Start button

The Start and Start/Pause buttons.

The start button on the 'New' 3DS models, including the New Nintendo 2ds XL.

The Start button (also called the Start/Pause button on the GameCube controller) refers to the small, gray button in the center of a GameCube controller, or the small, red button in the center of a Nintendo 64 controller, or the small, rectangular pad to the bottom right of the touch screen of a Nintendo 3DS, or on any New Nintendo 3DS model, the top circular button under the face buttons. In addition, the minus button when using the left joycon by itself, in addition to the plus button on the Classic Controller, Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and right Joy-Con functions as Start.

During a match, players may repeatedly press the Pause button to distract the other players, to disrupt their combo timing, or otherwise mock other players after a KO or win, though this practice is considered very rude. To prevent this occurrence, pausing may be turned off.

In the Subspace Emissary, player 2 can use this button to Space Jump instead of pause. In Smash 64 and Melee, it is used to share stock.

The Start/Pause, - or + Buttons are used to pause most games as well as select features in the menus. The button is also used to change the background in the games' Trophy Galleries.