Razer Onza Tournament Edition Review: A Premium Pad Before Its Time
7.5/10 — Razer Onza Tournament Edition
Works with: Xbox 360, PC
Pros
- Adjustable thumbstick tension
- Extra programmable bumper buttons
- Hyperesponse face buttons
- Better D-pad than the standard 360 pad
Cons
- Wired only
- Expensive at launch
- Some disliked its D-pad feel
Long before Microsoft’s Elite controller, the Razer Onza Tournament Edition offered Xbox 360 players a premium, pro-style pad. Launched in 2011, it was designed with competitive shooter players in mind.
Design and features
The Onza TE kept the 360’s layout but added two extra multi-function bumpers that could be mapped to other buttons, so you could reload or jump without taking your thumbs off the sticks. Its thumbstick tension could be adjusted, and Razer’s Hyperesponse face buttons had a shorter, clickier feel. It also had a long braided cable.
Reviewers were broadly positive, with T3 calling it the best third-party Xbox 360 controller it had used, though its wired-only design and high price were drawbacks. Opinions on its D-pad were mixed.
Verdict
The Razer Onza Tournament Edition was ahead of its time, bringing pro-style features to the 360 years before they became mainstream. It’s a fun pick for 360 collectors, especially for shooters.
