Even so, I remember the original N64's manual stating 3 ways of holding the controller for those who wouldn't figure it out.
Yet I used another way to hold it when I played GoldenEye - grabbing the stick with my left hand and doing everything else with my right (using the middle finger for the z-trigger, index to aim and thumb to change weapons and reload/use). Everyone told me it looked funny but I it felt more comfortable to me and I was more accurate than otherwise.