Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Pokemon Winds and Waves
  • New Games for 2026
  • Submit your game clips
  • GDC
Don't miss these
A patented Sony controller design next to the PS5's DualSense controller
Gaming Controllers The PS6 controller might not even have buttons on it as a new patent hints Sony is going all-in on haptic feedback
Macduff running from a monster during the upcoming PS5 game, Crimson Desert.
Open World Games Crimson Desert PR head insists the weird controls are "like riding a bike"
Black Xbox 360 controller leaning against ROG Xbox Ally X on Baseus Steam Deck dock.
Handhelds Sorry Microsoft, but I've shoved your handheld onto a Steam Deck dock and started playing 2000s games using an Xbox 360 controller
DualSense Edge review image showing the controller next to the original DualSense in Nova Pink
Gaming Controllers The best PS5 controller 2026: Find your Edge
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro review image of the back buttons
Gaming Controllers How to assign back buttons on a new pro controller, and the settings I recommend based on 20+ reviews
Evercade Wireless Controller with black backdrop and retro rainbow lines.
Retro The Evercade is finally getting a wireless dual analogue stick controller, and I'm hoping it means more PS1 ports are coming
A side by side image of the Razer Raiju V3 Pro and Wolverine V3 Pro
Gaming Controllers Razer drops its Wolverine V3 Pro and Raiju V3 Pro controllers to record low prices at the same time
An image of the heart rate monitor on the Anbernic RG G01 controller next to the sweatlord gamer meme
Gaming Controllers Sweatlord gamers, listen up: this new controller tracks your heart rate as you play
Xbox
Games Microsoft's weird "This is an Xbox" marketing appears to be getting quietly swept under the rug amid leadership changes
An 8BitDo Ultimate 3E on a desk
Gaming Controllers 8BitDo's new Xbox pro controller looks like the Elite Series 3 we never got
A Nyxi Flexi on a desk with pink lighting turned on
Gaming Controllers This controller lets you swap between Xbox and PlayStation thumbstick layouts
An 8BitDo Pro 3 controller on its charging stand
Gaming Controllers The 8BitDo Pro 3 brings back one of the cardinal sins of any gaming controller
A collection of TMR controllers laid out on a desk
Gaming Controllers My gaming new year’s resolution? Finally buy this one peripheral for my PC
Nintendo Switch 2 playing Donkey Kong Bananza with Pro Controller to the left
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller 2026: Compatible gamepads road tested with Ninty's new handheld
The GameSir/HyperKin X5 Alteron and some of its swappable modules
Gaming Controllers GameSir and Hyperkin's modular mobile controller could take over the market
  1. Hardware
  2. Gaming Controllers

Apparently we've been calling the 'X' button on the PlayStation controller the wrong name all this time

News
By Vikki Blake published 8 September 2019

It's "basic geometry"

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Sony)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Get the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

There are two types of people in this world – those that call the DualShock's lowest button an "Ex", and those that call it a "Cross". 

If, like me, you'd always seen yourself on the right side of history with the "Ex" – and why wouldn't you, eh? – turns out PlayStation wants a word with you. You're wrong. I'm wrong. We're all wrong. Turns out it is called "Cross" after all.

The debate regularly rears its ugly, Cross-shaped head on social media, of course, but this is the first time anyone with any authority has weighed in on the matter. Apparently sick of us all getting it wrong – even though we know, in theory, the DualShock buttons have shapes, not letters – PlayStation UK wants to settle the argument for good.

You may like
  • A patented Sony controller design next to the PS5's DualSense controller The PS6 controller might not even have buttons on it as a new patent hints Sony is going all-in on haptic feedback
  • Macduff running from a monster during the upcoming PS5 game, Crimson Desert. Crimson Desert PR head insists the weird controls are "like riding a bike"
  • Black Xbox 360 controller leaning against ROG Xbox Ally X on Baseus Steam Deck dock. Sorry Microsoft, but I've shoved your handheld onto a Steam Deck dock and started playing 2000s games using an Xbox 360 controller

"Triangle. Circle. Cross. Square," PlayStation UK insisted via Twitter (thanks, Eurogamer). "If Cross is called X (it's not), then what are you calling Circle?"

TriangleCircleCrossSquareIf Cross is called X (it's not), then what are you calling Circle?🤔 https://t.co/dvQ19duemWSeptember 5, 2019

While most commenters were stunned, still reeling from shock presumably, Cross fans tried to explain where we've gone wrong. 

"Crosses have the same distance between each stick. Crosses form a square," said one commenter. "Exes don't have the same distance between each stick. Exes form a rectangle. Basic geometry."

Because this debate grinds my gears, I'll finish it once and for all:- Crosses have the same distance between each stick. - Crosses form a square.- Exes don't have the same distance between each stick.- Exes form a rectangle.Basic geometry. pic.twitter.com/gz8jCJd3BnSeptember 5, 2019

And then there's the frankly terrifying suggestion that it's technically called the "Fork" button...?

