GoldenEye 007's Innovative Dual-Controller Setup: A Pioneer in Twin-Stick FPS Controls on Nintendo 64

GoldenEye 007 on Nintendo 64: The First Twin-Stick FPS Pioneer When discussing revolutionary first-person shooters, GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64 commands a special place in gaming history.

Developed by Rare and released in 1997, this title was a landmark achievement for the platform, setting new standards for console shooters and multiplayer gaming.

Nearly three decades since its debut, GoldenEye 007 continues to fascinate both enthusiasts and game developers, not just for its engaging gameplay, but for its remarkably forward-thinking control schemes that hinted at the future of FPS experiences. Recently, nostalgia for classic Nintendo 64 games resurfaced among journalists and gamers revisiting old titles for comparison projects like the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection.

During one such session at Hookshot Media, a spirited debate arose around GoldenEye 007’s distinctive control setup.

While the standard configuration mapped movement and turning to the analogue stick and strafing to the C-buttons, what truly set GoldenEye apart was its optional dual-controller mode.

This configuration allowed one player to wield two N64 controllers simultaneously, each hand controlling its own joystick—a design that effectively mimicked the now-standard twin-stick controls used in modern FPS games. Reflecting on this, David Doak, one of GoldenEye 007's designers at Rare, previously explained the reasoning behind the inclusion: The team was experimenting with unique ways to improve player control and immersion, which led them to offer this advanced setup as an option for fans seeking a more nuanced approach to aiming and movement. This feature, though lesser known, made GoldenEye 007 an unsung pioneer in FPS design.

The dual-controller mode prefigured the twin-analog stick setup found on contemporary gamepads—a generation before it became the industry norm.

Notably, Star Wars: Episode I Racer also supported a similar twin-controller configuration on the Nintendo 64, demonstrating a period of remarkable ingenuity in input design during the late '90s. Community response remains lively whenever this topic resurfaces.

Gamers frequently express surprise at the dual-controller mode, confirming that it was far from common knowledge even among GoldenEye’s most ardent fans.

Many recall the delight—and occasional chaos—of trying out this mode, whether in solo campaigns or competitive multiplayer sessions. GoldenEye 007’s influence has extended beyond its original hardware, inspiring remasters, Nintendo Switch Online releases, and continued coverage on outlets dedicated to Nintendo news and retro game preservation.

Rare’s innovative approach to control schemes set a precedent not just for future shooters, but for the broader evolution of video game hardware and user experience design. For those revisiting classics via the Nintendo Switch eShop or during special Nintendo Direct showcases, understanding these pioneering features deepens appreciation for how foundational Nintendo 64 games like GoldenEye 007 truly were.

Rare’s vision, realized through ingenious features like the dual-controller setup, continues to shape how millions of players interact with games today.

Nintendo GoldenEye 007 Nintendo 64 Xbox Series X|S GoldenEye Rare Super Mario 64 Star Wars Episode I Racer Ant Dickens Hookshot Media David Doak