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General type of manipulator.

Classic types of game controllers include joystick, gamepad ( in single or pair configuration) and steering wheel (including additional steering wheel (without base)). Also quite popular are motion controllers, over-ear gamepads , triggers. However, in addition to this, nowadays you can find many more specific varieties: aviation wheels and devices, pedals (for cars or for aircraft), controllers in the style of arcade slot machines, virtual reality weapons and overhead gamepads for smartphones. Here is a more detailed description of each of these varieties:

- Gamepad. Standard type of manipulator for modern desktop gaming consoles; however, it is often used for other gaming platforms, including mobile ones. Actually, in our time we can distinguish two types of gamepads - for desktop consoles and for mobile gadgets. The first type is small control panels with a set of buttons, levers and other similar elements. When used, such a “remote control” is held with both hands, and the controls are placed in such a way that they can be rea...ched without changing (or almost without changing) the grip. In turn, gamepads for mobile gadgets are distinguished by the presence in the design of a mount for such a gadget; For more information about mounting methods, see “Attaching a smartphone.” We also note that the simplest overhead gamepads do not fall into this category; they are listed separately in our catalog (see below).
In any case, regardless of specialization, gamepads are the most popular type of gaming controllers these days. This is primarily due to versatility: such controllers can be used for a wide variety of gaming genres. But the features of equipment and functionality of different models should still be clarified separately.

— Two gamepads. Two identical (or almost identical) gamepads in functionality, supplied in one set. For gamepads in general, see above; and such a configuration can be convenient for the reasons that many games (especially console ones) allow the simultaneous participation of two players, or are even designed for this format from the very beginning. On the other hand, the need to separately buy two input Devices at once arises quite rarely, so this option is not particularly popular nowadays. Paired gamepads are most often connected in a wired serial manner, via a single cable (see “Connection”), although there are also more traditional options (separate cables, radio, Bluetooth). We also note that a rather specific version of this variety is the standard Joy-Con controller for the Nintendo Switch: it belongs to this category, but can also be used as a single device (for more details, see “Compatibility with platforms”), and also has the functionality of a motion controller (see below).

— Joystick. A gaming controller, similar in design to an airplane control stick: it is a characteristic lever for one hand, supplemented with buttons and other controls (at least on the lever itself, and often also on the base). Actually, most modern joysticks are designed mainly for flight simulators and other similar genres (space flying games, etc.); It is not very convenient to use such input Devices in other types of games, although, in many cases, it is technically possible. For additional realism, the joystick can be supplemented with a separate engine control handle (see “Traction Control”), and in the most advanced models, also with pedals. At the same time, we note that if the control lever and the thrust regulator have extensive capabilities, they can no longer be classified as joysticks, but as steering wheels (also see below).

- Steering wheel. Traditional round steering wheels like car wheels, intended mainly for racing and other car simulators. Theoretically, such a controller can also provide an “aviation” mode, with the possibility of using it similarly to a steering wheel (see below); however, in practice, for a number of reasons, such combined devices are almost never found. Steering wheels, even relatively simple ones, are supplied complete with a base - the “brain” center of the game controller. For maximum realism, you should choose models for which a rotation angle of at least 900° is declared (for more details, see “Turn the steering wheel”). However, simpler solutions are quite suitable for beginners and undemanding players.

— Additional steering wheel (without base). Steering wheels supplied without pedals and gear shift system. This option will come in handy for those who do not need additional equipment or who would like to choose it at their own discretion.

— Motion controller. Manipulators designed to control the gaming process through user movements. They usually have buttons and other traditional controls, but it is primarily the movements tracked by the paddle that play an important role. A modern motion controller is usually a remote control held in the hand; this is quite enough to simulate a wide variety of gaming actions: hits and blocks in hand-to-hand combat, movements of a tennis racquet, swing of a golf club, throwing a bowling ball, etc. Such controls make the gameplay not only interesting and varied, but also more healthy - instead of sitting still, players move quite actively. The action of the motion controller is usually based on the use of mechanical sensors - an accelerometer and a gyroscope; Some models may include additional features to improve accuracy, such as the glowing orb in the Sony Move Motion Controller for PlayStation.
It is also worth noting that the Move Navigation Controller from the same Sony is usually classified as motion controllers: it does not track hand movements, however, it was originally intended for use together with the Move Motion Controller and is not intended to be used independently.

— Controller for arcades. A specialized manipulator that simulates the control panel of an “arcade” gaming machine. As a rule, such a manipulator combines a joystick (more precisely, a simple lever without buttons) to control movements and gaming buttons for various character actions. The main buttons are usually provided from six to eight - this allows you to cope even with quite complex games. In accordance with the name, devices of this type are intended primarily for games ported from slot machines (and other platforms with similar control mechanics), however, with certain tricks, a similar controller can be used in other genres.

