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, 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 Joy-Con 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.