This article will cover the cornerstone of videogame interaction: The controller. Master the controller, and everything that comes after will fall into place. The Xbox 360™ controller, with its combination of two triggers, two sticks, a directional pad (d-pad) and nine buttons can be a little intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Let's take a look.
This is where it all begins.
Control This
On the most basic level, the controller is your link to the console and to the game. When you take the controller in your hands, your index fingers should wrap around the two triggers, and your thumbs should rest on the top of the controller, on or near the sticks. Your thumbs will be doing most of the work here, supported only by your index fingers.
Most games offer a tutorial mode, or a gentle first level that gives you a chance to get a feel for the controls. If the game offers you an option to change the difficulty level, don't be too proud to put it on easy. Getting started is hard enough without creating more of a challenge for yourself.
Buttons, Triggers and Sticks … Oh my!
The functions of the buttons aren't standardized, but you'll find that many games have similar default settings. When you're in the Xbox 360 dashboard (the menu system in the console, outside the game), however, each of the four colored buttons has a standard function. The A button always activates whatever is highlighted. The B button takes you back to the previous menu. The Y button takes you into the dashboard from within the game, and the X button will give you the option of logging out.
In the most simple games, such as many of those on the Xbox Live® Arcade, you may only ever use one button, usually A. In more complicated games, each of the colored face buttons will be dedicated to a specific function, such as reloading or casting a spell.
The game's manual or tutorial level should explain each button's function. Some games will require you to hit buttons in a certain order to perform a task, like playing Simon Says. As you're learning to use the controller, take the time to familiarize yourself with both the letters on the buttons and the colors that represent them.
The four colored action buttons let you give different commands.
Two Thumbs Up
While the buttons usually control your character's actions, the sticks usually control your character's movements. In most games, the left stick controls your movement, whether you happen to be playing as a car, a human, or a spaceship. There are always exceptions, though, so check your manual.
The right stick usually controls which direction your character is looking or aiming. It may control the head of a human, the camera view of your car, or where your spaceship's gun points.
The two sticks work together to direct movement and orientation. The nuances of this will vary from game to game, but with a little experimentation, you can master any game's controls.
Padded Out
The d-pad is below the left stick and looks like a cross in a circle. In some games the pad serves the same purpose as the left stick. In others, it serves a specific purpose like selecting a weapon or issuing a command to someone in your group. Some gamers like using the d-pad instead of the stick with simpler games like those found on Xbox Live Arcade.
Trigger Happy
Your index fingers play a vital role in many games. They work both the triggers and bumper buttons. The bumper buttons are those on the 'shoulders' of the controller, above the triggers. These buttons may serve many different purposes, but it is safe to assume if you have a gun, a trigger will fire it. When driving, the triggers usually represent your gas and your break. Always check your manual for specific assignments, however.
In games that use both triggers and bumpers a lot, some gamers prefer to put their index finger on the bumper button and wrap their second finger around the trigger. Feel free to try this and see if it works better for you. It may be more intuitive for you to use your index finger on the trigger, but some people prefer having their fingers on all the buttons at once.
More Buttons!
There are a few more buttons on the Xbox 360 controller, and they shouldn't be left out. The Back button is a small white button next to the left stick. Usually this button will usually pause the game and take you to an in-game menu. This menu will have various options in it, and some may be important to the game as you play, such as maps or statistics. Across from the Back button is the Start button, which will also typically pause the game as you play.
The Xbox 360 button is the round button in the center of the controller. Pressing it while playing will take you out of the game and bring up the Xbox menu. This menu will allow you to go to the Xbox dashboard by pressing the Y button. If you hold down the button for several seconds, you will have the option of powering off the controller or the console. If the console or the controller is off, you can hold the button down to power it up.
As the only wireless controller available for Xbox 360, a lot of effort has been made into making the Xbox 360 controller as accessible as possible. It may take a little practice to master, but for the ultimate in analog sensitivity and wireless freedom, there's nothing like it.
