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Razer Onza Tournament Edition

*Est. $50

Reviewed

October 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Best gamepad

Pros

Long, precise analog sticks with tension control
Two extra, mappable shoulder buttons
Backlit, responsive buttons
Non-slip surface
Relatively inexpensive

Cons

Some critics dislike the redesigned D-pad
No wireless option
Several reports of malfunctioning units

Where to Buy

for $59.99

Our Analysis
Specs
23 Amazon Reviews

These days, nearly all gamepads feature force feedback and the same number of buttons in roughly the same place, so it's hard to stand out from the crowd. The Razer Onza Tournament Edition takes an unusual path to distinction: rather than loading the controller up with extra buttons and tons of features, reviewers say it takes the basic Xbox 360 controller layout and alters the physical design to make it even more comfortable and efficient. Critics say that the Razer Onza's backlit face buttons feel much more responsive, while the analog sticks pack a customizable tension control and clock in a little bit longer than the Xbox 360 controllers, which heightens precision. The sturdy overall build and non-slip black surface also garner praise, although one critic dislikes the placement of the back and start buttons as well as the elongated design of the back triggers. Several critics aren't huge fans of the "sliced pie" D-pad, especially during fighting game usage. Most don't actively hate the redesign, they just prefer the standard Xbox 360 controller's rocker-style D-pad a bit more. Gamers looking to save a little money can just use an Xbox 360 controller on their PC instead.

Maximum PC, Wired, TechRadar.com, IGN.com, HardwareHeaven.com and GamingShogun.com all provide decent reviews of the Razer Onza Tournament edition that aren't overly long, but are based on hands-on testing and convey all the highlights and lowlights of the device. TechRadar.com also conducts a review of the best PC gamepads and the Razer controller comes out on top. Users weigh in with their opinions on Amazon.com.

Where To Buy

Razer Onza tournament edition Dragon Age II
(23 reviews) Buy new: $59.99 1 Used from $175.00

Our Sources

1. IGN.com

Scott Lowe takes a look at the Razer Onza Tournament Edition gamepad and gives it a "Great" 8.5 score. Additional ratings are available for subcategories such as comfort, value and performance. Unlike some other reviewers, Lowe likes the redesigned D-pad better than the one on the original Xbox 360 controller.

Review: Razer Onza Xbox 360 Controller Review, Scott Lowe, April 28, 2011

2. HardwareHeaven.com

This review of the Razer Onza Tournament Edition is the longest one we found, complete with multiple pictures to drive home the points made in the text. Davidson doesn't like the position of the start and back buttons on the controller and feels the force feedback provides a bit too much oomph, but finds no other flaws. He awards the controller a HardwareHeaven.com Performance Award.

Review: Razer Onza Tournament Edition Review, Stuart Davidson, April 30, 2011

3. TechRadar.com

TechRadar.com rounds up six of the better gamepads available for PC gaming and assigns each one a numerical percentage score in a quest to identify the best controller. Although the descriptions are brief, the Razer Onza Tournament Edition comes out on top with a 92 percent score, barely nudging out the Xbox 360 controller for the win. Reviewer Matt Hanson likes the redesigned D-pad, but wishes there was a wireless version.

Review: Best PC Gamepad: 6 Reviewed and Rated, Matt Hanson, July 30, 2011

4. Wired

Bryan Gardiner delivers a comprehensive review of the Razer Onza Tournament Edition that focuses on the changes made to the design of the controller. The responsive buttons and customization options are showered with praise, but Gardiner finds one small issue: he doesn't like the position of the start and back buttons. He awards the controller a 9 out of 10 score.

Review: Razer Onza Xbox Controller Offers Gripping Gameplay, Bryan Gardiner, Aug. 29, 2011

5. GamingShogun.com

This review focuses not only on what the Razer Onza controller is capable of, but also how it handles itself in relation to the standard Xbox 360 controller. The editors call the Razer controller the "new benchmark." "The only things which would make the Onza better would be a re-designed D-Pad and wireless capability," they write.

Review: Razer Onza Review, Editors of GamingShogun.com, May 8, 2011

6. MaximumPC.com

The only thing Alex Castle dislikes about the Razer Onza controller is the redesigned D-pad; everything else receives praise. "Hands down, this is the gamepad to beat," Castle says en route to awarding the controller a Kick Ass award and a final score of 9 out of 10. While his review touches on all the important points, it does so with less depth than the reviews found at other publications.

Review: Razer Onza Tournament Edition Review, Alex Castle, June 17, 2011

7. Amazon.com

Amazon.com users hold a more mixed view of the Razer Onza Tournament Edition than professional reviewers. Several users hold a much more critical view of the redesigned D-pad and repositioned back and start buttons. A conspicuously large number of users also report hardware defects after a few weeks of use.

Review: Razer Onza Tournament Edition, Contributors to Amazon.com

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