Key Takeaways
- The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller can make The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake considerably easier to control thanks to its programmable GL and GR rear buttons.
- Mapping A to GL and X to GR allows players to dash and jump without moving their right thumb away from the camera stick.
- The remake introduces dedicated jumping, a hold-to-dash mechanic, and free camera controls, creating some awkward button combinations with the default layout.
- Players can configure the rear buttons through the Switch 2 Quick Settings menu while playing.
- The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip also features programmable GL and GR buttons, offering another way to benefit from the additional controls.
Nintendo’s latest version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time brings several meaningful gameplay improvements to the legendary adventure, but some of its new control options can take a little getting used to. The remake introduces dedicated jumping, a new dash mechanic, and free camera movement, making exploration across Hyrule feel considerably closer to modern Zelda games. However, combining these actions can sometimes become awkward when players are also trying to control the camera.
Fortunately, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller offers a simple solution that could make the entire experience more comfortable. Its two programmable rear buttons, GL and GR, allow players to assign additional inputs without sacrificing the functionality of the regular face buttons. This becomes particularly useful when players want to run through Hyrule while freely adjusting the camera.
The remake launched exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026, and has already received considerable attention for its visual improvements, expanded dialogue, and modernized gameplay. While Nintendo has retained the original adventure’s familiar structure, the updated controls introduce a few opportunities for players to customize how they experience Link’s journey.
Switch 2 Pro Controller’s Rear Buttons Make Ocarina of Time Easier to Control
The biggest advantage of the Switch 2 Pro Controller comes from its programmable GL and GR buttons, positioned on the back of the controller. These buttons allow players to assign existing controller inputs to more convenient locations, effectively giving them additional ways to perform important actions.
This becomes particularly useful in the Ocarina of Time remake because Nintendo has changed how Link moves through the world. Players can now jump using a dedicated button, hold another button to dash, and freely rotate the camera using the right analog stick.
Although these changes make the adventure feel more modern, they also create an uncomfortable combination when players want to run and control the camera simultaneously. Holding the A button to dash normally requires the right thumb to move away from the camera stick, making it difficult to adjust the camera while maintaining full movement speed.
Players can attempt an awkward claw-style grip to operate both controls simultaneously, but that is hardly an ideal solution during longer play sessions. This is where the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s rear buttons become particularly useful.
By assigning the A button’s functionality to GL, players can hold the rear button to dash while keeping their right thumb on the camera stick. The same approach works for jumping, with the X button’s functionality assigned to GR.
According to Game Informer’s hands-on testing, this combination makes navigating hallways, towns, dungeons, and Hyrule Field considerably more comfortable. It is a relatively small adjustment, but one that can make a noticeable difference during regular gameplay.
Best GL and GR Button Assignments for Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake
Players have different preferences when it comes to controller layouts, but the following assignments offer a practical starting point for anyone looking to improve movement and camera control.
- GL: A Button (Dash and Actions) – This is arguably the most useful assignment for the remake. Holding GL allows Link to dash while players continue adjusting the camera with the right analog stick. The original A button remains available for opening doors, interacting with objects, and other actions.
- GR: X Button (Jump) – Assigning X to GR allows players to jump without moving their right thumb away from the camera stick. This can be especially helpful when navigating platforms or performing jumps while tracking nearby enemies.
- Alternative: D-pad Down (Toggle Boots) – Players who frequently switch between different boots can assign this input to one of the rear buttons for easier access.
- Alternative: D-pad Up (Toggle Accessory) – This can make switching equipped accessories, including the Lenses of Truth, more convenient during exploration.
- Alternative: D-pad Right (Talk to Navi) – Players who frequently consult Navi can move this command to a rear button instead of reaching for the directional pad.
The first two assignments are the recommended starting setup because movement and camera control are the biggest sources of awkwardness in the remake. Players only have two rear buttons, however, so the remaining suggestions are alternatives rather than additional commands that can all be assigned simultaneously.
There is another important advantage to this setup. Mapping A and X to GL and GR does not remove their original functions from the face buttons. Players can still use A to interact with the environment and X to jump normally, while the rear buttons provide additional ways to trigger those same inputs.
