Introduction
If you’ve ever held a classic Nintendo controller in your hands, you’ve probably noticed a small, often‑overlooked button sitting right next to the Select button. In this article we’ll explore what the button next to Select actually is, why Nintendo placed it there, how it functions across different consoles, and what common pitfalls players encounter. Still, whether you’re a nostalgic gamer revisiting the NES, a collector exploring the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), or a newcomer trying to decode retro hardware, understanding the purpose of that neighboring button can deepen your appreciation of Nintendo’s design philosophy. By the end, you’ll be able to identify the button on any classic Nintendo controller, explain its role in gameplay, and avoid the frequent mistakes that can turn a smooth gaming session into a frustrating experience Surprisingly effective..
Detailed Explanation
What Is the Button Next to Select?
On the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) controller, the button immediately to the right of Select is the Start button. Its primary function is to pause the game, bring up menus, or begin a new level, depending on the title. The placement of Start next to Select was a deliberate ergonomic decision: both buttons are small, thumb‑operated, and sit within easy reach of the right hand while the left thumb controls the directional pad (D‑pad) The details matter here..
When Nintendo released the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the layout remained largely the same. The Start button still occupied the position directly to the right of Select, but the button itself grew slightly larger and more tactile, reflecting advances in plastic molding and button technology. In later handhelds—such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS—the Start button migrated to the right side of the device, yet the relationship to Select (or Select‑type buttons) persisted, preserving a familiar user experience across generations.
Why Does Nintendo Use This Placement?
Nintendo’s design ethos has always emphasized intuitive, player‑friendly controls. By placing Start next to Select, the company ensured that players could quickly toggle between pausing, accessing menus, or performing secondary actions without moving their thumb far from the D‑pad. This proximity reduces hand fatigue during long gaming sessions and enables rapid response in action‑heavy titles That alone is useful..
Adding to this, the juxtaposition of Start and Select provides a logical pairing: Start initiates or continues the primary flow of the game, while Select often toggles secondary options (such as switching between inventory screens, changing camera angles, or swapping players in multiplayer modes). The visual similarity of the two buttons reinforces this relationship, making it easier for new players to learn the control scheme intuitively.
Step‑by‑Step or Concept Breakdown
1. Identifying the Buttons on Different Controllers
| Console | Button Layout (Top Row) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NES | Select – Start | Small, rectangular; Start initiates gameplay or pauses. But |
| Game Boy | Select – Start | Centered on the front; Start begins a game, Select toggles options. |
| SNES | Select – Start | Slightly larger, more responsive; same functions. |
| Nintendo DS | Select (often hidden) – Start | Start located on the right side; Select may be a soft‑press area. |
Understanding the physical location helps you locate the button quickly during intense moments.
2. Using Start During Gameplay
- Starting a Game – Press Start on the title screen to begin. In many NES titles, you must also press Select to choose a player number (1‑2) before Start becomes active.
- Pausing – During play, a quick tap of Start typically pauses the action and brings up a HUD (heads‑up display) showing score, lives, and level information.
- Accessing Menus – In RPGs or platformers, Start often opens an inventory or options menu. From there, you can handle using the D‑pad while Select may switch between sub‑menus.
3. Combining Start and Select
Some games require you to press both buttons simultaneously. Which means for example, in The Legend of Zelda (NES), holding Select while pressing Start allows you to switch between the map and inventory screens. Mastering this combination can give you a strategic edge, especially in time‑sensitive challenges.
Real Examples
Example 1: Super Mario Bros. (NES)
In Super Mario Bros., the Start button begins the level after you select a player with Select. During the level, hitting Start pauses the game and displays the “World” and “Time” counters. If you press Select while the game is paused, you can toggle the display of the remaining time, giving you a clearer view of how much leeway you have before the clock runs out The details matter here..
Example 2: Donkey Kong Country (SNES)
In this side‑scrolling classic, Start pauses the action and brings up a status screen showing remaining lives, time, and collected bananas. Pressing Select while the game is paused swaps the view between the status screen and a map of the current level, allowing you to plan your route before resuming Worth knowing..
Example 3: Pokémon Red/Blue (Game Boy)
Here, Start opens the main menu where you can access your Pokémon party, bag, or save the game. But Select is used within the menu to scroll between different tabs (e. Think about it: , “Pokémon,” “Bag,” “Trainer Card”). g.Understanding the relationship between these two buttons is crucial for efficient navigation during battles and exploration.
These examples illustrate why the button next to Select—the Start button—remains a cornerstone of Nintendo’s control scheme across platforms.
