Some would argue that the Xbox 360 controller is the best controller. Ever. But nothingâs perfect, not even the Xbox 360 controller. Thereâs gotta be a way to improve it, make it better. Turns out, there is.
This is the Razer Onza Tournament Edition, a higher end version of Razerâs Onza Xbox 360 controllers, complete with a rubberized coating, backlit buttons and thumbsticks that have adjustable tension. The Tournament Edition Onza also has a braided cable, and who doesnât like braids?
The Basics
The Razer Onza is a wired controller, so players will need to plug it into their Xbox 360s for it to work. Once plugged in, players can remap buttons using the multi-function buttons above the shoulder buttons. The remap buttons are on the controllerâs underside; there is a right remap button for the buttons on the controllerâs right side and a left remap button for the buttons on the left side. To remap, players hold down the remap button and select the button theyâd like to remap to the multi-function buttons. Besides remapping, players can tighten or loosen the thumbstick tension â righty, tighty, lefty, loosey. Beware, it is possible to overtighten and damage the controller.
For those who do not own an Xbox 360, it is possible to use the Razer Onza Tournament Edition with PCs. Simply download some drivers, and youâre good to go.
What We Liked
Feels So Nice: The rubberized coating is one part of the ergonomics equation that the Onza gets so right. More and more peripheral makers are using it in third party controllers, and itâs a welcomed addition. But what I liked the best about how it feels is simply how it fits. The shape of the controller is slightly different from the standard Xbox 360 controller in that Razer has shaved off some of the controllerâs underside, giving it more of an arch and making it less âfatâ. The controller feels more angular in the hand, but itâs in snug while being gripped. Forget all the bells and whistles, the controllerâs basic shape is the real draw here. But those rubberized thumbstick tops? Nice touch. Literally.
Mapped Out: Iâm not a big fan of mappable buttons â probably for the same reason that Iâm not into aftermarket car customization. Deep down, I feel games should be played as they were originally designed. Changing the control schemes changes the intentions, and for that I reason I generally donât remap. But, I quite like that there is the freedom to do that. This controller gives players the option to play the game as intended or however they pleasure. Thatâs great.
D-Pad: The d-pad on the original Xbox 360 controller isnât so hot â itâs the controller feet of clay. Instead of a single piece of plastic, the Razer Onza has four individual buttons for the d-pad. While you probably wonât want to use this in a fighting game, it is a significant step up for the d-pad on the Xbox 360 platform and a more than welcome addition.
Bang Bang: I think the longer triggers are going to be a matter of personal preference. Some people will hate them, others will like them. I like them.
Pressing My Buttons: The Razer Onza buttons are quick. They make a crisp clicking sound, and they are incredibly responsive. They just feel better put together than the standard Xbox 360 controller. The fact that they are low profile also helps with their responsiveness. It never feels like you pushing down on a fat, hard plastic mound.
Light Me Up Like gnats, Iâm a sucker for glowing lights. I dig âem. Also, speaking of light (see what I did there), the controller isnât heavy, due to the fact that it doesnât run on batteries like the Xbox 360 controller. Batteries add extra weight.
What We Didnât Like
Jacked Up The mic jack is perfect for third party headsets. However, the Xbox 360 headsets with extra prongs or even the Xbox 360 Chat Pad wonât work. That could be viewed as a design flaw if you plan on using this controller.
Hey, Whyâd You Change Stuff: The Start and Select (here âBackâ) buttons are in a different location. Iâm not sure why. It makes the controller less instinctive. Another tweak are the two shoulder buttons. The top shoulder button is the programmable map button, which caused some getting used to. I kept hitting that, thinking it was the shoulder button. Perhaps putting it as the button shoulder button would have been better?
Wired: I have little kids, they trip on cords. As nice as the braided cord is, wireless, please, wireless.
The Bottom Line
The Razer Onza Tournament Edition is a fine second controller for the Xbox 360. Itâs so good that it even makes sense as a regular controller. Razer did a fine job of addressing shortcomings in the regular Xbox 360 and attempting to offer fixes. This controller isnât perfect, and no doubt Razer will continue tweaking it and updating it. Until then, itâs as good as weâve got.
The Razer Onza Tournament Edition was manufactured by Razer for the Xbox 360, released earlier this year. Retails for $49.99. A unit was given to us by the manufacturer for review purposes.
