When a player switches weapons the range of the weapon being switched out is still applied to that of the weapon being drawn for two frames. When performing the glitch in multiplayer to explore it is suggested that one attempt the glitch with no ammo in their non sword weapon to avoid accidentally firing at their target.

It is also sometimes suggested to simply try mashing all of the buttons until it works if one cannot perform it otherwise. Several other alternate control schemes such as 'Universal Bump And Jump' will still accommodate the thumb slide albeit slightly differently. In this case the thumb sliding method cannot be applied though manually pressing each button may be easier. However the actual default on Halo 2: Anniversary is the 'Universal Default (Recon)' scheme which swaps action/reload to 'RB' instead, matching the newer games. The 'default' for the Xbox One version of Halo 2: Anniversary is identical and as such the inputs translate the same way. The easiest way to perform the trick on this control scheme is to slide one's thumb from 'Y' to 'X' and then press 'RT'. On the original Xbox version of the game the corresponding inputs are 'X', 'Y', and 'RT' respectively. The window for the inputs is small however as they have to be frame perfect. If done correctly you should lunge towards the enemy from your current position as you would with a normal sword lunge. Rapidly switch weapons, press the action/reload button, and shoot buttons quickly in that order. Position yourself and aim the reticle at the enemy such that it is red. In order to perform one needs to have an energy sword and any other weapon equipped, preferably not a shotgun as well as an AI in campaign or an enemy player in multiplayer.

Halo ce energy sword