L button

The L button on a Nintendo 64 controller, GameCube controller, Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro, 3DS, and Wii U GamePad, respectively.

The L button refers to the left shoulder button on the Nintendo 64 controller, GameCube controller, and the Nintendo 3DS, as well as one of two left shoulder buttons on the Classic Controller, Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, New Nintendo 3DS, left Joy-Con and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Overview

The functionality of the L button has changed throughout the series. On the N64 controller, it is used for taunts. On the GameCube, Classic, Wii U Pro controller and Wii U GamePad, it is used for shielding, rolling, air dodging, and spot dodging (which are actions shared with the R button) while on the 3DS, Switch Pro and dual Joy-Cons, it is used to grab.

When using a single Joy-Con in Ultimate, the L or R button (depending on which Joy-Con is used) is not set to any action by default. Instead, the SL button is used in its place and is used for grabbing. In this configuration, the L, R, ZL and ZR buttons cannot be set to grab.

Gallery

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  The Joy-Con's L button.

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  The Switch Pro Controller's L button.

Trivia

• Masahiro Sakurai had proposed the L and R buttons on the GameCube controller be replaced with a scroll wheel, as he believes that would be the ideal method of menu navigation.