Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →“ZR” usually refers to the right-side shoulder trigger on Nintendo’s Switch controllers. It is also the chemical symbol for zirconium. The two meanings are unrelated, and the name itself does not tell you which one a question is about. On the Switch, the origin of the label is not documented by Nintendo in any source available for this article, so the most useful answer is to explain what ZR means in each context and what can and cannot be confirmed about where the names came from.
If you mean the Nintendo button
On Nintendo Switch, ZR is the trigger on the right side of the controller, paired with ZL on the left. The labels appear on the Joy-Con and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and they are what games usually mean when they prompt you to press ZR. The phrase “Why is it called ZR on Nintendo Switch?” is a common way people ask this, and it points to the controller rather than the element.
Where the “Z” seems to come from
Sources that discuss the button connect the Z to an earlier Nintendo control with the same letter. The clearest example is the Z button on the Nintendo 64 controller, which sat on the back of the controller and was pressed by the index finger. Reading the Switch’s ZR and ZL as a continuation of that naming is a reasonable inference, but it is an inference. Nintendo has not published a naming rationale that can be cited for this article, so no official explanation of why the trigger was named ZR should be treated as settled.
What is and is not established
- Established: ZR is the right-side trigger on Switch controllers, and ZL is its left-side counterpart.
- Established as a secondary connection only: the letter Z links the label to an earlier Z button.
- Not established: an official Nintendo statement explaining the choice of letters.
If you mean the chemical symbol Zr
Zr is the symbol for zirconium, a metal that appears in the periodic table as element 40. The Royal Society of Chemistry’s periodic table lists it at that atomic number, and that part of the answer is firmly established.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Introducing Joy-Con, controllers that make new kinds of gaming possible, for use with Nintendo Switch.
- The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun.
- Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip.
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games.
- Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.
Where the name comes from
Secondary write-ups commonly say that zirconium takes its name from zircon, a mineral that contains the element, and that the mineral’s name traces back to a Persian word, zargun, often glossed as “gold-colored.” That account is widely repeated, but the authoritative historical reference for it was not among the sources behind this article. Treat it as a plausible and commonly reported origin rather than verified history, and check a dedicated chemistry history reference before quoting it as fact.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to tell which one you mean
| Context | What “ZR” means | Where it usually appears |
|---|---|---|
| Game controls, Switch hardware | Right-side trigger on the Joy-Con or Pro Controller | Button prompts, control guides, settings menus |
| Chemistry, periodic table | Symbol for zirconium, element 40 | Chemistry courses, periodic tables, materials references |
If a game or guide is asking you to press a button, ZR is the controller trigger. If you are reading about metals, alloys, or the periodic table, it is the element.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION for SWITCH CONTROLLER】: The switch controller with 2 back programming buttons, there are two modes, which are single programming or multi-programming. M1/M2= A+B+Y+L+ZL+R+ZR+D-pad, then you can use other fingers to operate more comfortably and centered. Switch controllers with the programmable buttons helping to minimize button abuse and stick clicking it can last more than several years with heavy use.
- 【ONE-BUTTON WAKE-UP SWITCH CONSOLE】: The switch wireless controller is used for the first time, you need to press the "Y + HOME" button to connect. Then next time just simply presses the "HOME" button of the pro switch controller to wake up your device. It's very convenient for you to start the game. (NOTE: DOES NOT SUPPORT WAKE-UP SWITCH 2 AND AUDIO FUNCTIONS)
- 【VIBRATE FUNCTION & GYRO SENSOR】: The controller for switch have dual vibration motors with 3-level precise vibration: weak, medium and strong that provide you excellent vibration feedback to enhance the game immersion. With the 6-axis gyro sensor, this controller can detect the inclination of the controller and make a quick response, give you more fun while playing motion sensing games
- 【ERGONOMIC DESIGN & TURBO FUNCTION】: The pro controller switch remote's ergonomic and non-slip design that allows you to control the game stably and don’t have to worry about the sweat in your hands. The wireless switch controller can be set to auto TURBO or manual TURBO mode. There are 3 adjustable speeds: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s or 20 shots/s. You also can customize the TURBO button, A/B/X/Y/L/ZL/R/ZR all buttons can be set to TURBO, which make it easier to win an arcade or action game
- 【SCREENSHOT & HIGH-PERFORMANCE BATTERY】: The switch pro controller wireless’s continuous screenshoting function help you more enjoyable to play games. The switch pro controller for controllers with 600 MAH large capacity rechargeable battery, but it just need 2-3 hours to charge fully. Switch controllers pro can run for 10-15 hours, make sure you can enjoy games longer without interruption. (Warm Tips: Left Stick has been upgraded, please purchase with confidence.)
Rank #3
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a great price
- Comes with charging cable (USB C to USB A)
Rank #2
- HD Rumble 2
- Motion controls
- Built-in amiibo functionality*
- Capture Button
- C Button for GameChat**
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
