Video Game Controllers | Gamepads

Video Game Controllers | Gamepads

Description
Description

Video game controllers, also known as gamepads, are handheld input accessories used to interact with video game consoles. Consisting of varied sets of buttons with specific functions and complexities suited for each generation of gaming, game controllers typically include a directional button (D-Pad) for the left thumb, buttons for the right thumb, shoulder buttons (bumpers or triggers) for additional fingers, and assistive ‘Start’, ‘Select’, and ‘Home’ buttons at the center of the input.

Since the introduction of early video gaming joysticks and paddles, video game controllers have evolved over time with new features such as additional buttons, additional analog thumbsticks, wireless capabilities, and three-dimensional sensors and accelerometers for an increased level of interaction—as seen in the Wii Remote.

History
History

Video game controllers started as simple knobs or paddles, like those for Pong. They evolved into joysticks with a button or two in the early arcade and home console days. Nintendo's NES introduced the iconic D-pad and more buttons, setting a standard. As games grew more complex, controllers did too, adding more buttons, triggers, and eventually analog sticks for 3D movement. Sony's PlayStation controllers introduced vibration feedback. The 2000s saw innovations like motion control with Nintendo's Wii Remote and touchpads on Sony's PlayStation controllers. Over time, they transformed from basic input devices to sophisticated, ergonomic tools enhancing gaming immersion.

Future
Future

In the future, video game controllers might embrace even more immersive technologies. Haptic feedback could evolve, simulating textures and resistance, making virtual environments feel real. We might see controllers with adaptive triggers and buttons that change shape or tension based on in-game actions. Gesture and voice controls could become more refined, allowing for hands-free gaming.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies will likely integrate more seamlessly, with controllers becoming extensions of our own hands in virtual spaces. As gaming becomes a larger part of social interaction, controllers may also become more personalized, reflecting individual tastes and styles in their design and functionality.

Common Questions
Common Questions
Who invented the video game controller?

The first appearance of video game control can be traced to the switches and toggles used in the 1962 game ‘Spacewar!’, which would lead to the development of arcade machines with similar button-based controls. The first home-based video game controller were the pair of dial controllers included with the 1972 Magnavox Odyssey.

How do you use a video game controller on PC?

While not all video game controllers are cross compatible with out-of-box use on the PC, more modern controllers, those with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, can be paired to the PC device by accessing your operating systems ‘System Preferences’ and ‘Bluetooth Accessories’ and selecting the discovered controller to be paired.

What is the best video game controller?

Though there isn’t a ‘best’ controller, many gamers have preferences for their favorite gaming controllers. Sony’s most recent DualShock 4 is often considered to be the most comfortable video game controller to hold, while Microsoft’s Xbox One Elite controller may be preferred for their responsive triggers and joysticks. Other gaming controllers have famously helped change the industry by adding innovations like the freedom of the Wii Remote, joystick of the N64 Controller, and feedback of the original Dualshock Controller.

