What is in a trigger? For us arm-chair generals, this usually means our favorite R1 or R trigger buttons on the PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers. In the so-called console war, fanboys flame each other over specs, exclusive games and media medium… But what about the controllers? Specifically, what about the buttons that make stuff go boom? Do you prefer a button or a trigger? A button that’s higher on the controller or lower?
Which do you prefer in your shooters? The PS3 dualshock 3 (D3) R1 button, or the Xbox 360 controller’s right trigger?
A console war allegory, after the jump.
Where am I coming from on this issue? Well, my first next-gen purchase was an Xbox 360, which was also my first Microsoft-related console purchase. About a year and a half later I purchased a PS3, my fourth Sony console purchase. Upon playing games on the two consoles and forming my opinions on their pros and cons, I’ve found that the most distinct difference between the two consoles is the button layout for multi-platform games. They’re as different as night and day.
First off, first and third person shooters on the Xbox 360 almost universally map the “fire” button to the right trigger, which equates to the R2 button on the Dualshock 3. PS3 first and third person shooters, almost universally, map the “fire” button to the R1 button on the D3, which equates to the right bumper for Xbox 360 owners.
What is in a button? Who the heck knows, but I can sure tell you which one feels better. To me, the R1 button is foreign. It doesn’t feel like a trigger, it’s analog control doesn’t control as well as a trigger and it’s waaaaay smaller than the 360 trigger. Whether you’re poping caps in GTA IV, or taking down a careless fool in Metal Gear Solid 4, the R1 doesn’t feel as tactile or “real” as the 360 trigger. I know, I know, it’s a stupid video game and it’s not real… Ok, but I really enjoy the control the analog trigger affords. Yes, I know there is a degree of control in the R1, it is not as pronounced or precise as the trigger. Second, the trigger is just better because *gasp* it’s a trigger! It feels like you’re really squeezing off a few rounds in Call of Duty 4. In contrast, the R1 button feels like a button. It feels like you’re pushing a button to fire your weapon of choice.
It just isn’t the same.
At least to me.
The next question to ask: Why the hell would any Sony game map the firing button to R1? That makes about as much sense as any of the other questionable choices made by Sony during this round of the console wars.
It’s a small button, it’s unnatural to shoot using that button and, from what I can remember, it’s really the first use of that button as the primary fire button for games on a console. I don’t believe that the PS2 mapped their shooters to shoot with R1… What gives?
Is it a case of Sony trying to be different? Who cares. The bottom line is that it’s uncomfortable, obtrusive and counter intuitive, which is just another reason to prefer Xbox 360 console games over PS3 games. I’m sorry to spread the flame bait around, but it’s the truth.
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37 responses so far ↓
1 casper663 // Jun 30, 2008 at 11:09 am
360 R Trigger wins for me, in Racing games to the R Trigger is the best.
2 DeathByWaffle // Jun 30, 2008 at 11:12 am
Yeah, whenever I try and go back to play GTA:SA on my PS2, it just doesn’t feel right firing. The trigger is much better imo.
3 Jacob816 // Jun 30, 2008 at 11:13 am
While I agree with your point Lono, about R1 being unrealistic, what I find even worse the the trigger-esque R2 button. In GTAIV, I mapped shooting and acceleration to R2, but it just felt really smushy and unresponsive. Where’s the legit hate on that stupid design choice?
4 Yamster // Jun 30, 2008 at 11:32 am
I quite like the PS3 controller’s triggers (L2 and R2)…is that just me?
5 Xgamr // Jun 30, 2008 at 11:53 am
I agree with you Lono. thats why i purchase/rent the multi console games (mostly shooters) for 360 because of the trigger feel. that and i had a an original Xbox before getting a PS2 (a year or so before PS3 launched but didnt get Ps3 since last birthday) making me used to the trigger.
6 sonicjosh // Jun 30, 2008 at 11:53 am
I like the R1 button; I haven’t played a shooter on the 360 but I have Halo 2 on the original Xbox and pulling that trigger just feels awkward to me. If I had the option I would go with R1, I don’t care if it feels like a trigger, I would rather have R1 because it feels faster (less pulling, more firing).
7 andyg // Jun 30, 2008 at 12:13 pm
well, the best thing about the trigger is that you can half in/half out with the trigger on the 360… I’m not certain you can do that on the PS3.
Racing games can throttle the trigger like real gas pedal, and in GTA you were able to half trigger for free-aim mode… priceless IMO…
If you play DIRT, look at the RPMs, it shows the exact Trigger position… You can do so much with trigger position if you set your mind to it… Just like Billy Madison… He can do it, if he just sets his mind to it…
8 heavenlyyeti // Jun 30, 2008 at 12:14 pm
@sonicjosh:
Original Xbox, right? I remember that smooshy trigger they had on the old Duke Controller! Felt a little awkward at first, but I ended up liking it. But, the 360 controller is more precise, so I’ll go with that!
(although the old rumble sound you could hear in the original is still the coolest sound you can find on the earth)
9 Applepie // Jun 30, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Personally, I prefer the R1 button over the RT.