For anyone who frequently explores Hyrule at full speed, this setup can make both ordinary traversal and more demanding encounters feel less cumbersome.
How to Remap the Switch 2 Pro Controller for Zelda: Ocarina of Time
One of the best things about the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s programmable buttons is that players do not need to install additional software or purchase a separate accessory to configure them. The entire process can be handled through the Nintendo Switch 2’s Quick Settings menu.
Here is how players can assign A and X to the rear buttons:
- Step 1: Connect the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to the console and launch The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
- Step 2: Hold the controller’s Home button to open the Quick Settings menu.
- Step 3: Find the GL and GR options in the menu. These correspond to the two rear buttons on the controller.
- Step 4: Select GL and assign it to the A button.
- Step 5: Select GR and assign it to the X button.
- Step 6: Return to the game and test both assignments. Players can adjust the configuration again whenever they want.
The settings are designed to make button customization straightforward, and players can experiment with different layouts until they find something comfortable. Nintendo also provides additional information about supported controllers and customization through its official Nintendo Switch 2 button-mapping guide.
The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip Also Offers Programmable Rear Buttons
Although the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a convenient option for players who prefer a traditional gamepad, it is not the only Nintendo accessory that offers programmable rear buttons.
The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip also features GL and GR buttons, allowing players to assign additional controller inputs while using the two Joy-Con 2 controllers in a more traditional gamepad configuration. This means players do not necessarily need to purchase the more expensive Pro Controller to benefit from the additional controls.
However, there is an important distinction. The rear buttons are available on the Charging Grip rather than the detached Joy-Con 2 controllers themselves. Players who primarily enjoy Ocarina of Time in handheld mode will not have access to these physical rear inputs.
The Pro Controller therefore remains a particularly convenient option for anyone who prefers playing docked or using a traditional controller setup. Its larger form factor and familiar layout also make it a natural choice for longer adventures through Hyrule.
Ocarina of Time Remake Adds More Than Just Improved Controls
The updated control scheme is only one part of Nintendo’s effort to bring the original Ocarina of Time into the modern gaming era. The remake also features significantly improved visuals, redesigned environments, fully voiced cutscenes, and expanded character dialogue.
The original Nintendo 64 adventure released in 1998 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential action-adventure games ever made. Nintendo has retained its familiar story, including Link’s journey through Hyrule and his battle against Ganondorf, while introducing several quality-of-life improvements.
The free camera is another particularly important addition. Instead of relying on the original camera system, players can now rotate the viewpoint using the right analog stick. This makes exploring dungeons and navigating unfamiliar areas feel considerably more natural, although it is also the reason that holding the dash button can become awkward with the default controls.
Nintendo has also introduced improved item selection, making it easier to manage Link’s equipment during different situations. Other enhancements include an updated day-and-night cycle, faster loading, refreshed sound design, and a symphonic orchestral soundtrack.
There are also new ways to interact with the game’s iconic ocarina. Players can use the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone to play or hum learned melodies, giving the classic musical mechanic a modern twist.
Anyone interested in the remake can check out Nintendo’s official announcement of Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 for more information about its updated features.
Switch 2 Pro Controller Could Be Worth Considering for Zelda Fans
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake already offers a substantial improvement over the original game’s control scheme, but its new movement and camera options can take some getting used to. The ability to dash, jump, and freely move the camera is welcome, although players may occasionally find themselves struggling to operate everything comfortably using the default layout.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller’s GL and GR buttons provide an easy workaround. Assigning A to GL and X to GR allows players to handle important movement actions while keeping their thumbs in more useful positions. It is a small customization that can make exploring Hyrule, navigating dungeons, and fighting enemies feel more comfortable.
Players who already own the Switch 2 Pro Controller should definitely experiment with the rear-button assignments before settling on the default layout. Those using the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip can also take advantage of the feature, making it easier to customize their controls without changing how the game itself works.
Ultimately, the remake does not require a special controller to be enjoyable, but having convenient access to additional inputs could make a surprisingly big difference. For longtime Zelda fans returning to Hyrule, it is one of the simplest ways to make this refreshed classic feel even better to play.
