What is a gamepad? Management, types

Many users are wondering - what is a gamepad? Gamepad (or gamepad) - the type of the game manipulator. It represents a device that is held by two hands, and control is done with the fingers. Basically, thumbs are used, but in new models, additional buttons are often installed, which are pressed differently.

The main task

We figured out what a gamepad is, now we'll get to where it's needed. The main task of the device is to ensure the interaction of the gamer and the game console. It is often enough to use gamepads in computer games. However, not every game on a PC can support it. Usually, the player controls the object using the buttons with the left hand, and the right one performs any actions. Usually, modern gamepads are equipped with a pair of analog sticks.

Nintendo

This is one of the most famous and first game consoles. Who, if not its users, first learned what a gamepad is. NES: D-pad became the first known controller for the console. Outwardly, he was not particularly distinguished by anything: a simple form in the form of a tile, on which the buttons A, B (responsible for the actions), Start and Select, and a D-pad for the movement (D-pad) are located. By the end of the console era, the gamepad was transformed and became more like a dog's bone.

Soon that such a gamepad, knew almost everyone. SNES became a new popular controller and brought two new action keys, and also appeared buttons L and R, which are located under the index fingers. Since that time many gamepads have these buttons.

Virtual Boy is one of the most interesting developments of that time. Gamepad was created for the eponymous set-top box. The main difference is the presence of an additional button-cross, which is responsible for the rotation of the object.

N64 was the first gamepad, which began to use an analog stick. The controller itself is very convenient. However, quite often the stick went out of order. The form of the gamepad was a trident, which allowed to keep it in several ways.

GameCube became a gamepad that used two analog sticks. In addition, the keys L and R were refined. Now they were more sensitive to pressing, with a full indentation a soft click was heard. Subsequently, this gamepad was finalized, and a wireless controller appeared. However, we had to abandon the vibration in order to save the energy reserve.

Wii is the most unconventional controller. This gamepad is more like a remote. However, it has a number of features. The main sensors are the movement and positioning of the body in space. The analog stick was moved to a separate device.

Sega

Master System Is quite similar to the controller from Nintendo. The main difference was that instead of the button-cross the square keys were used. The name of the control key was also worn different - 1 and 2. How to connect the Master System gamepad, no special issues arose. In addition, it could be attached to other consoles, which was an obvious plus.

In MegaDrive / Genesis appeared D-pad, which was eight-directional. The three buttons that the controller possessed were enough for the first games. However, over time, I had to add the gamepad with three more action keys.

Saturn got eight buttons and had a round shape. In addition, the gamepad had an analog stick.

Dreamcast , which was released on the console of the same name, received a new form. It has four action buttons, as well as a D-pad, an analog stick and two flip-flops. Also the gamepad had two slots for memory cards.

Microsoft

Gamepad Sidewinder from the company Microsoft originate in the distant 1996. During its existence, the gamepad Microsoft took a variety of forms and was used in a variety of games. One of them had a truly innovative functionality and allowed gamers to play strategy. Many developers of sports games were guided precisely by the capabilities of this controller.

Xbox

The first Xbox controller turned out to be quite big for developers, which was not liked by many players. The controller was equipped with eight buttons, two flip-flops and two analog sticks. However, soon appeared a more compact version, Type-S.

The Xbox 360's gamepad turned out to be more convenient and compact. The controller is equipped with a wireless connection function. However, the gamepad did not undergo significant changes in terms of buttons. In addition, there is the opportunity to buy this device and easily connect to a computer, as well as many gadgets on Android.

Gamepad Xbox One is the new controller for the latest generation of consoles of this company. The developers claim that he received a lot of improvements. You can now connect the headset to the gamepad. Dimensions of the device became slightly smaller. The creators claim that the communication system with the console has been revised. Thanks to this, it was possible to significantly improve the response rate. Also, on the assurances of the developers, the controller will be able to work for about ten years.

Sony

The first gamepad for the console from Japanese developers was equipped with a D-pad and four action buttons. The keys differed in that they were denoted by drawings depicting various figures. Soon to replace this controller came Dual Analog. The novelty received more elongated handles, which became slightly rounder.

Later on the market came a new gamepad from Sony, which was named Dual Shock and included in the first deliveries of Sony Plastation 2. However, very soon news came of the appearance of a new controller, which changed only in terms of button presses. Many games in the future were developed specifically for this device.

Before the release of Sony Plastation 3 was introduced a new, extremely unusual gamepad. However, this controller was followed by a lot of negative feedback, and the developers decided to use the familiar models. Dual Shock 3 was slightly changed and got the ability to wirelessly connect. It was also equipped with a sensor that caught the position in space.

Gamepad PS4 has changed quite strongly. The controller became more convenient, the buttons began to be placed closer to each other.

Valve

The Steam Controller turned out to be the most innovative gamepad. Developers tried to make a device that will replace the keyboard and mouse, but it will have the basic properties of the controller. Instead of the usual stick, the gamepad is endowed with two sensory areas.

The creation and improvement of the controller is carried out not only by developers, but also by players. The device is supported by most operating systems. Gamers expect the gamepad to completely replace the familiar mouse and keyboard.

Nvidia

SHIELD Controller is a wireless gamepad that Nvidia has developed specifically for its devices. The main goal of the developers was to give the controller excellent responsiveness in games. At the same gamepad turned out very convenient.