Why?
Its not the fact of realism, I could care less, its easier to press, feels better, and isn’t delayed when you press it.
I press the R1 button, it goes down as soon as I touch it.
The RT comes down precious milliseconds later, which can decide who dies in a face off in CoD4 or GTA4.
10 ProudlyAnAddict // Jun 30, 2008 at 12:54 pm
i think the ps2 does map the r1 button as firing at least in some games like cod and killzone but r trigger all the way for me lol
11 Overcow // Jun 30, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I prefer the left mouse button, oh wait…
12 Truth N Justice // Jun 30, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I have always liked the Trigger approach to controls. Like andyg said the precise short bursts you can do with a trigger is far more realistic and fun . I have always hated the Playstation L and R buttons ever since playstation one .
360 Triggers FTW
13 DrPepper // Jun 30, 2008 at 1:29 pm
@andyg The PS3 Triggers (L2 - R2) have a much longer range and lack a powerful spring that pushes it up. I’ve played my fair share of GTA IV on both PS3 and 360 and for Free Aiming the PS3 Controller is much easier, and also with the Extra range offers a greater Speed Diversity for Racing Games, over the Xbox 360 controller. I personally prefer the R1 and L1 buttons over the 360’s bumpers, but for shooters I prefer the 360’s triggers.
14 DWK // Jun 30, 2008 at 1:40 pm
The trigger “lags” in the sense of timing, but accel. in racing or firing weapons just feels cool, like the overall controller. The DUALSHOCK controllers are great, but L2/R2 is better than L1/R1. I got srewed sooo many times in Battlefront because of that.
15 Gadget2000 // Jun 30, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I personally own a PS3 and have been loyal to sony through and through. Having said that the 360 controller is superior not only via trigger but its bigger design that is easier to hold. If only a third party could somehow restore sony’s credibility in the controller debate.
16 Larry L // Jun 30, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I feel that the PlayStation design controller is THE most perfect, and ergonomic gaming controller I’ve ever used in my life as a gamer, which began with Atari, and REALLY began with NES in 1985. I’ve had a controller in my hand ever since. The PS controller is perfect. I think the 360 controller is a HUGE improvment over the original, but it’s still lacking in my book. Particularly on the left side. For one, the 360 d-pad is still junk. Conversely, the PS controller has the best d-pad ever. It’s perfect for driving, and fighting, and everything in between. The 360’s hardly can scroll menus to be frank.
Then you have the ergonomics. The left stick should be where it is on the PS controller, not up and to the left. Thats the oposite of ergonomics. On the PS controller, your left thumb is on the stick usually, and when you need to quickly tap a button your thumb naturally and quickly shifts up to tap a d button, then flicks back to the stick and sticks to the stick. On the 360, you are up to the left on the stick, then when you need to tap a d button, you have to come off the (slippery) stick and your thumb has to stretch down to the d-pad, then back to the slick stick. That’s not ergonomic. It’s right side is fine, it’s left half is rubbish. Not to mention your holding the stick coch-eyed. If you push your thumb directly up you are actually pushing up/right, and you have to compensate a bit.
As for the triggers, again, I think the PS design is superior. Again cuz of ergonomics. Sure, your index finger is comfortable on the (slippery) trigger in that little convex nook, but you have to stretch up the finger to get the bumpers. On the PS3 controller it’s much more ergonomic. R1 should ALWAYS be primary fire btw on PS ports if any devs read this. R2 is stupid as primary. I’ll explain why. When you are properly holding the ps controller, except in special circumstances, your index finger should just be resting in between the 2 triggers in that little gap that hold your fingers even tighter than the 360 trigger. Then the slightest twitch from your finger upwards hits primary fire, or down for secondary, or however you have it set up. With R1 as primary fire and your finger resting in the nook, it’s even MORE like pulling a real gun than it is in the 360’s litteral trigger, cuz it’s acctually a squeeze you do to hit the R1 unlike the 360 where it’s a finger pull.
Sorry for the long rant, I am just always shocked that anyone could prefer the 360 controller to the PS3’s in any way. Or even the PS2’s. I find nothing good about the 360 controller other than the fact that it’s a competant controller. That’s it. The PS controller is perfect in every way in my opinion. And as someone who’s spent their whole life with every console controller in my hands that’s ever been used for a console, I don’t think it can even be improved upon. It is the ultimate game pad. I know there are other ways to play, I just mean gamepads in particular, the PS design is The Bee’s Needs, baby!!
17 Nexus // Jun 30, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Agreed, even the L2/R2 buttons on the ps3 is worse than on 360…But why Lono didn’t mention that the left analog stick is also pretty awkward on ps3 contoller. I know that, because I owned both ps1 and ps2 consoles and the stick layout is the same on the ps3 controller. In short, Sony should resurrect their banana controller lol.
18 Statix // Jun 30, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Add me to the list of people who MUCH prefer the R2 Trigger. I don’t know why in hell Sony made the stupid ass decision to force their developers to set the R1 button to shoot–it’s just a stupid decision. At least give us the OPTION to switch it to R2.
