The Switch 2 Pro Controller offers a significant advantage for players exploring The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. Thanks to its programmable rear buttons, players can enjoy smoother movement, easier jumping, and better camera control without constantly adjusting their grip.
Nintendo released the remake exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. The game has quickly become one of the year’s highest-rated releases, achieving an impressive average score of 95 on OpenCritic across 51 reviews.
While critics have praised its faithful recreation of the Nintendo 64 classic, the remake also introduces several gameplay improvements. However, some of these changes make the standard controller layout less comfortable during exploration.
Ocarina of Time Remake Introduces Modern Controls
Unlike the original Nintendo 64 release, the remake features a dedicated jump button, a new dash mechanic, and full camera control using the right analog stick.
Players can now hold the roll button to dash, making movement across Hyrule considerably faster. Meanwhile, the dedicated jump button provides more freedom when navigating obstacles and exploring the environment.
These additions bring the experience closer to modern Zelda games. However, they also introduce a problem when players attempt to perform several actions simultaneously.
For example, sprinting, jumping, and adjusting the camera can require players to move their right thumb between multiple buttons. This makes certain movements unnecessarily awkward, especially during sections that demand precise control.
Fortunately, the Switch 2 Pro Controller provides a convenient solution.
Switch 2 Pro Controller Rear Buttons Improve Movement
The Switch 2 Pro Controller features two programmable rear buttons, known as GL and GR. Players can assign existing controller inputs to these buttons, allowing them to perform actions without removing their thumbs from the analog sticks.
For Ocarina of Time, assigning the A button to GL and the X button to GR provides a particularly useful combination.
With this configuration, players can dash and jump using the rear buttons while maintaining complete camera control with their right thumb.
As a result, navigating Hyrule becomes more comfortable. Players can also perform consecutive movements without constantly switching between the face buttons and camera stick.
Importantly, these assignments duplicate existing inputs rather than replacing them. Therefore, players can continue using the original buttons whenever they prefer.
Best Switch 2 Pro Controller Button Settings for Zelda
Although players can customize the rear buttons according to their preferences, movement-focused assignments provide the most noticeable improvements.
Mapping A to GL allows players to roll or dash without interrupting camera movement. Meanwhile, assigning X to GR makes jumping considerably easier during exploration.
Alternatively, players can assign directional pad inputs to the rear buttons. This can simplify access to equipment, accessories, or Navi-related functions.
Other useful configurations include assigning L or R inputs for quicker item selection.
However, players who prioritize smooth exploration will likely benefit most from keeping dash and jump assigned to the rear buttons.
How to Customize the Switch 2 Pro Controller
Nintendo makes changing rear-button assignments relatively straightforward.
Players can hold the Home button to open Quick Settings and access the controller’s GL and GR customization options.
If the option does not appear, the Button Mapping in Quick Settings feature may need to be enabled through the console’s Accessibility settings.
Once configured, the rear buttons provide additional control options without requiring players to learn an entirely different button layout.
Similar functionality is also available through the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip and certain third-party controllers equipped with programmable rear buttons.
A Small Change That Makes Ocarina of Time More Comfortable
The Ocarina of Time remake already introduces several improvements that modernize the original adventure without sacrificing its identity.
However, the additional movement mechanics also make comfortable button placement more important than before.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller addresses this issue through its programmable rear buttons, allowing players to combine movement and camera control more naturally.
Although the accessory is not required to enjoy the remake, its additional customization options can make exploring Hyrule considerably more comfortable.
For players spending dozens of hours revisiting Nintendo’s legendary adventure, assigning dash and jump to GL and GR could become one of the most useful controller adjustments available.