Digital

* Under Development *

5” | 127 mm
4” | 101.6 mm
4” | 101.6 mm
8.8 oz | .25 kg
1977
Atari CX40 Joystick
12.700
10.160
10.160
0.250
1977.00
1700
GUIDE
3D
Atari CX40 Joystick
6” | 152 mm
5.8” | 147 mm
3.4” | 86 mm
10.6 oz | .3 kg
1999
Dreamcast Controller
15.200
14.700
8.600
0.300
1999.00
9000
GUIDE
3D
Dreamcast Controller
4.2” | 106 mm
6.3" | 160 mm
2.6” | 66 mm
9.87 oz | 280 g
November 12, 2020
DualSense Controller
10.600
16.000
6.600
0.280
2020.00
18000
GUIDE
3D
DualSense Controller
3.74” | 95 mm
6.18” | 157 mm
2.16” | 54.9 mm
7.4 oz | .21 kg
2000
DualShock 2 Controller
9.500
15.700
5.490
0.210
2000.00
1400
GUIDE
3D
DualShock 2 Controller
3.78” | 97 mm
6.2” | 160 mm
2.2” | 55 mm
6.7 oz | .19 kg
2006
DualShock 3 Controller
9.700
16.000
5.500
0.190
2006.00
4100
GUIDE
3D
DualShock 3 Controller
3.94” | 100 mm
6.34” | 161 mm
2.24” | 57 mm
7.4 oz | .21 kg
2013
DualShock 4 Controller
10.000
16.100
5.700
0.210
2013.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
DualShock 4 Controller
4” | 100 mm
5.5” | 140 mm
2.5” | 65 mm
7.1 oz | .2 kg
2001
GameCube Controller
10.000
14.000
6.500
0.200
2001.00
82000
GUIDE
3D
GameCube Controller
2.096” | 53.2 mm
4.86” | 123.4 mm
.6875” | 17.5 mm
2.6 oz | .07 kg
1983
NES Controller
5.320
12.340
1.750
0.070
1983.00
18000
GUIDE
3D
NES Controller
6.01” | 152.6 mm
6.3” | 160 mm
2.625” | 66.7 mm
10.6 oz | .3 kg
1996
Nintendo 64 Controller
15.260
16.000
6.670
0.300
1996.00
10000
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo 64 Controller
4.01” | 102 mm
9.40” | 239 mm
.547” | 13.9 mm; 1.13” | 28.7 mm (Total)
.88 lb | .4 kg
2017
Nintendo Switch
10.200
23.900
2.870
0.400
2017.00
2100000
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo Switch
3.66” | 93 mm
5.83” | 148 mm
2.1” | 53.3 mm
4.7 oz | .13 kg
1994
PlayStation Controller
9.300
14.800
5.330
0.130
1994.00
19000
GUIDE
3D
PlayStation Controller
2.4” | 61 mm (Estimated)
5.67” | 144 mm (Estimated)
.6” | 15 mm (Estimated)
2.8 oz | .08 kg (Estimated)
1990
SNES Controller
6.100
14.400
1.500
0.080
1990.00
24000
GUIDE
3D
SNES Controller
3.86” | 98 mm (Estimated)
6.5” | 165 mm (Estimated)
1.6” | 40.6 mm (Estimated)
5.6 oz | .16 kg (Estimated)
1988
Sega Genesis Controller - 3 Button
9.800
16.500
4.060
0.160
1988.00
6200
GUIDE
3D
Sega Genesis Controller - 3 Button
3.39” | 86 mm
6.1” | 155 mm
1.8” | 45.7 mm
9.6 oz | .27 kg
1995
Sega Saturn Controller - Model 2
8.600
15.500
4.570
0.270
1995.00
3900
GUIDE
3D
Sega Saturn Controller - Model 2
6.3” | 160 mm
1.43” | 36.2 mm
1.21” | 30.8 mm
3.2 oz | .09 kg
2006
Wii Remote
16.000
3.620
3.080
0.090
2006.00
13000
GUIDE
3D
Wii Remote
5.3” | 13.5 cm
10.2” | 25.9 cm
1.6” | 40.6 mm; 1.98” | 50.2 mm (Total)
17.3 oz | .49 kg
2012
Wii U GamePad
13.500
25.900
5.020
0.490
2012.00
11000
GUIDE
3D
Wii U GamePad
4.13” | 105 mm
6.05” | 154 mm
2.41” | 61.3 mm
9.5 oz | .27 kg
2005
Xbox 360 Controller
10.500
15.400
6.130
0.270
2005.00
44000
GUIDE
3D
Xbox 360 Controller
5.5” | 139.7 mm
7” | 177.8 mm
2.7” | 68.6 mm
19.4 oz | .55 kg
2001
Xbox Controller
13.970
17.780
6.860
0.550
2001.00
90000
GUIDE
3D
Xbox Controller
4.01” | 101.9 mm
6.02” | 152.9 mm
2.4” | 61 mm
9.9 oz | .28 kg
2013
Xbox One Controller
10.190
15.290
6.100
0.280
2013.00
141000
GUIDE
3D
Xbox One Controller
GameCube Controller

The GameCube controller is the sixth generation gamepad manufactured by Nintendo and released in 2001 for the GameCube home video game console. The GameCube controller was released together with the GameCube console and as a successor of the Nintendo 64 controller.

Over its lifespan, the controller was available in various colors and revisions such as the WaveBird wireless controller, LodgeNet controller, and White controller, all targeted for different markets. The controller connects to the console via GameCube controller port and has a built-in rumble motor that provides haptic feedback. The only drawback is that it does not have expandable features like its predecessor, Nintendo 64 controller.

