SCUF – NOMAD Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone – Black
$99.99
SCUF Nomad is the performance mobile gaming controller with everything you’ve been looking for. It features two rear paddles, anti-drift Hall effect thumbsticks, and an ergonomic shape that fits naturally in your hands. Enhance your layout with our subscription-free app and fine-tune the thumbsticks by changing the shape and adjusting the sensitivity. Unlock the ability to play any controller supported game for 16 hours without the hassle of taking off your case as NOMAD is compatible with many cases. Record and share your highlights effortlessly with a single button, ensuring that your most memorable plays are preserved. Elevate your mobile gaming with NOMAD.
LouRevue –
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.
Tlo12duro –
Loses connectivity while playing. You’re better off buying the razor or something else until scuf gets it together and fixes Bluetooth connectivity.
Farns –
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.
TechBuyer –
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!
AllAboutTech –
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.
AngelM –
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.
KenE –
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.
holllywoodfrodo –
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!