What is Gamepad? (2023)

A gamepad, joystick, or controller is a two-handed game controller in which fingers (especially thumbs) are used for input. It is the primary input device usually used for video game consoles but is also produced for personal computers. Gamepads were first used in Spacewar in 1962 by Robert Alan Saunders, Martin Graetz, Stephen Russell, and Wayne Wiitanen.

The game, which has built-in toggle switches for gameplay, looked strange because the buttons disturbed the users. That's why Robert Alan Saunders produced a separate controller for the game. This was called the first gamepad. In the 1970s and early 1980s, it took many years for game controllers to come to the fore, as paddle sticks and joysticks became the dominant video game controllers.

Third-generation video games have led to many significant changes, and the video game market has witnessed the dominance of gamepads. In the early days, gamepad prices were high because they were new, unknown, and challenging to design devices. The first game console, the Magnavox Odyssey, cost $75 in 1972. Compared to its current price, it was $481. At that time, the controller, not called a gamepad, was close to half the console's price.

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What Does a Gamepad Do?

Gamepads usually have a set of buttons rendered with the right thumb and a directional controller generated with the left. The directional controller is traditionally a four-way, and the cross-acting controller is called a joypad or a d-pad. Most modern controllers additionally have one or more analog sticks.

Some common additions to the standard pad include shoulder buttons and triggers on the sides of the place, centrally located start, select, and home buttons, and an internal motor to provide force feedback (vibration). Controllers like the GameCube are analog triggers and are pressure sensitive. It is used in some games to control the intensity of a particular action.

How to Use Gamepad?

The keys on the gamepad vary according to their model and date. There were two or four keys in the old generation gamepads, except for the directional markers. These were called "A" and "B." With the development of technology and the increase in games, the number of keys in gamepads has also increased. New generation gamePad devices have six, eight, or more keys. Each legend on the GamePad has a specific function, and these functions may vary from game to game.

Gamepads also have extra features. These are the features named "Turbo," "Clear," and "Auto." "Auto" allows you to fire continuously with the press of a button. "Turbo" is extremely useful in terms of making movements faster. "Clear" allows the assigned keys to be cleared. If you have connected the "Turbo" and "X" keys and pressing "Turbo" once causes the system to press "X" continuously, you can delete it with "Clear" and assign another key to "Turbo."

One of the things to consider when buying or using a GamePad is that your fingers can reach all the keys. Although the gamepads that come with the new generation game consoles are designed very ergonomically, they can cause problems for some users. For this reason, different companies can produce gamepads for game consoles. For a comfortable gaming experience, you should use the most suitable gamepad.

Even if you buy yourself a valuable and suitable gamepad, another essential point is long-lasting use. If you do not want to change the gamepad constantly or complain that it has become dysfunctional, some situations are helpful to keep in mind. These;

• Although it looks cheap, it does not prefer gamepads called sub-industry.
• Gamepads should always be used cleanly. Gamepads that are constantly touched and oiled should be wiped with a wet tissue after each use.
• After you finish using the old generation gamepads, you should remove them from the console or your personal computer. You should remove your new generation rechargeable gamepads after they are fully charged, and you should not recharge them before they run out of charge.
• Gamepads are devices that carry sensitive circuits. It should not be thrown, thrown, or suddenly released.

What are the Features of Gamepads?

Gamepads differ according to their functions or areas of use. It's all about getting a better experience from the games or how they are enjoyed. The features of gamepads can be listed as follows;

• Color: The color of the gamepad device
• Interface: Hardware that comes with the device (like USB cable / USB nano receiver)
• USB Cable Length: Length for wired devices.
• Dimensions: The size of the device. It is denoted as AxbxC. (like 145x120x60mm)
• Weight: The weight of the device.
• Working Range: The operating range of wireless devices. (10 meters - 15 meters) If another expression, such as 360 or 180 degrees, is indicated, it shows the view of this device towards the console or the system it is attached to.
• Battery: Generally used for wireless devices. Indicates the type of battery in the machine. (like polymer or lithium)
• Battery Standby Time: The state tells how long the device will work when not in use.
• Operating Voltage: The unit of voltage the device uses while operating.
• Frequency Range: The speed type shows the connection between the device's keys and the system. It is measured in GHz. Low-frequency settings indicate delayed operation of the pressed keys, and high-frequency settings suggest that the keys are compatible with the system in parallel.
• Design: It is about whether the device is soft-hard or ergonomic. Complex instruments cause pain to the user, and although the keys feel realistic, they do not provide a comfortable gaming experience. Vibrations are also mentioned in the design. Beat is divided into two as single or double with new generation devices. While the single pulse tells the user the situations, such as hits in the game by shaking, the double beat allows the user to experience many problems in the game (fall, damage, death, etc.).
• Feature: Talks about different states on devices. It shows the sensitivity of the keys, whether there are buttons such as "Turbo," and the number of keys.
• Compatibility: Not every gamepad is compatible with every system or console. Some are compatible with PlayStation consoles, while others are with Xbox consoles. Others are used on both Playstation and Xbox and personal computers.
• System Requirements: If you use it for your personal computer, it shows the system properties of the personal computer to be used. (Like Windows 7-8-10-11)

What are the Advantages of Gamepads?

With the developing technology and the spread of games in many different directions, one of the questions that go through the minds of many players is the advantages of the gamepad. If we list the benefits of the gamepad;

Size: It doesn't need a specific space like a keyboard-mouse duo. It does not need to be a place where it is constantly stationary. It is easy to carry and use as it is not significant in size.