The GameCube Controller has a height of 4” (100 mm), width of 5.5” (140 mm), depth of 2.5” (65 mm), and approximate weight of 7.1 oz | (.2 kg).

Collection of drawings of the GameCube Controller with height, width, and depth dimensions
The GameCube controller is the sixth generation gamepad manufactured by Nintendo and released in 2001 for the GameCube home video game console. The GameCube controller was released together with the GameCube console and as a successor of the Nintendo 64 controller.

The GameCube Controller has a height of 4” (100 mm), width of 5.5” (140 mm), depth of 2.5” (65 mm), and approximate weight of 7.1 oz | (.2 kg).

Collection of drawings of the GameCube Controller with height, width, and depth dimensions
GameCube Controller
Height:
4” | 100 mm
Width:
5.5” | 140 mm
Length:
Depth:
2.5” | 65 mm
Weight:
7.1 oz | .2 kg
Area:
Designer
Nintendo
Released
2001

Drawings include:
GameCube Controller front elevation, top, side

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Playstation 5 DualSense Controller
Scaled drawings comparing the size of the Playstation 5 DualSense Controller to the DualShock 4 and Xbox One controllers

The PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller is the new wireless controller designated for the PlayStation 5. Its design was based on the previous DualShock controllers but features various improvements. The physical design of the PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller incorporates most of the same buttons of the previous DualShock 4 controller.

It also has adaptive triggers that offer haptic feedback and change the resistance to each player as necessary. The Playstation 5 DualSense Controller has a built-in microphone array allowing players to speak to others using the controller, USB-C connectivity, and an audio jack. It is available in two-tone black and white facing.

The Playstation 5 DualSense Controller has a height of 4.2” (106 mm), width of 6.3" (160 mm), depth of 2.6” (66 mm), and approximate weight of 9.87 oz (280 g).

Collection of drawings of the Playstation 5 DualSense Controller with height, width, and depth dimensions
The PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller is the new wireless controller created for the PlayStation 5. Its design was based on the previous DualShock controllers but features various improvements. The physical design of the DualSense Controller incorporates most of the same buttons as the DualShock 4.

The Playstation 5 DualSense Controller has a height of 4.2” (106 mm), width of 6.3" (160 mm), depth of 2.6” (66 mm), and approximate weight of 9.87 oz (280 g).

Collection of drawings of the Playstation 5 DualSense Controller with height, width, and depth dimensions
Playstation 5 DualSense Controller
Height:
4.2” | 106 mm
Width:
6.3" | 160 mm
Length:
Depth:
2.6” | 66 mm
Weight:
9.87 oz | 280 g
Area:
Designer
Sony
Released
November 12, 2020

Drawings include:
Playstation 5 DualSense Controller front elevation, top

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Sega Saturn Controller - Model 2

The Sega Saturn Controller Model 2 is a control pad made for the Sega Saturn console previously released in 1994. It evolved from the Sega Mega Drive Six Button Control Pad and also referred to as the controller by North American users.

It spots an additional two shoulder buttons which were not available in its predecessor, and subsequent upgrades had 3D control pads included to respond to Nintendo 64’s analog joystick. The Sega Saturn Controller Model 2 is ergonomically designed to offer maximum comfort and use and came in original models for users in distinct parts of the world.

The Sega Saturn Controller Model 2 has a height of 3.39” (86 mm), width of 6.1” (155 mm), depth of 1.8” (45.7 mm), and approximate weight of 9.6 oz (.27 kg).

Dimensioned drawings of the Sega Saturn Controller - Model 2 with height, width, and depth labeled in elevation views
The Sega Saturn Controller Model 2 is a control pad made for the Sega Saturn console previously released in 1994. It evolved from the Sega Mega Drive Six Button Control Pad and also referred to as the controller by North American users. It spots an additional two shoulder buttons.

The Sega Saturn Controller Model 2 has a height of 3.39” (86 mm), width of 6.1” (155 mm), depth of 1.8” (45.7 mm), and approximate weight of 9.6 oz (.27 kg).

