CES 2010: Razer's First Console Peripheral May be the Best PC Gamepad

Posted 01/12/2010 at 3:00pm | by Norman Chan

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 The wired Xbox 360 controller has long been the de-facto PC gamepad, but Razer's recently announced Onza gamepad may soon replace it. We got to play with one of four prototypes at this year's CES, which was connected to an Xbox 360 running Halo 3. But Razer's first console peripheral will also work as a programmable PC gamepad. At an expected MSRP of $50, it's a little more expensive than the wired 360 controller (which is listed at $40 but sells for $30 on Amazon). 

 But as the following photos show, the Onza has two unique features that justifies its price.

Beneath the two thumbsticks are dials that let you adjust the tension of each stick. Twist the gear clockwise and the stick becomes more physically stiff -- ideal for precision aiming. Rotate it the other direction and it loosens up. The dials were also placed so you can't accidentally turn them while gaming. It's a welcome innovation that we think gamers will like. 

On the front of the controller are three trigger buttons. The middle shoulder button can be programmed to duplicate another button action, such as depressing the thumbstick. Configuring this new button takes place at the base of the controller, which you can see in the shot below. 

Other than these enhancements, the Onza felt much like a typical Xbox 360 gamepad. Razer told us that they're still working on tweaking parts of the design, such as the directional pad, but that the Onza should be in stores sometime this year.