So, you think you can brawl? You've mastered the art of the Smash, you can wavedash in your sleep, and you know every Brawlhalla combo by heart. But then you boot up Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl (NASB) in 2026, and suddenly your thumbs feel like they've forgotten their first language. Why is SpongeBob not listening to you? Why can't you taunt with the finesse of a true champion? Fear not, fellow fighter, for the transition from other platform brawlers to this chaotic cartoon clash is a rite of passage. NASB isn't just a Smash clone with a slime coat of paint; it's a beast with its own unique mechanical quirks, from strafing shenanigans to aerial grabs that would make even Patrick Star dizzy. Let's dive into the wonderfully weird world of NASB controls and turn you from a confused spectator into the king or queen of the slime hill!

The Complete Input Arsenal: Your Toolkit for Mayhem

First things first: what can you actually do in this game? Think of your controller as a toolbox, and these are your wrenches, hammers, and the occasional exploding pie. Here's the full list of actions at your disposal:

• Attack 🥊

• Strong Attack 💥

• Jump 🦘

• Special ✨

• Grab 🤝

• Strafe 🎯

• Defend 🛡️

• Taunt 😏

Now, before you start mashing buttons like it's a Rocko's Modern Life speedrun, let's decode some of this jargon. Did you know that your Attack, Strong Attack, Throw (performed after a grab), and Special moves all change based on which direction you're holding? It's true! Want a forward-air? Jump, hold forward, and press Attack. Craving a down-special? You get the idea.

A major departure from its Nintendo-inspired cousin is the absence of "Tilt" attacks. Gone are the days of gently nudging the stick for a precise jab. In NASB, you have your standard Attack, your heavier Strong Attack, and a Running Attack you get by attacking while dashing. Simpler? Maybe. Less nuanced? Perhaps. But hey, it leaves more brainpower for deciding which 90s icon to main.

Here's a pro tip the game might not scream at you: pressing Defend in mid-air makes you perform an Air Dash in the direction you're holding. Master the timing, and you can Wavedash like a Melee veteran or even Dash Cancel some of your attacks for slick, unpredictable combos. And what's this Strafe button, you ask? It's NASB's secret sauce! Holding it lets you face and attack one way while scurrying in the opposite direction. Imagine Oblina slinking away while her tongue is still lashing out—pure, beautiful chaos.

Finally, the Taunt. In 2026, each character still only has one signature taunt (unlike Smash Ultimate's quartet of disrespect). And while the infamous datamine from years ago hinted at alternate costumes, the current roster still rocks their classic looks. Maybe next patch, right?

Default Controls: A Platform-by-Platform Pilgrimage

Alright, you know the moves. But where do your fingers go? The default layouts are as varied as the characters themselves, depending on where you play. Check out this handy table to see the starting point for each platform:

Action	PC	PlayStation	Xbox	Nintendo Switch
Attack	A	X	A	A
Strong Attack	Q	Circle	B	B
Jump	W	Triangle	Y	X
Special	S	Square	X	Y
Grab	D	R1	RB	R
Strafe	Right Ctrl	L2	LT	ZL
Defend	E	L2	RT	ZR
Taunt	T	L1	LB	L

Confused by the Switch using X to jump and Y for Special? Feeling rebellious on PC with your Strong Attack on Q? Welcome to the club! The good news is, you can remap almost everything to your heart's content... with a few interesting exceptions.

Hidden Tech & Quirky Nuances: What the Game Doesn't Tell You

Here's where we get into the real meat and potatoes (or, in this case, the Krabby Patties and Mysterious Meat). NASB has several control quirks that are either poorly explained or not mentioned at all. Consider this your secret training manual.

• The Tap Jump Conundrum: Looking for the classic "flick the stick up to jump" option? It doesn't exist here, and there's no setting to enable it. In 2026, button jumping remains the one and only way to get airborne. Will the ever-responsive devs at Ludosity add it someday? Who knows, but for now, your thumb better get acquainted with the jump button.

• The Right Stick Riddle: Ever tried to assign a move to the right analog stick on your controller? You can't. And here's why: Strong Attacks are automatically bound to it as an alternate input. So, you can flick the right stick for a powerful smash, but you're stuck using just one button for regular Attacks and one for Specials. It's an odd choice that purists still debate, but it does free up a finger for other frantic actions.

• The Control Amnesia: Unlike Smash Ultimate, where controls are saved to your player name, NASB has a more... temporary approach. You can set your controls on the character select screen, and they'll stay that way—but only for that session, or until you unplug that controller. Switch players between matches at a local party? You'll need to hop back into the control menu to re-map for the next person. It's a bit awkward, but the menu is quick to access, so you won't miss too much of the cartoon carnage.

So, there you have it! From strafing like a pro to understanding why your right stick only does one thing, mastering Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl's controls is a journey. It may feel foreign at first, but once you embrace its unique rhythm, you'll be landing air grabs and wavedashing with the best of them. Now go forth, pick your favorite nostalgic hero (or villain!), and remember: it's not just about winning. It's about doing it with style, a strafe, and a perfectly timed single taunt. Happy brawling! 🎮