N64 Controller 3 Handles: Why & How to Hold It

The Nintendo 64 controller has three handles to accommodate the many different ways games of that era were played, and how you hold it depends on the game: the two outer grips for most 3D titles, the center grip for the D-pad and 2D games, and a hybrid grip for certain fighting or racing games. This unusual design was a direct response to the challenges of early 3D gaming, and understanding it helps you use the controller comfortably and effectively today.

The Birth of the Trident: Why Three Handles?

In the mid-1990s, Nintendo was designing a console that would push gaming into a fully 3D world. The Super Nintendo’s controller had a simple D-pad and four face buttons, but 3D games needed a way to control both movement and camera simultaneously. Nintendo’s solution was the analog stick—a revolutionary input that allowed for precise, continuous 360-degree movement. The challenge was where to put it.

The controller’s three-pronged shape was a deliberate compromise. The center prong houses the analog stick, which is the primary input for most 3D games. The left and right prongs hold the D-pad and the face buttons, respectively. This layout meant that no matter which input you were using, your hands could rest naturally on a grip. The design was also influenced by the idea that different games would use different grips—a concept that seems alien today but made sense when developers were still figuring out how to design 3D games.

The controller was designed by a team led by Shigeru Miyamoto, who later admitted that the design was a bit of a “mess” but that it was a necessary experiment for the transition to 3D. The three handles were not just a stylistic quirk; they were a functional solution to a problem that had never been solved before.

The Standard Grip: For Most 3D Games

The most common way to hold the N64 controller is with both hands on the outer grips, your left thumb on the analog stick and your right thumb on the face buttons (A, B, and the C-buttons). This is the grip used for games like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007.

To use this grip:

• Place your left hand on the left handle, with your thumb resting on the analog stick.
• Place your right hand on the right handle, with your thumb on the A and B buttons.
• Your index fingers naturally rest on the L and R shoulder buttons, and your middle fingers can reach the Z trigger if needed.

This grip gives you the most comfortable access to the analog stick and the face buttons, which are the primary controls in most 3D games. The C-buttons, located on the right handle, are used for camera control, and your right thumb can slide up to reach them without too much strain.

The D-Pad Grip: For 2D and Retro Games

When playing games that rely on the D-pad—like Star Fox 64 (which uses the D-pad for aiming) or any Virtual Console title—you’ll need to use the center handle. This grip is less intuitive but essential for those games.

To use this grip:

• Hold the center prong with your left hand, with your thumb on the D-pad.
• Your right hand should still be on the right handle, with your thumb on the face buttons.
• Your left index finger can reach the L button, but the Z trigger becomes nearly impossible to reach with this grip.

This grip is often criticized for being uncomfortable, as your left hand is forced into an awkward position. However, it’s the only way to use the D-pad effectively. Some players find it helpful to rest the left handle against their palm for stability, but it’s generally not as ergonomic as the standard grip.

The Hybrid Grip: For Racing and Fighting Games

Some games, particularly racing games like Mario Kart 64 and fighting games like Super Smash Bros., benefit from a hybrid grip. In these games, you may need to use both the analog stick and the D-pad, or you may want to keep your left hand free to press the L button frequently.

A common hybrid grip is to hold the left handle with your left hand, but instead of wrapping your fingers around it, you use your thumb to reach the analog stick while your index finger curls around to press the L button. Your right hand remains on the right handle. This grip allows you to use the analog stick and the L button simultaneously, which is useful for drifting in racing games.

Another variation is to hold the controller by the center and right handles, using your left hand on the D-pad and your right hand on the buttons. This is less common but can be useful for games that use the D-pad for movement and the face buttons for actions, like some 2D fighting games.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One of the most common complaints about the N64 controller is that the analog stick wears out quickly, becoming loose and unresponsive. This is due to the stick’s internal mechanism, which uses a plastic bowl and a rubber piece that grinds down over time. Many players have replaced the stick with third-party parts to restore precision.

