How do you hold the controller?

[Godavari]

For some reason, I've seen a lot of different play styles with console controlers out there. I wanted to get a general idea of how most people play, so I decided to ask The Escapist.
Personally, I play with my index fingers on the bumper buttons (I think it's L1, R1 for PS3) and my middle fingers on the trigger buttons (L2, R2), with my thumbs working the joysticks, XYAB (square, triangle, x, circle) buttons, and D-pad.
So how do you play?

 

[Robert632]

depends on the controller, but generally what you said.

 

[CptCamoPants]

Fingers in between bumper and trigger (sometimes on trigger, depending on the game)
Right thumb usually on right thumbstick, sometimes hovering over buttons
Left thumb on left thumbstick

 

[megapenguinx]

On the PS3 and 360 my index fingers are always on the top bumpers (L1, R1, RB, LB). My left thumb is on the d-pad (PS3) or analog stick (360) and my right thumb is always on the X or A button. The reasons for my index fingers being where they are is because of their use in fighting games.

 

[crudus]

depends on the game. Most of the time it is similar to what you said. With a fighting game my left hand is the same while my right index and middle fingers are used to hit the buttons quickly.

 

[ShankHA32]

Bluh i play like anyone does.....

For my Wii, i hold it like the twats in the commercials do

PS3, i do it a lot like what you said.

Computer, depends on the game but usually i have my index, middle and ring finger on w,a, and d respectively, and depending on the game i have my other 2 fingers elsewhere. My right hand is always on the mouse.

 

[Aesir23]

depends on the game. Most of the time it is similar to what you said. With a fighting game my left hand is the same while my right index and middle fingers are used to hit the buttons quickly.

Pretty much what Crudus here said. But most of the time my index fingers are on the shoulder buttons and my thumbs are on the analog sticks.

 

[Mookie_Magnus]

I hold it in the default manner... However, whenever I'm playing Halo 3, I sometimes change so that my right index finger is hooked, and able to press the Alpha-buttons, while my middle and ring fingers handle the trigger and bumper. I think it's called "The Claw"... I saw it in a non-gaming magazine.

 

[Evilbunny]

My index fingers rest on the triggers and switch to the bumpers when necessary, while the thumbs work the sticks and buttons. I used to hold it like the OP but what kept happening was in COD4 when a grenade landed near me I'd freak out and grip the controller too tightly while I ran so I'd accidentally hit the left bumper. Not only would I waste a stun grenade and blind myself, but I'd also not be able to get away from the grenade in time. This way the worst that can happen is I aim but that's instantly canceled out by running.

 

[Nutcase]

depends on the game. Most of the time it is similar to what you said. With a fighting game my left hand is the same while my right index and middle fingers are used to hit the buttons quickly.

This. You can actually use a dedicated finger for each of the four face buttons on a PS2 controller, like it was a really small and cramped arcade stick. That's just enough for controlling Tekken and Soul Calibur. The three-finger version, with no thumb contorting below other fingers to press X, is a lot more comfortable and still enough for Virtua Fighter.

 

[McWrath]

PS3 or 360, thumbs on joysticks, index and middle fingers on bumpers and triggers respectively, waiting to have to use D-pad or buttons.

 

[Sassafrass]

For the 360, pretty much the way you described for the PS3. I can't think of another way to hold it.

 

[ShadowLuigi147]

Mine's a bit confusing, so let me show you a diagram.

Yes, those black things are my hands, and yes, that's my index finger on Y and next to B.
My middle, ring, and little fingers are where they're supposed to be.

 

[letsnoobtehpwns]

I don't hold the controller. I throw it at the wall and the game plays itself.

 

[DazZ.]

Mine's a bit confusing, so let me show you a diagram.

Spoiler: Image Spoiler

Yes, those black things are my hands, and yes, that's my index finger on Y and next to B.
My middle, ring, and little fingers are where they're supposed to be.

You look like Abe from Oddworld.

I have a mouse in one hand with thumb on the side buttons, and pinky on shift/ctrl, thumb on space/alt, index on D,R,E and C, middle on S and third on A, 1 and tab.

Don't know why I just wrote all that out, you don't care and it changes anyway, game dependant.

 

[The Sandwich]

I shove it up my ass and make sure it's a rumble controller.

 

[Pm0n3y]

Simple!

Upside down and Backwards insuring complete victory in any game i play.

 

[Draco Kaiser]

For some reason, I've seen a lot of different play styles with console controlers out there. I wanted to get a general idea of how most people play, so I decided to ask The Escapist.
Personally, I play with my index fingers on the bumper buttons (I think it's L1, R1 for PS3) and my middle fingers on the trigger buttons (L2, R2), with my thumbs working the joysticks, XYAB (square, triangle, x, circle) buttons, and D-pad.
So how do you play?

I play the exact same way except my index finger controls all the L's and R's. My middle does nothing.