Directional pad

The directional pad of a GameCube controller.

The directional pad (shortened d-pad, officially control pad) refers to the grey, cross-shaped group of buttons on the left side of the Gamecube, Classic, and Nintendo 64 controllers, as well as the similar group of buttons located at the top of the Wiimote. In SSB, it serves no purpose other than menu navigation. In SSBM, it also functions as menu navigation, but also has several other uses. Pressing up during a fight will make the player's character taunt. The d-pad is also used for activating Fox and Falco's secret taunts and Samus's Extended Grapple. In Camera Mode and the Trophy Gallery, the d-pad can be used to move the camera. In SSBB, it takes the role of the control stick when played on a Wiimote, and reprises it role of taunts for any other controller. When using the Wii remote with Nunchuck, pressing upwards will make the character jump, while pressing sideways will make the character grab in specified direction, and pressing down will let the character shield.

When SSB is played on the Wii using a GameCube controller or Classic controller, it's analogous to the N64 controller's L button, used for the character's taunt.