What is the C Button on the Nintendo 64 Controller and Nintendo Switch?
When you use a wireless Nintendo 64 controller to play N64 games on the Nintendo Switch, the C buttons act as substitute buttons for the right control stick. This enables you to input smash attacks and other directional moves in retro N64 games.
But what exactly are the C buttons? And what was their original purpose on the Nintendo 64 controller? As a gaming enthusiast and content creator, let me provide some expert insight into these unique inputs.
The Mysterious C Buttons – An Underrated N64 Innovation
Released in 1996 alongside the Nintendo 64, the N64 controller was revolutionary – bringing full analog stick control and force feedback Rumble Pak support to consoles for the first time.
However, nestled under the analog stick were these three small, yellow C buttons. They weren‘t a d-pad – they were digital buttons. So what was Nintendo‘s vision with including these?
As IGN nostalgically remembers, the C buttons were promoted as offering additional control input, similar to shoulder buttons. But their function varied completely between games.
For example, in Super Mario 64, they rotated and adjusted the in-game camera angle. A core part of innovating 3D gameplay on limited 90s hardware was letting players view the environment.
Meanwhile, in games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, they provided quick access to Link‘s various tools and inventory items. Having items a button press away accentuated the pace and immediacy of combat and puzzles.
How Developers Utilized the C Buttons as Gaming Evolved
The C buttons may not have matched the prominence of the main analog joystick or Z trigger. But clever developers found them invaluable for controlling key in-game systems.
In the vastly popular Super Smash Bros, C buttons inputted special moves for fighters. In racing games like Diddy Kong Racing or Extreme-G, they steered vehicles. In the Banjo games, they activated new character moves – extending the skill ceiling through digital commands.
Here‘s a high-level overview of how leading N64 games utilized the C buttons:
| Game | C Button Function |
|---|---|
| Super Mario 64 | Camera Control |
| Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Item Access |
| Banjo-Kazooie | Character Moves |
| Diddy Kong Racing | Vehicle Steering |
| Extreme-G | Vehicle Steering |
| Super Smash Bros | Special Moves |
As games advanced in complexity, developers recognized additional button inputs for in-game systems as invaluable.
In the N64‘s 5 year lifespan, that perkiness and bright yellow color almost embodied the system‘s experimental, innovative spirit for Nintendo and game designers alike.
N64 Controller C Buttons Provide Analog Control on Nintendo Switch
Jump forward over 25 years and the legacy of the C button continues as classic N64 games come to Nintendo Switch Online. When playing these with a Switch N64 controller, the C buttons provide analog directional input rather than digital control.
- This means they substitute for right stick input when the N64 game doesn‘t have full camera or movement control.
- Pressing C Up, Down, Left, or Right acts identically to tilting the right stick on a modern controller.
For example, in Super Smash Bros, this allows executing Smash attacks through C buttons. The digital inputs enable tilts and directional attacks – adding speed and precision inherited from the original arcade-style N64 controller scheme.
Similarly for 3D adventures like Super Mario 64 or Banjo-Kazooie, the C Buttons give the player a degree of modern camera movement to better explore and control their surroundings.
This analog functionality assists less experienced players adapt to limitations in early 3D games. Veterans meanwhile can focus on core gameplay without fussing with lack of modern camera controls.
Closing Thoughts on This Enduring Nintendo Innovation
When used to play N64 games on Nintendo Switch Online, treating C buttons as substitute analog input maintains a balance. It keeps the original digital input for game mechanics while smoothing out antiquated 3D design of the mid 90s.
As a gaming historian and enthusiast, few retro console innovations fascinate me more than the C buttons. They highlighted how Nintendo and game creators collaborated to innovate gaming on 90s-era tech constraints.
Even in 2024, this little yellow button survives as a hat tip maintaining the legacy and feel of playing iconic N64 games. While giving modern players just enough control refinement through the Switch to never feel fully alien.
That balancing act honors innovation and history alike if you ask this gamer! I‘d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the C button down in the comments below. And for more of my retro gaming insights be sure to join our community!
