back of the controller. This is a premium feature and makes playing first-person shooters much more enjoyable. The A,B,X,Y buttons are smaller than I would like but since it has the paddles makes up for it in most cases. It charges via USB-C, with the newest iPhones, which means one less charger. The app is one of the things that makes this controller unique. It does not cost money to download or use. Inside of the app it will suggest games that you can download and play. A couple that I have been playing are Call of Duty mobile and Asphalt 9 but the number of games are endless. The app also lets you set up different controller maps for each game. This level of customizability is amazing. If you are a PlayStation player, you can download the remote play app and have your entire PS5 at your fingertips. One of my favorite games to play is the latest Call of Duty. I was able to log into my PS5 on remote play and using the SCUF controller on my phone made it feel like I was using an actual controller all well laying in bed. The SCUF Nomad brings mobile gaming to the next level. I wish they would have made this controller sooner. This controller is perfect for anyone who likes to game on the go. Whether you are out an about, commuting, on an airplane, or just at home in bed, this controller will bring your mobile gaming to the next level.

I've been a fan of SCUF products for a while now, and their new SCUF Nomad Mobile Controller designed for iPhone definitely lives up to the brand's reputation for great performance and build quality. The Nomad feels durable for the most part, and all the buttons and anti-drift thumbstick controllers offer an experience that's as close to a full-size game controller as you can get for a mobile game accessory. The controller is equipped with all the buttons you need for any game and even includes mappable rear paddles for customized gaming. This feature is a game-changer for mobile gaming, providing a level of control and customization that's rare in mobile controllers. Ergonomically, it's fairly comfortable for the average-sized hand, but I did find it could become a bit burdensome after extended use, especially for those with larger hands. One of the standout features of the SCUF Nomad is its impressive battery life. It easily lasts close to, if not all day, on a single charge. The included USB-C cable makes recharging quick and convenient, so you're back in the game in no time. The SCUF Nomad is designed to fit almost any iPhone case, which is a big plus. I have an iPhone 15 Pro Max with a case, and I can comfortably use it with the included bumper that helps get the camera out of the way of the backbone slider. While I wish the fit was a little more secure, it still works quite well. The free SCUF app is a cool addition, offering some common games to play and download. The controller works perfectly with little to no latency on game launchers like Apple Arcade. Remote play capabilities are another highlight. You can use the SCUF Nomad to play PlayStation or Xbox games on the go. PS Remote Play is readily available on the Nomad, but for Xbox Cloud Gaming, you will need to save a link to your iPhone home screen to access it. Overall, I am very excited to finally have something durable and works seamlessly with my iPhone to play games on the go. The SCUF Nomad Mobile Controller is a fantastic addition to my gaming arsenal, offering excellent performance and build quality that enhances my mobile gaming experience significantly. If you're looking for a high-quality mobile controller, the SCUF Nomad is definitely worth considering.