The new Scuf Reflex series is among the first third-party wireless PS5 controllers to launch

The Sony PS5 has been a massive hit for Sony since launching last year with a combination of demand and the global chip shortage making it very hard for gamers to get their hands on the console. It ships with one of the most innovative gaming controllers that have been released by a first-party manufacturer, the DualSense. In addition to the touchpad, it features new adaptive triggers that deliver a more immersive and interesting gaming experience.

However, due to licensing constraints, Sony has not allowed third-party controllers to hit the market until now, and one of the first of these is the new Reflex range from Scuff. For most gamers, the Scuf Reflex controllers are a bridge too far priced as they are at a minimum US$120 above Sony’s standard offering. However, for hardcore PS5 gamers, the Scuf Reflex series could give them exactly the edge they have been looking for.

There are three Scuf Reflex models available with prices starting at US$200 for the Reflex, US$230 for the Reflex Pro and US$260 for the Reflex FPS. Each is fitted with Sony’s first-party DualSense chipset which means they can be updated through a PS5 just like a DualSense controller. The key difference lies in that each model is fitted with four rear paddles that are fully customizable which means gamers can reduce or eliminate the need to take the thumbs of the joysticks for quicker response times for other button-related functions.

The Scuf Reflex Pro adds a performance grip to the controller while the Scuf Reflex FPS is designed specifically for gamers who almost exclusively play first-person shooters. The key difference with this model is that the full-pull adaptive triggers have been dropped for Scuf’s dedicated 'Instant Triggers', which provide a short mouse-click action. Unfortunately, these do not appear to be adjustable as with Scuf’s equivalent Xbox offerings. The first drop of all models have sold out, but you can sign up to be notified of the next drop.

Buy the Sony PS5 DualSense controller from Amazon for US$69.