Sliding

The slide is a move that Mega Man can use since Mega Man 3 (exceptionally, he cannot use it in Mega Man 9). It allows him to evade enemy projectiles, avoid traps and access narrow passageways. It can also be used to move faster.

The slide can be executed by pressing "Down" and the "Jump" button together. The slide can be interrupted by jumping. Mega Man cannot fire his buster while sliding.

It is important to note that Charge Man's weapon, the Charge Kick, can only be activated by performing a slide. This is the only Robot Master weapon that is not activated by pressing B.

Proto Man
Proto Man is a playable character in Mega Man 9 and can use the slide in that game. There is no difference between Proto Man's and Mega Man's slide. Mega Man cannot use the slide in Mega Man 9.