Another misconception is that the controller is “broken” because the D-pad is hard to reach. In reality, the D-pad was designed for secondary functions, not primary movement, so it’s intentionally placed on the center handle. If you’re playing a game that requires heavy D-pad use, you’re likely using the wrong grip or playing a game that wasn’t designed for the controller’s strengths.

There’s also the issue of the Z trigger, which is located on the bottom of the controller, under the middle handle. Many players don’t realize it’s there or find it difficult to press. The Z trigger is meant to be pressed with your left index or middle finger while using the standard grip, but it’s often ignored because it’s not as prominent as the other buttons.

How to Choose the Right Grip for Your Game

The best way to decide which grip to use is to look at what inputs the game requires most. Here’s a quick guide:

• 3D platformers and action-adventure games: Use the standard grip, as you’ll primarily use the analog stick and face buttons.
• Racing games: Use the standard grip, but be ready to use the L button for drifting. The hybrid grip can help if you need to press L and steer simultaneously.
• First-person shooters: Use the standard grip, but you’ll need to move your right thumb between the face buttons and C-buttons to look around. Some players prefer to use the C-buttons with their right thumb while keeping their left thumb on the stick.
• 2D games (like Dr. Mario 64): Use the D-pad grip, as you’ll need the D-pad for movement.
• Fighting games: Use the standard grip, but you may need to use the D-pad for special moves. The hybrid grip can help you switch between the stick and D-pad quickly.

If you’re playing a game that uses both the analog stick and the D-pad equally, you may need to switch grips mid-game. This is awkward, but it’s a flaw of the controller’s design that players had to deal with.

Alternatives and Modern Solutions

Because the N64 controller’s design is so unusual, many players have sought alternatives. One popular option is the Hori Mini Pad, a third-party controller that has a more conventional layout, with the analog stick in the center and the D-pad on the left. This controller is often considered more comfortable but lacks the Z trigger and has a shorter stick.

Another option is to use an adapter that lets you use a modern controller (like a PlayStation or Xbox controller) on an N64. These adapters map the N64’s buttons to the modern controller’s layout, but they don’t perfectly replicate the feel of the original. For example, the C-buttons are often mapped to the right analog stick, which can be more intuitive for camera control.

For those who want to play N64 games on a PC or modern console, emulators often allow you to remap controls to any controller you like. This is the best way to play N64 games without dealing with the original controller’s quirks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the N64 controller have three handles instead of two?

The three handles were designed to accommodate the analog stick, which was new at the time. The center handle holds the stick, while the outer handles hold the D-pad and face buttons. This allowed players to use different grips depending on the game, though it made the controller less ergonomic for some games.

Is the N64 controller comfortable to hold?

It depends on the grip and the game. The standard grip (using the outer handles) is fairly comfortable for most 3D games, but the D-pad grip (using the center handle) is awkward and can cause hand strain. Many players find the controller uncomfortable for long sessions, especially for games that require heavy D-pad use.

How do I press the Z trigger?

The Z trigger is located on the bottom of the controller, under the center handle. To press it, use your left index or middle finger while holding the left handle. It’s not as easy to reach as the other buttons, but it’s essential for many games, especially first-person shooters.

Can I use the D-pad and analog stick at the same time?

Technically yes, but it’s very awkward. You’d need to hold the center handle with your left hand and the right handle with your right hand, but then your left hand is stuck using the D-pad while your right hand uses the face buttons. This grip is rarely used because it’s uncomfortable and limits your access to the shoulder buttons.

Why did Nintendo never make another controller like this?

Nintendo learned from the N64’s design. The GameCube controller moved the analog stick to a more central position and made the D-pad more accessible, while the Wii’s remote and nunchuk completely abandoned the traditional controller shape. The three-handle design was a one-time experiment that solved a specific problem but wasn’t well-suited for all games.

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