Many users are wondering - what is a gamepad? Gaming console (or gamepad) - type of game manipulator. It is a device that is held with two hands, and control is done with the fingers. Thumbs are mainly used, but in new models, additional buttons are often installed, which are pressed in a different way.
The main task
We figured out what a gamepad is, now let's move on to what it is for. The main objective of the device is to ensure the interaction of the gamer and the game console. Quite often, gamepads are used in computer games. However, not every PC game is capable of supporting it. Usually, the player controls the object with the left hand using the buttons, and with the right hand performs some 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, it was not particularly distinguished by anything: a rather simple form in the form of a tile on which there are buttons A, B (responsible for actions), Start and Select, as well as a cross-button for movement (D-pad). By the end of the console era, the gamepad was transformed and began to look more like a dog bone.
Soon, almost everyone knew what a gamepad was. SNES became the new popular controller and introduced two new action keys, as well as the L and R buttons, 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 the time. The gamepad was created for the console of the same name. The main difference is the presence of an additional cross-button, which is responsible for the rotation of the object.
The N64 was the first gamepad to use an analog stick. The controller itself is very convenient. However, often the stick failed. The shape of the gamepad was a trident, which made it possible to hold it in several ways.
GameCube became a gamepad that used two analog sticks. In addition, the L and R keys were modified. Now they were more sensitive to pressing, when pressed completely, a soft click was heard. Subsequently, this gamepad was finalized, and a wireless controller appeared. However, it was necessary to abandon the vibration in order to maintain a supply of energy.
Wii is the most unconventional controller. This gamepad is more like a remote control. However, it has several features. The main ones are motion sensors and determining the position of the body in space. The analog stick has been moved to a separate device.
Sega
Master system quite similar to the controller from Nintendo. The main difference was that instead of a cross button, square keys were used. The name of the control key was also different - 1 and 2. How to connect the Master System gamepad, there were no special questions. In addition, it could be attached to other consoles, which was a definite plus.
In MegaDrive / Genesis, a D-pad appeared that was eight-directional. The three buttons that the controller possessed were quite enough for the first games. However, over time, I had to supplement the gamepad with three more action keys.
Saturn received 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 triggers. The gamepad also had two slots for memory cards.
Microsoft
Microsoft Sidewinder gamepads date back to 1996. During its existence, the Microsoft gamepad took a variety of forms and was used in a wide variety of games. One of them had a truly innovative functionality and allowed gamers to play strategy. Many developers of sports games focused on the capabilities of this controller.
Xbox
The first Xbox gamepad turned out to be large enough for developers, which many players did not like. The controller was endowed with eight buttons, two triggers and two analog sticks. However, a more compact version, Type-S, soon appeared.
The Xbox 360 gamepad is more convenient and compact. The controller is equipped with a wireless connection function. However, the gamepad has not undergone 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.
The Xbox One gamepad 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 a headset to the gamepad. The dimensions of the device have become a little smaller. The creators claim that the communication system with the console has been revised. Thanks to this, it was possible to significantly increase the response speed. Also, according to 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 indicated by drawings depicting various figures. Soon, Dual Analog came out to replace this controller. The novelty received more elongated handles, which became a little rounder.
Later, a new gamepad from Sony came to the market, which was called Dual Shock and was included in the first deliveries of Sony Plastation 2. However, news soon came about the appearance of a new controller, which changed only in terms of button presses. Many games were later developed specifically for this device.
Before the release of Sony Plastation 3, a new, extremely unusual gamepad was introduced. However, there were a lot of negative reviews about this controller, and the developers decided to use the usual models. Dual Shock 3 has been slightly modified and got the ability to wirelessly. He was also endowed with a sensor that senses the position in space.
The PS4 gamepad has changed quite a bit. The controller became more convenient, the buttons began to be placed closer to each other.
Valve
Steam Controller turned out to be the most innovative known gamepad. The developers tried to make a device that replaces the keyboard and mouse, but at the same time will have the basic properties of the controller. Instead of the usual sticks, 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 time, the gamepad turned out to be very convenient.