Dual Triggers: A surprisingly functional accessory for PS3

May 27, 2010 - By Jason Hamilton

As an avid gamer and a PlayStation 3 aficionado, I’m always looking for tips, tricks, gadgets, and trinkets to heighten my gaming experience and give me an extra edge when playing online against other human minds. Sadly most add-ons do not live up to their hype, but I have found one that does: Dual Triggers for the PlayStation 3 controller from Performance Designed Products (or PDP).

Released in November 2009, Dual Triggers is a set of two concave attachments that snap on to the L2 and R2 buttons of the PlayStation Dualshock 3 controller. Dual Triggers are just as easily removed as they are installed, if you find it doesn’t suit your needs. Once attached, they give you the feel of a rather large gun trigger in place of the rounded-off buttons, which is ironic, in name and function, since most PlayStation 3 shooters use L1 and R1 as primary or secondary weapon’s fire.

Dual Triggers with L2 attached

Below is a quote from the manufacturer’s product description and product highlights:

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The Dual Triggers for the PS3 Six-axis controller provides extra grip, comfort and leverage for gamers. We know that things can get intense in the heat of battle. These triggers add just a bit of height and are concave enough to keep your fingers from slipping. Adding more control the triggers snap right on to the controller, no glue, no mess. The triggers are a simple addition that can help increase your accuracy in racing, flight, and shooting games. With this added precision you can go on to become a gaming champion.

• Dual Triggers increase your accuracy in racing, flight and shooting games.
• Compatible with Sony SIXAXIS Controller and Sony DualShock 3 Controller
• Unique design offers extra grip and comfort to an existing PS3 controller.
• Outfit all your Sony Controllers and gain a competitive advantage over your opponents

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So how does the manufacturer’s hype stand up? Well, Dual Triggers definitely add extra grip and comfort, and my fingers never feel like they were going to slip off, especially for games that require holding the L2 or R2 buttons for extended periods. Another plus, unless you have really big hands, is that the L2 and R2 buttons feel a little closer to the L1 and R1 buttons. It doesn’t feel as if I have to over-extend my fingers to get the job done. However, as much comfort that Dual Triggers provides, my accuracy has not improved. Also, pressing the trigger buttons did not noticeably affect how I manipulated the analog control sticks with my thumbs.

You should see my right thumb!

I’ve played quite a few games with and without the Dual Triggers. Over time, I have come to love the Dual Triggers and find that, without them, I feel lost. Dual Triggers can be found just about anywhere video games and accessories are sold, or from directly through PDP’s website, for around $5.99 (as of the last check). For that price, it’s an accessory that’s worth trying out, and one that I am confident most PS3 gamers will enjoy.