— Virtual reality weapons. Manipulators that imitate hand weapons - most often pistols, sometimes machine guns or rifles. In general, two types can be distinguished among such models. The first is controllers used in conjunction with VR glasses in shooting games: they can enhance the immersion effect. The second type is models for smartphones and mobile games, including tech using augmented reality (AR). A smartphone installed on a special delivery plays the role of a gaming screen in such weapons; turns and tilts are tracked by smartphone sensors, and the controller itself is responsible for shooting, as well as, in most cases, for navigation and additional actions. For this purpose, appropriate controls are often provided directly on the “weapon” - levers, D-Pads, etc.

- Steering wheel. Steering wheels are most often referred to as advanced controllers intended for use in flight simulators. Such devices are designed for maximum realism, in some cases they even directly copy the controls of specific aircraft models; and the controls are used by both enthusiasts and professional pilots for training on advanced simulators. Note that such a controller can be based on both the steering wheel itself (characteristic “horns”) and the handle; the latter option differs from conventional joysticks (see above) in having more extensive functionality. And in general, devices in this category are characterized by fairly advanced equipment. So, even in the simplest models, it includes at a minimum a thrust control (which can consist of several levers - for several engines or several different engine parameters) and an expanded set of buttons and switches - both on the wheel/stick and on the thrust control. Pedals may also be included in the package. But displays and instrument panels, which allow you to assemble the most complete simulation of a pilot’s cockpit, are mainly sold separately; For more details, see “Device for flight simulators.”

— Device for flight simulators. Additional instruments and controls designed for use in conjunction with yokes or joysticks (see above) in high-end flight simulators. Such devices can simulate a dashboard with various dials, digital and signal indicators, levers for controlling thrust, propeller pitch and mixture, toggle switch panels, etc. By adding the necessary devices to the steering wheel or joystick, you can create a fairly accurate imitation of an aircraft cockpit. On the other hand, such equipment is expensive, is supported by a limited number of simulators, and can significantly complicate management. Therefore, it is designed mainly for skilled and demanding users - professional pilots and advanced enthusiasts.

— Overhead gamepad. A special type of gamepad (see above), intended for use with mobile devices (primarily smartphones) and having the simplest possible design. Such controllers do not even connect to the gaming gadget - they interact with it in a purely mechanical format, through interaction with the touch screen. To do this, the clip-on gamepad usually has two triggers, each of which is connected to a special moving part above the smartphone screen; when you pull the trigger, the corresponding part lowers towards the screen, simulating the touch of a finger. This allows the player to use 4 independent touch points at once - two under the thumbs, two under the mechanical “rockers” powered by triggers. And some models are actually holders for smartphones that don’t even have mechanics. And even in more advanced solutions, any electronic components are either completely absent or perform auxiliary functions: for example, there are overhead gamepads with built-in cooling fans and/or with a power bank mode for recharging a smartphone.
Note that such input Devices can only be used in games that are either initially designed for such controls (a typical example is PUBG Mobile), or allow you to change the location of controls on the screen and place individual on-screen buttons under the mechanical “fingers” of the gamepad.

- Triggers. Controllers for use with touch screens of smartphones or tablets. Attached to the end of the mobile device body, they provide a comfortable hand position when immersed in gameplay. Triggers are often equipped with trigger-type mechanisms and touch-sensitive moving contacts that touch a specific area of the display when the triggers are pressed. Depending on the layout in the gaming, triggers can be assigned functions of shooting, aiming, assistance in movement, etc.

— Pedals. Separately sold pedals designed for automotive or aviation simulators and used, respectively, in combination with steering wheels or joysticks/wheels (see above). In “car” models, the pedals themselves can be either two (gas and brake) or three (a complete set, including the grip), they can vary in size; in turn, aviation pedals are, by definition, paired and symmetrical. As a rule, specific specialization and compatibility with certain main controllers is specified in the official data for such a device; This information should definitely be clarified before purchasing.

Game platforms that the manipulator is compatible with.

A gaming platform can be described as a list of devices with which a given model can be used. Nowadays, you can find controllers for the following types of platforms:

— computers: PC (PC), mainly under Windows, as well as Mac from Apple ;
— desktop game consoles: Playstation (PS3, PS4, PS5), Xbox, Nintendo ( Wii, Switch);
— portable devices: primarily smartphones and tablets for Android and iOS ;
— other specific types of devices (in particular, Apple TV set-top boxes).

Note that many models are made compatible with several platforms at the same time. And here is a more detailed description of each of the options mentioned above:

— PC. In this case, PC refers to PCs — desktop computers and laptops running Windows, and sometimes also other operating systems, primarily Linux. Only devices under macOS from Apple are not included here, they are placed in a separate category. Anyway, wired manipulators for PC (see “Connection”) usually use the USB interface, wireless ones use Bluetooth, less often radi...o.

— Android. Portable gadgets running Android OS. Note that such compatibility is found not only in specialized overhead gamepads and virtual reality weapons (see "Device type"), but also in more traditional manipulators — primarily classic gamepads. At the same time, connection features and compatibility with specific gaming devices may be different, it depends both on the type of controller and on more specific features. So, traditional gamepads are usually connected via Bluetooth and can be used with any Android gadget on which a game with software support for such manipulators is installed. Likewise, VR weapons and over-ear gamepads require compatible games, but these accessories are almost exclusively for smartphones (not tablets) and are equipped with appropriate mounts.