Dimensioned drawings of the Sega Saturn Controller - Model 2 with height, width, and depth labeled in elevation views
Sega Saturn Controller - Model 2
Height:
3.39” | 86 mm
Width:
6.1” | 155 mm
Length:
Depth:
1.8” | 45.7 mm
Weight:
9.6 oz | .27 kg
Area:
Designer
Sega
Released
1995

Drawings include:
Sega Saturn Controller Model 2 front elevation, top, side

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Nintendo Switch
Series of scaled illustrations comparing the size of the Nintendo Switch to related video game consoles

The Nintendo Switch is a video game console released by Nintendo on March of 2017.  Its design features a hybrid console that can be a home console or portable device. It is runs on the Nintendo Switch Operating system and is an eight-generation gaming console. Nintendo Switch games and software are available on both physical and digital forms. The Nintendo Switch incorporates three different gaming modes in 1 device – tv mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode. Through the different modes of use Nintendo aimed for the Nintendo Switch to reach a wider demographic of video game players. The Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are available in a wide range of colors.

The Nintendo Switch has a height of 4.01” (102 mm), width of 9.40” (239 mm), and total depth of 1.13” (28.7 mm). The Nintendo Switch Dock has a height of 4..09” (104 mm), width of 6.81” (173 mm), and depth of 2.12” (53.8 mm) resulting in a total docked height of 4.88" (124 mm).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nintendo Switch Dock with height, width, and depth labeled in elevation
The Nintendo Switch is a video game console released by Nintendo on March of 2017. Its design features a hybrid console that can be a home console or portable device. It is runs on the Nintendo Switch Operating system and is an eight-generation gaming console.

The Nintendo Switch has a height of 4.01” (102 mm), width of 9.40” (239 mm), and total depth of 1.13” (28.7 mm). The Nintendo Switch Dock has a height of 4..09” (104 mm), width of 6.81” (173 mm), and depth of 2.12” (53.8 mm) resulting in a total docked height of 4.88" (124 mm).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nintendo Switch Dock with height, width, and depth labeled in elevation
Nintendo Switch
Height:
4.01” | 102 mm
Width:
9.40” | 239 mm
Length:
Depth:
.547” | 13.9 mm; 1.13” | 28.7 mm (Total)
Resolution (Max)
1920 x 1080 px
Weight:
.88 lb | .4 kg
Area:

Screen Resolution: 1280 x 720 px
Screen Size: 6.2” | 15.7 cm

Dock Height: 4.09” | 104 mm
Dock Width: 6.81” | 173 mm
Dock Depth: 2.12” | 53.8 mm

Storage
Designer
Nintendo
Release
2017

Drawings include:
Nintendo Switch front elevation, top, side, front (dock), side (dock), top (dock)

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Dreamcast Controller

The Dreamcast Controller is a control pad made for the Sega Dreamcast video console and released in 1998, having support for every Dreamcast game. The Dreamcast controller spots two “expansion socket” at its tops, a sensitive thumb pad, and larger design, which made it receive lots of criticism for being uncomfortable in larger hands.

In addition, the Dreamcast controller lacked a second thumb pad and a vibration feature that was available in most standard game controllers. Many of its features were incremental ideas from Sega hardware and Saturn’s 3D control pad and came in a standard white color.

The Dreamcast Controller has a height of 6” (152 mm), width of 5.8” (147 mm), depth of 3.4” (86 mm), and approximate weight of 10.6 oz (.3 kg).

Collection of drawings of the Dreamcast Controller with height, width, and depth dimensions
The Dreamcast Controller is a control pad made for the Sega Dreamcast video console and released in 1998, having support for every Dreamcast game. The Dreamcast controller spots two “expansion socket” at its tops, a sensitive thumb pad, and larger design, which made it receive lots of criticism.

The Dreamcast Controller has a height of 6” (152 mm), width of 5.8” (147 mm), depth of 3.4” (86 mm), and approximate weight of 10.6 oz (.3 kg).

Collection of drawings of the Dreamcast Controller with height, width, and depth dimensions
Dreamcast Controller
Height:
6” | 152 mm
Width:
5.8” | 147 mm
Length:
Depth:
3.4” | 86 mm
Weight:
10.6 oz | .3 kg
Area:
Designer
Sega
Released
1999

Drawings include:
Dreamcast Controller front elevation, top, side

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