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Actually it's called "fork" pic.twitter.com/CG2TQbyz9QSeptember 4, 2019

160,000 people have also had their say via a Twitter poll PlayStation is running (and staying out of, by the look of it), so please come join in – 81 per cent of Ex-ers can't be wrong!

Check out the best PS4 games right here, safe in the knowledge you can play them regardless of what you call that southernmost button on the DualShock controller.

Vikki Blake
Vikki Blake
Social Links Navigation
Weekend Reporter, GamesRadar+

Vikki Blake is GamesRadar+'s Weekend Reporter. Vikki works tirelessly to ensure that you have something to read on the days of the week beginning with 'S', and can also be found contributing to outlets including the BBC, Eurogamer, and GameIndustry.biz. Vikki also runs a weekly games column at NME, and can be frequently found talking about Destiny 2 and Silent Hill on Twitter. 

Read more
A patented Sony controller design next to the PS5's DualSense controller
Gaming Controllers The PS6 controller might not even have buttons on it as a new patent hints Sony is going all-in on haptic feedback
 
 
Macduff running from a monster during the upcoming PS5 game, Crimson Desert.
Open World Games Crimson Desert PR head insists the weird controls are "like riding a bike"
 
 
Black Xbox 360 controller leaning against ROG Xbox Ally X on Baseus Steam Deck dock.
Handhelds Sorry Microsoft, but I've shoved your handheld onto a Steam Deck dock and started playing 2000s games using an Xbox 360 controller
 
 
DualSense Edge review image showing the controller next to the original DualSense in Nova Pink
Gaming Controllers The best PS5 controller 2026: Find your Edge
 
 
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro review image of the back buttons
Gaming Controllers How to assign back buttons on a new pro controller, and the settings I recommend based on 20+ reviews
 
 
Evercade Wireless Controller with black backdrop and retro rainbow lines.
Retro The Evercade is finally getting a wireless dual analogue stick controller, and I'm hoping it means more PS1 ports are coming
 
 
Latest in Gaming Controllers
A side by side image of the Razer Raiju V3 Pro and Wolverine V3 Pro
Gaming Controllers Razer drops its Wolverine V3 Pro and Raiju V3 Pro controllers to record low prices at the same time
 
 
A reveal image of the Logitech G RS H-Shifter
Gaming Controllers Logitech G is finally launching a new gear shifter for its sim racing ecosystem
 
 
The reviewer holding the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Pro Edition Guitar
Gaming Controllers The CRKD Pro Edition Guitar controller is almost perfect, and lets you rock out to all of the classics along with the most recent hits
 
 
A Nyxi Flexi on a desk with pink lighting turned on
Gaming Controllers This controller lets you swap between Xbox and PlayStation thumbstick layouts
 
 
Victrix Pro BFG review image showing the various components and attachments of the gamepad set out on a table
Gaming Controllers Amazon is going zero profit mode on the best PS5 controller right now with an £80 discount
 
 
PowerA Advantage Nintendo Switch 2 controller in Mushroom Kingdom colorway on a pink background with best deal badge
Gaming Controllers Is that a pastel Mario version of the cheapest Switch 2 controller I've tested? At its lowest price yet?
 
 
Latest in News
Crimson Desert
Open World Games "My dream game": After 7 hours, Palworld publishing lead delivers his Crimson Desert verdict: "This game is made for me"
 
 
Zoomed-in, cropped box art for Pokemon FireRed shows Charizard roaring.
Pokemon "The biggest time save in nearly a decade of Pokemon speedrunning" has been discovered in FireRed
 
 
Marathon Cryo Archive runners looting
FPS Games Marathon's Cryo Archive is locked to weekends partly because you're going to "lose a lot of gear"
 
 
Arc Raiders Queen
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders devs tortured each other during playtests, juicing Arc into Elden Ring bosses
 
 
A fox shopkeeper has a Lucky Cat figurine on the counter in Piece by Piece
Games Two indie games with the same name accidentally launched days apart, so the devs averted disaster by working together:
 
 
Spider-Man Brand New Day
Marvel Movies Tom Holland compares Jon Bernthal's Punisher to RDJ's Tony Stark in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Shrek
    1
    3 new to Netflix movies I recommend you watch this weekend (March 21–March 22)
  2. 2
    "This is my dream game": After 7 hours, Palworld publishing chief delivers a glowing Crimson Desert verdict: "This game is made for me"
  3. 3
    "The biggest time save in nearly a decade of Pokemon speedrunning" has been discovered thanks to the new FireRed and LeafGreen Switch ports, and all it takes is the press of a button
  4. 4
    Marathon's Cryo Archive is locked to weekends partly because you're going to "lose a lot of gear" and you need time to grind during the week, director says
  5. 5
    Arc Raiders devs tortured each other during playtests, at one point juicing Arc into unstoppable Elden Ring bosses: "All of a sudden you're playing a Souls game"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...