Why is the Right Trigger Button on Nintendo Switch Controllers Called ZR?

As an avid gamer and Nintendo enthusiast, I‘m often curious about the origins and meanings behind the buttons and controls on my favorite controllers. The ZR button specifically has always stood out to me as unique – so why is this right trigger button named ZR? Time for an investigative deep dive!

The Meaning Behind the "Z"

The "Z" in ZR actually comes from the element name zirconium. On the periodic table, zirconium‘s chemical symbol is Zr. This metallic element was named zirconium after the mineral zircon, which frequently contains zirconium.

Why name a controller button after an element? Nintendo has a history of naming controller buttons based on elements from the periodic table. For example, the A and B buttons originally referred to the elements hydrogen and helium. So the "Z" pays homage to this nerdy tradition.

Fun fact: zirconium was named after the Arabic word "zargun" meaning "gold colored" for its appearance. So the root of the ZR button traces back to colors – very fitting for game controllers!

The Meaning Behind the "R"

The "R" in ZR indicates that this is the right-side trigger button. On standard Joy-Con controllers, the ZR button sits at the top right, mirrored by the ZL button on the left. Think R for right and L for left!

This helps distinguish between the functionally identical triggers, making it easier for gamers to quickly identify which one they need to press. Sony‘s PlayStation controllers follow a similar convention labeling shoulder buttons L1/L2 and R1/R2.

When Was the ZR Button First Introduced?

The ZR/ZL trigger buttons first appeared with Nintendo‘s Wii U controller in 2012.

[insert image of Wii U gamepad]

On the Wii U GamePad, they provided secondary functions that could be controlled without taking thumbs off the dual analog sticks. This was an ergonomic win!

When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017 with detachable Joy-Con controllers, the handy ZR/ZL buttons migrated over to enable extra controls in each separate Joy-Con or in the grip.

In fact, for many Switch games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the ZR button takes center stage for fundamental gameplay functions like drifting and acceleration. Having dedicated right and left triggers has become integral to Switch gaming.

ZR Button Usage and Ergonomics

So what exactly does the ZR button do across Switch games? Here are some common usages:

• Firing/Shooting: weapons in Splatoon 2, Bowser fire in Super Mario 3D World
• Dashing/Drifting: speed boosts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Xenoblade Chronicles 2
• Interactive Functions: possessing capture targets in Super Mario Odyssey

Unlike the face buttons, the ZR/ZL triggers provide analog input – meaning they can detect soft or hard presses for nuanced game controls. And their raised placement under index fingers makes for easy ergonomic access without changing your grip.

I often see the ZR button compared to the R2/RT triggers on DualShock 4 and Xbox One controllers which serve similar functions. But having triggers dedicated for each Joy-Con really streamlines local multiplayer.

The Legacy of the ZR Button

While the ZR button originated last console generation, I think it will have staying power through the Switch‘s lifespan and beyond. The adjustability of Joy-Con controllers with modular accessories like the Switch Pro Controller has made trigger buttons even more essential.

And the ZR button adds flexibility for experimental inputs, like controlling the camera based on how hard you press ala Super Mario Odyssey. I‘m excited to see what innovative ways game creators leverage ZR on future Switch titles!

So in summary, the ZR button represents:

• Zirconium the element
• Right-side placement
• Key to Switch gameplay from shooting to drifting
• Ergonomic analog triggers

Hopefully this gives you some nostalgia for the geeky chemistry origins of the ZR button! And maybe a bit more appreciation for this small but mighty controller piece that takes our favorite Switch games to the next level.

Let me know if you have any other questions about the meanings behind Nintendo controller buttons!