Scientific or Theoretical Perspective
From a human‑factors engineering standpoint, the placement of Start next to Select aligns with the principle of proximal mapping—the idea that controls that are frequently used together should be positioned close to each other to minimize movement distance. Studies on ergonomic design show that reducing thumb travel distance by even a few millimeters can lower muscle strain and improve reaction time, especially in fast‑paced games.
Not the most exciting part, but easily the most useful.
Cognitive load theory also supports this layout. By grouping related functions (primary flow control vs. secondary toggling) within the same hand region, Nintendo reduces the mental effort required to locate the correct button under pressure. Players can therefore allocate more cognitive resources to strategic decision‑making rather than motor coordination Still holds up..
On top of that, the tactile feedback of the Start button—often a slightly higher click resistance compared to Select—provides a sensory cue that reinforces its “primary” status. This differentiation is a subtle yet effective way to guide user behavior without explicit instruction.
And yeah — that's actually more nuanced than it sounds The details matter here..
Common Mistakes or Misunderstandings
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Confusing Start with Select – New players sometimes press Select when they intend to pause, leading to unexpected menu changes or player swaps. The key is to remember that Start initiates or pauses, while Select toggles secondary options Worth knowing..
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Holding Start Too Long – In many games, holding Start for more than a second can trigger a “reset” or “quit to title” function, which can be disastrous in the middle of a boss fight. Always tap rather than hold unless you intend to exit.
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Pressing Both Buttons Simultaneously Without Purpose – Some titles interpret a simultaneous press as a cheat code or hidden command. Accidentally doing this can cause the game to skip a level or open a debug menu, confusing the player.
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Assuming the Same Function Across All Systems – While Start generally pauses or begins a game, certain titles repurpose it (e.g., as a “run” button in some platformers). Checking the game’s manual or on‑screen prompts can prevent misuse.
By being aware of these pitfalls, you can avoid frustration and make the most of the Start button’s capabilities Small thing, real impact..
FAQs
Q1: Is the button next to Select always called “Start” on every Nintendo console?
A: For the majority of Nintendo’s home and handheld systems—from the NES and SNES to the Game Boy line—the button immediately right of Select is labeled Start. Still, on some modern controllers (e.g., Nintendo Switch Pro Controller), the layout changes, and Start is replaced by a + button, while Select becomes a – button. The functional role remains similar: Start (or +) pauses or accesses menus That's the whole idea..
Q2: Can I re‑map the Start button on classic consoles?
A: The original hardware does not support button remapping. All the same, third‑party adapters and modern emulators allow users to assign the Start function to any convenient key or button on a modern controller. This is useful for accessibility or for players who prefer a different hand placement Surprisingly effective..
Q3: Why does some game require pressing both Start and Select to access hidden features?
A: Nintendo often used simultaneous button presses as a simple way to embed cheat codes or secret menus without adding extra on‑screen instructions. To give you an idea, pressing Start + Select on the title screen of Super Mario Bros. 3 unlocks a hidden level select screen. These combos are intentional Easter eggs rather than accidental design flaws Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Q4: Does the size of the Start button affect gameplay?
A: Yes. A larger, more tactile Start button provides clearer feedback, reducing the chance of accidental presses. This is why Nintendo increased the button’s size on the SNES and later handhelds. Players with larger hands may find the original NES Start button too small, leading to missed pauses or unintended selections.
Q5: How does the Start button work on the Nintendo Switch?
A: On the Switch’s Joy‑Con and Pro Controller, the + button fulfills the traditional Start role, while the – button replaces Select. In most Switch games, pressing + brings up the pause menu, and holding it opens the system menu where you can access settings, change controllers, or suspend the game.
Conclusion
The modest button sitting next to Select on Nintendo controllers is far more than a decorative element; it is the Start button, a cornerstone of Nintendo’s user‑centric design. In real terms, whether you’re navigating the pixelated worlds of *Super Mario Bros. Also, by positioning Start adjacent to Select, Nintendo created an ergonomic pairing that streamlines gameplay, reduces cognitive load, and enhances the overall user experience. *, exploring the jungles of Donkey Kong Country, or managing a Pokémon team on a Game Boy, mastering the Start button—and understanding its relationship to Select—is essential for smooth, enjoyable play.
Not the most exciting part, but easily the most useful And that's really what it comes down to..
Remember the common mistakes: don’t confuse Start with Select, avoid holding Start longer than necessary, and be aware that simultaneous presses can trigger hidden features. Armed with this knowledge, you can approach any classic Nintendo title with confidence, knowing exactly how to pause, access menus, and make the most of the controller’s thoughtful layout.
Understanding the button next to Select not only enriches your gaming sessions but also offers a glimpse into Nintendo’s enduring commitment to intuitive, player‑first design—a philosophy that continues to shape modern gaming hardware today Worth keeping that in mind..