If the original king of FPS console, the Xbox, did it one way, and Sony decides, “Oh, for our shooters, we’ll just do it the OTHER way just to spite them,” you know it’s a nonsensical move.
19 DG // Jun 30, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Im with You LARRY L. PS3 Controllers ARE better. xbox 360 with thier crap left side of the controller.
20 shadow skill // Jun 30, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I prefer L2 for firing personally but that is because I am left handed I don’t like using the r1 or l1 buttons to shoot. The reason it happens that way is because the l2 and r2 psuedo-triggers are almst universally hated.
21 Mike // Jun 30, 2008 at 4:10 pm
@ usa a ok, sort youre self out mate, no need to call people pricks just because they can see the obvious difference beetween two different controllers.
I’m guessing that maybe you think the old mouse keyboard is better than any controllery thing, but they have their positive attributes, you cant really sit down at the couch and blast away with kb/mouse in the comfort that a controller would give you.
You are a big flaming @rsehole.
22 Mike // Jun 30, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Sorry ’bout the double post.
23 L. Vang // Jun 30, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Another useless article on a worthless site that I can only hope fades into the sunset sooner than later.
24 TOO KINGS // Jun 30, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I like both controllers for different reasons. On the trigger front, I like the 360 controller for shooters and the PS3 for fighting or button mashers.
@ L. Vang That’s just unessecary. If you don’t like the site OR for that matter the ARTICLE why even bother to post, why do you read? You know what forget it. I’m wasting my fingers and time. Page views.
25 Lono // Jun 30, 2008 at 6:12 pm
@L.Vang: Thank you for your page views that will help this site last for a very long time.
26 Meresin // Jun 30, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I actually prefer R1. It minimizes the amount of motion needed to fire.
27 Eddiemilz // Jun 30, 2008 at 6:28 pm
lol @ L. Vang. - What an ass.
imo xbox controllers are better. the triggers are MUCH better for racing games.
i don’t even have a 360 and ended up picking up a controller just to use with my PC
28 heavenlyyeti // Jun 30, 2008 at 7:10 pm
@Lono:
Roflcopter! Tell him, buddy!
29 instant // Jun 30, 2008 at 10:01 pm
the L1 button works fine for me
30 randomperson // Jun 30, 2008 at 10:13 pm
R trigger is the best, it feels like a trigger not a button, so 360 has the better controller.
31 Echlon // Jul 1, 2008 at 1:04 am
i own both and have no preference the only problem i have is the 360 d pad sucks you cant scroll a menu with it , but other than that i can switch to either controller with no problem
32 Cody // Jul 1, 2008 at 5:20 am
Im “in Love” with the triggers since my N64
33 Yousty // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:10 am
Amen Lono. Microsoft without a doubt created the best controller ever made when they released the 360. The first time I held that controller in my hands it was like caressing an angel’s boobs. It just felt perfect. The only flaw is the shoddy D-pad, but how often do you really need to use it?
I can easily go 8 hours straight using the 360 controller without problems, but just a couple hours on the extremely outdated design of the PS controller and my hands start cramping up like a 90 year old during a thunderstorm.
34 Boringsupreez // Jul 1, 2008 at 11:59 am
Actually, the SOCOM games on the PS2 used R1 to fire, so its not unique to the PS3.
35 Tom Sawyer PhD // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I think Larry L is smoking crack. Lono hit it right on. The PS3 controller does suck. The analog sticks aren’t even placed naturally.
36 Teknik_SE-R // Jul 7, 2008 at 2:28 pm
360 all the way.
I have alot of ergo experience and I own all 3 next gen consoles. Here is my spiel:
Not only from a practical standpoint, but from an ergo view, the 360 controller is simply the best controller ever… for average male caucasians. if the 360 controller came in different sizes, it would spank the DS3 all around. It isn’t perfect, but it is the most fatigue free and strategically designed for fast reaction times and placing primary controls on dominant fingers.
Conversely,The R2 and L2 on the DS3 are convex and rotate so your fingers slip off when pulled. The analog controls were placed on as an afterthought (literally, from the PS1 days), forcing strain on the wrist. Also, the grips are also too short for the average caucasian (my hand hangs off the bottom of the controller).
the boomerang wasn’t pretty, but it was definitely a step in the right direction. more form over function tho.
The Wii is a good idea even for non pointer based controls, but it requires more grip to hold and move, making it sloppier for precision controls (you hold a traditional controller in your hand by cradling it) Not to mention using the pointer for extended periods of time hurts your wrist!!!
Certain particulars are a matter of opinion, but for the 360 all the basics are there to make it the best to use. The DS3 is the exact opposite.
37 hey // Aug 26, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Yes, the PS2’s shooters did use the R1 button to fire. It’s just more practical.
Honestly, I prefer the PS3’s controller…but only because of the d-pad and the sometimes unresponsive bumpers. The 360 has a more ergonomic left thumb pad, cool triggers, and a better overall feel. I just need precision.
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