Xbox controller hand position recommendations for a noob

[benjamincarylewis]

I just started playing this series after watching part of Nick's Let's Play video series

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pODeSWEWQU&list=PL9Rlm-fZ2cj_Pr4Rmu3ae86FqpGg5_qoG

I normally avoid platformers because I suck at them, but this one looked so good I couldn't resist.

I'm playing with an Xbox360 controller which for the most part is great, but I'm curious what hand position(s) experienced platform players use.

I have not changed any of the button bindings, and I'm currently using my right thumb to press the A/B/X/Y buttons, but I find this can make it a little awkward to jump and attack at the same time, particularly with this style of platformer where you need to hold the jump button down to control height. (I've been using the middle of my thumb near the joint to press A, and the tip of my thumb to press X, so I CAN press both at once, but it's a little awkward).

Any opinions? Is a "claw" style hand position better for this sort of game? Or do I just need more practice?

[4thQueen]

Uh, how large is your thumb? Pressing X and A at the same time shouldn't be an issue, just press A with the base of your thumb and X with the tip.

[benjamincarylewis]

Yes, that's exactly what I've been doing; I just sometimes find it a little awkward to release the A exactly when I want to when I'm attacking at the same time. It may just be a matter of getting more practice.

I guess my main concern is that I don't want to learn bad habits if there are "better" methods people use, though I realise this is likely to be highly subjective.

[4thQueen]

Platforming isn't so intense in this game that you have to time your attacks so precisely. Just keep at it, practice makes perfect.

[Squiggly John]

Originally posted by benjamincarylewis:

Yes, that's exactly what I've been doing; I just sometimes find it a little awkward to release the A exactly when I want to when I'm attacking at the same time. It may just be a matter of getting more practice.

I guess my main concern is that I don't want to learn bad habits if there are "better" methods people use, though I realise this is likely to be highly subjective.

As someone incredibly experienced in this genre, use whatever you find to be the most effective. I do what you are doing, with the base of the thumb on A and the tip on X, and I find that to be the most comfortable way.

[HighLanderPony]

What others said. My first game was Super Mario Bros. 2 on the NES, been a platformer fan ever since, that method is totally fine. ;D

I control the D-pad and left bumper/trigger with my left hand. I prefer the D-pad unless there are games that require more gradual movement like Rivals of Aether or whatever.

Right hand is used like you said. It's a nice controller, things click into place intuitively.

Maybe when some games require you to press button combinations like A + Y you can get your right index finger to come down and hit Y while your thumb presses A. Y+B? Just slide your thumb up a lil' and press them like you'd press X + A.

Keep at it!