SCUFNOMAD Wireless iPhone Mobile Gaming Controller – Customizable Paddles – Anti-Drift Thumbsticks – Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity – PS Remote, Xbox Game Pass, Apple Arcade, Steam Link – Black

The Scuf NOMAD is my first mobile gaming controller. I usually play video games on my Xbox Series S, but I wanted something that I could use to play video games with while I was traveling or when I needed to waste some time.I spent much time researching every mobile gaming controller on the market, such as the Backbone, and GameSir controller before finally settling with the Scuf NOMAD. I wanted Bluetooth and not a wired connection because I knew that having a wired connection meant a faster drain on my phone's battery. Although this is a deal breaker for some people, there isn't a noticeable delay. However, I will admit that there have been some instances (not often) where the controller randomly starts to have input lag. This usually happens during long playing sessions. I'm sure this is something that can be improved upon and fixed in the future with software updates.With the Scuf NOMAD being wireless, it uses its internal battery. When looking at reviews online, I didn't see any that mentioned how long it would take to charge the battery. However, from my experience, it only takes about an hour or so until it reaches full battery which is very impressive knowing that it can give up to 16 hours of battery life.When it comes to the actual physical build and feel of the Scuf NOMAD, it feels very premium and durable. The buttons, d-pad, triggers, bumpers, and joysticks are very responsible and I have had no durability issues with them. The iPhone 14/15 adapter is also very helpful and does not make my iPhone feel loose when playing games. (Note: the games I tend to play with my Scuf NOMAD are PSP emulator games, Minecraft, and Xbox Cloud Gaming/Xbox Remote Play.)The Scuf NOMAD companion app is also close to perfection. It can be utilized as a game hub launcher where you can save your favorite games, while also being able to discover new games to play. They also recently added a feature where you can directly add your IOS games to the launcher if they aren't already listed in the companion app.In conclusion, you cannot go wrong with this mobile controller. It is sleek and durable, and the companion app (WHICH IS FREE!!!) makes the experience 100x better.

I am a person who does most of their gaming on a handled device. Usually I am switching between the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch depending on what new releases have come out for the respective platform. When it comes to mobile gaming, that is actually where I play most of my first person shooters. It's really easy to pick up my phone, play a quick call of duty match and then go about my day. Previously I did this on the backbone, but after being a bit disgruntled with it I did some research and found my way to the NOMAD which is what I will now be using for all of my mobile gaming!What I love most about the NOMAD is it feels like a legit controller. As a now previous backbone owner, my main problem with it was that it felt like you were attaching tiny joycons to your phone. The NOMAD has far better ergonomics with the controller grip, bigger and better thumbsticks, and even customizable rear paddles. Sure, the NOMAD is a tiny bit heavier than the backbone but that is a tradeoff I am more than willing to make because of how much better it feels. While you also do need to charge the NOMAD separately from your phone, this has not been an issue at all for me because my phone battery drains faster than the NOMAD battery. The USB C charging allows me to hare chargers way easier too, which is great.I also want to talk about just how much customization the NOMAD allows for. The app lets you customize things like thumbstick sensitivity, dead zones, and trigger behavior. If you play any first person shooters you should be setting up controller profiles for each one. It's really easy, and gives you a serious advantage over people who are using other mobile controllers. Anyone still using just their touchscreen will automatically have 0 chance of competing with you as well. I play a lot of call of duty and getting 20+ kill streaks is an absolute breeze. Everyone who is on my team always wants to group up with me when the game is over too. I've even picked up some new non-FPS games I had played on the switch that suffered because of the joycons. The feel of the NOMAD made those experiences so much better.Overall, if you are looking for a new mobile controller and you have an iPhone, you absolutely cannot go wrong with the NOMAD.

Horrible input lab on the right stick especially while pressing upwards. Uncomfortable layout. Dpad and face buttons too small. The bottom of the bridge piece juts out further than the top so the phone is always at an angle with the bottom pointing outwards and never sits flush. Weak weak weak clamp force. L&R 3 buttons never registered inputs. Poor quality app with clunky game look-up/favoriting interface. The rubbery silicone coating on the handles just gets greasy and slick.This controller was just a HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE all around disappointment. Do not bother. Getting a full refund. So let down by this one. SCUF go back to the drawing board for the next one.