What’s the “Correct” Way to Hold an N64 Controller?

[Moonface]

I think we can all agree that when it comes to controller designs, the N64 has one of the most distinctive with its three handle approach. What I do sometimes see though is disagreements on what the "correct" way is to hold one of these controllers. Should you hold the left and right handles like every other controller that exists? Should one of your hands be holding the central handle instead? What do you think is the "correct" way to hold an N64 controller?

For me, I always tend to hold the middle and right handles, as I find most of my attention needs to be on the joystick and face buttons, whilst the d-pad is just sorta there. I also just never found holding it by the left and right handles to be very comfortable, so even if I have had to use the d-pad I think I'll usually just let my left hand float and push buttons as necessary while I keep my right hand holding the actual controller.

[ShiraNoMai]

Should you hold the left and right handles like every other controller that exists?

I'm a heathen. This is my reasoning behind how I hold the controller. I had only held a SNES controller before that, so while I thought the feel was awkward, just didn't even consider the fact you can hold it in any other fashion. I grew too used to it, and my best friend at the time was single-handed (disabled) so I didn't have an example to go off of until later in life.

[Mr EliteL]

I've not played with a N64 controller before, so I suppose at first I'd use what I'm used to, holding the left and right handles. I suppose I'd opt to start using the middle if I find trying to use the joystick with my left thumb or finger is difficult. *tries to imitate an imaginary joystick above middle handle* Might be able to use the left as normal.

[Moonface]

I've not played with a N64 controller before, so I suppose at first I'd use what I'm used to, holding the left and right handles. I suppose I'd opt to start using the middle if I find trying to use the joystick with my left thumb or finger is difficult. *tries to imitate an imaginary joystick above middle handle* Might be able to use the left as normal.

Huh, I always thought you had some experience with earlier Nintendo systems for some reason. So Gamecube was your first Nintendo home console?

[WR91]

I honestly think it depends on the game. Each game is kinda setup to be used differently. Like in the wrestling games on the 64, the joystick in the middle was only used for finishers and taunts. Yet a game like Mario 64 the middle joystick was my go to for movement.

[Dragon Lord]

I can't even think of many N64 games that made use of the D-Pad, so holding the controller in the middle + right side only made all the sense in the world to me.

Though let's be honest, the true way to hold a N64 is above a garbage can before you drop it in.

[WR91]

Though let's me honest, the true way to hold a N64 is above a garbage can before you drop it in.

I absolutely adore the N64 and it's hands down my favorite console of all-time. But to each their own I guess.

[Mr EliteL]

Huh, I always thought you had some experience with earlier Nintendo systems for some reason. So Gamecube was your first Nintendo home console?

That is correct GC is my first home console. Played round Matt's (school classmate of ours) which was my first taste of Nintendo then got a GBA then GC.

[ShiraNoMai]

I can't even think of many N64 games that made use of the D-Pad, so holding the controller in the middle + right side only made all the sense in the world to me.

I never once put 2 and 2 together to figure out that I could just hold the center handle all along. I would play ALL my games like that (left and right handles only). It made games like Conker a pain when I'd have to reach over and shoot by extending out my right middle finger to reach the Z button