Gameplay: Whether wired or wireless, it allows you to move comfortably while playing games. You can play games by sitting on a sofa, chair, floor, or even a table. Since most of the games released recently have gamepad support, there is no longer a situation that requires a keyboard and mouse. This allows you to play any game you want.

Design: Although the keyboard and mouse look lovely with their handy or ergonomic techniques, they can cause pain or calluses on the hands, wrists, or fingers, as the area where you play is also a factor. The new generation gamepads do not cause permanent marks with their comfortable use, soft keys, and elegant exoskeleton.

Sociality: With the widespread use of the Internet and the pouring of games into digital platforms, games with multiplayer systems have increased. You can play games with other people over the Internet on personal computers. But it sounds like you have a second device on your PC to play multiplayer games with multiple people in the same place. The second keyboard plugged into the computer is still perceived as a single keyboard. Gamepads are the opposite. Four gamepads can be connected to consoles, and eight gamepads to personal computers. Up to eight people can play games on a single PC. This can be a good step in terms of socialization.

Wired Gamepad or Wireless?

Gamepads are divided into two, as we explained above. One of them is wired gamepads that emerged with older generation devices, and the other is wireless gamepads that have become popular in the last few years. So, which of these is better?

Wired Gamepad	Wireless Gamepad
There is no charging time. It can be worn and used whenever required.	It is charged. Some gamepads have an internal battery, while others have an external replaceable battery. The game can be played from any distance without any cable problems.
The frequency setting is fixed. The speed of pressing the keys and the processing speed in the system proceed in parallel.	The frequency setting is not fixed. It depends on the gamepad's distance, charging time, and quality. Situations such as delayed detection or not pressing may occur when pressing the keys.
It is used at a certain distance on the console or personal computer. You can go as far as the length of the cable.	Wireless gamepads are used according to the sensing distance (usually 10-15 meters). You can use the console even if it is 10 meters away.
It can also be used on a personal computer. No extra parts are needed.	To use it on a personal computer, a Bluetooth-supported motherboard or a Bluetooth receiver to be connected to the computer is required.
Wired gamepad prices are slightly lower.	Wireless gamepad prices are higher than wired ones.

When we examine the table above, it is seen that deciding which one is better depends on the player. You can choose a wireless gamepad if you do not want to worry about space and want a comfortable gaming experience. If you want to be satisfied with the price, you can choose wired if you will use it on a personal computer.

What Are the Best Gamepad Brands?

As we mentioned before, there are multiple gamepad types and brands. Some of these are unknown or not produced by the sub-industry. So, what are they?

• Xbox
• Sony
• Nvidia
• Logitech
• Microsoft
• Monster

If you need to sort the models according to the brand;

XBOX/ MICROSOFT

One of the most preferred products by Xbox users is the 1708 and the 1914 models. The 1708 model came out with the Xbox S series, which is most compatible with the console. The model numbered 1914 was released with the latest Xbox X series. It is preferred because it is more ergonomic and valuable than previous gamepads.

Since Microsoft owns the Xbox console products, all Xbox products are released under the Microsoft name.

SONY

PlayStation has released two different gamepads since its first release. The first gamepad was SCPH-1080 on April 2, 1996, and was released with the PlayStation 1. The other is the model known as the "Dualshock," which has become the most famous gamepad of the console's other series. Later, Dualshock 3 series with PlayStation 3 and DualShock 4 series with PlayStation 4 were released, and they released a different model of the same series called "dual sense" with playstation 5.

NVIDIA

NVIDIA, which produces graphics cards and chip systems, has only released a single gamepad. The gamepad, issued for an intelligent television device called NVIDIA Shield, is used to play games on the android-based system.

Technical features of the gamepad;

• Console level controls
• Dual vibration feedback
• Headphone jack for private listening
• Microphone for voice search and control
• Rechargeable battery with 60 hours of game life
• Price starting from $59

LOGITECH

Logitech, which has provided products in hardware and software until 2021.

It has been producing products since 1982. Logitech, which has been in gamepad production since 2003, introduced its first products to the market for personal computers and entered the console world by publishing an Xbox gamepad in 2003.

When it released the first console gamepad for PlayStation in 2004, it did not release any product for another console; it only produced for PlayStation or personal computers. There are only two Logitech brands that have been used recently. They can be used in many areas thanks to their comprehensive feature.

MONSTER

Monster, frequently known for its laptops and gaming equipment, has designed a single gamepad for Android and personal computers. Let's look at the features of the gamepad named Monster Pusat Pro;

• Color: Black - Green
• Interface: BLUETOOTH and USB Charge Cable
• USB Cable Length: 100cm
• Dimensions: 146x101x55mm
• Weight: 268gr
• Working Distance: 10m - 360°
• Battery: Built-in Li-Polymer (600mAh)
• Battery Standby Time: Average 10 hours
• Working Voltage: 3.7V
• Frequency Range: 2.409 - 2.473GHz
• Design: Soft Grip and Double Vibration
• Feature: Turbo Mode
• Compatibility Cable Connection: PC (X-input system) and PS3
• Compatibility Wireless Connection: Android (With Games Supporting) - Bluetooth Xinput support (with Firmware update)
• System Requirements: Compatible with Windows XP / Vista / Win 7 / Win 8 and Win 10