Did Original NES Controller Have Start and Select Buttons?

The original Nintendo Entertainment System controller is an iconic piece of gaming history, recognizable by its rectangular shape and distinct button layout. Yes, the original NES controller did feature both Start and Select buttons, positioned centrally below the directional pad and action buttons. This article explores the design, functionality, and historical significance of these specific buttons within the context of the classic console.

Design and Layout

The classic NES controller, model NES-004, featured a simple yet effective design that set the standard for future gamepads. On the face of the rectangular gray brick, users found a black directional pad on the left and two round red action buttons labeled A and B on the right. Situated in the center-bottom area of the controller were two small, round black buttons. The button on the left was labeled Select, and the button on the right was labeled Start. These buttons were slightly recessed compared to the A and B buttons, distinguishing them visually and tactically for the user.

Functionality in Games

The Start and Select buttons served crucial navigational and gameplay functions across the NES library. The Start button was primarily used to pause the game or begin the gameplay after navigating the title screen. In many titles, pressing Start would bring up a pause menu or save state options. The Select button typically functioned as a secondary action key, often used to switch between players, choose weapons, or toggle between game modes before starting a session. While their specific utility varied by game, their presence was a constant fixture in the user interface design of the era.

Legacy and Influence

The inclusion of Start and Select buttons on the original NES controller established a convention that persisted for decades. Subsequent Nintendo consoles, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Nintendo 64, retained these buttons in similar positions. Even as controller designs evolved to include analog sticks and shoulder triggers, the core concept of dedicated start and select inputs remained standard in the industry. The original NES controller’s layout proved that a minimalist approach could provide all the necessary inputs for complex gaming experiences, cementing the status of these two small buttons as essential components of video game history.