— Mac. Under this term, they combine Apple computer equipment that uses the proprietary desktop OS macOS. First of all, these are desktops and laptops from different Mac and MacBook lines, respectively. This technique has software and hardware features that distinguish it from other types of PCs and laptops; therefore, such compatibility for gaming accessories is specified separately.

— iOS. Portable gadgets from Apple running under the proprietary mobile "OS" iOS — iPhone smartphones, iPad tablets and iPod touch players. Features of game controllers for such electronics are completely similar to the models for Android described above; in fact, many accessories for mobile games are initially made compatible with both of these platforms. And overhead gamepads (see "Device type") of mechanical design are universal by definition.

— AppleTV. A family of smart set-top boxes manufactured by Apple. Starting from the 4th generation (2015), such set-top boxes allow you to install applications from the corresponding section of the App Store, and software developers can not only create their own applications for this platform, but also port ready-made iOS programs to it without much difficulty (see above) . As a result, nowadays, games are also available for AppleTV — accordingly, game controllers for such consoles are being released. Such accessories are connected only wirelessly; many of them can be used not only for games, but also as a replacement for a standard remote control.

— switch. Game console from Nintendo, which has a hybrid format of work. Consists of a tablet that can be used on its own and a desktop adapter to connect the tablet to a TV, so it can be used as both desktop and portable. As a result, the controllers for this platform are very diverse. For example, the native Joy-Con consists of two motion controllers that can be used individually by two players, held by one player in two hands, combined into one gamepad for tabletop play, or attached to the sides of the tablet for on-the-go use. ". Joy-Con halves are sold individually. Other Switch accessories may be similar in design or less versatile, such as traditional gamepads, on-ear gamepads for the tablet portion of the console, and arcade controllers (see "Device Type").

— Wii. A family of desktop game consoles from Nintendo, the predecessor to the Switch. The original Wii, released back in 2006, was the first mass-produced console to be controlled by motion controllers (see "Device type") and actually set the standard for such control for the entire market. The next model, Wii U, appeared in 2012. She introduced her own original manipulator — a gamepad with a built-in display, on which (in some games) you can broadcast the image from the console and play without a TV; while maintaining full compatibility with motion controllers from the previous console. In general, the Wii family of consoles are considered obsolete in light of the release in 2017 of the Switch described above; new controllers for them are almost never produced.

— Xbox. A whole line of desktop game consoles from Microsoft; one of the most popular platforms in this market, directly competing with the PlayStation. As of 2020, it includes 4 generations: original Xbox (2001), Xbox 360 (2005), Xbox One (2013) and Xbox Series X/S (2020). The last two are actually the most relevant of them (for the same year 2020), and they use the same protocol to communicate with wireless controllers. Therefore, modern Xbox accessories are usually compatible with both generations. And the “native” wireless gamepad from the 2020 models supports Bluetooth and allows you to work with mobile devices, but this possibility is not guaranteed for third-party accessories. In general, the list of controllers for Xbox includes mainly gamepads (wired and wireless) and steering wheels. Also at one time, the Kinect motion controller was popular, capable of tracking the movements of the entire body, but its release (in the game version) was discontinued in 2017.

— PlayStation. A series of game consoles from Sony; one of the main players in the desktop console market, along with the Xbox described above. Portable gadgets were also produced under the PlayStation (PS) brand, but in 2019 Sony completely abandoned their production. The desktop versions include several generations that are not completely mutually compatible; so it’s worth choosing accessories for such a console that have the ability to work with the corresponding generation directly. On the other hand, many controllers are initially made for several PS versions at once, so finding a compatible model does not arise any particular problems. The classic types of such manipulators are wired and wireless gamepads, as well as the PS Move motion controller (see "Device type"); however, other types of accessories are also produced — primarily steering wheels, although the matter is not limited to them. As for specific generations, here are the most relevant options:

• PlayStation 3. The third generation of the PlayStation, introduced by Sony in 2006. It was here that the aforementioned PS Move was first used — however, only in 2010. It was also very successful, produced for 11 years. As of the end of 2020, you can find a lot of controllers compatible with this platform on the market — and among them there are not only models for new generations with the ability to work on PS3, but also accessories designed only for this version.
• PlayStation 4. Generation released in 2013 with a lineup update in 2016. As of the end of 2020, the most popular PS version and the second best selling desktop console of all time (behind PS2); continues to be released. Accordingly, there are a lot of controllers for this platform on the market.
• PlayStation 5. The latest generation of PS, introduced in 2020. The stock gamepad for this version is called the DualSense, based on the DualShock predecessor with a number of modifications: force-feedback triggers, a built-in set of microphones and an improved speaker that allows you to communicate with other players directly through the controller, as well as a touchpad (hence the name; more see below for this feature). There are still very few other accessories specifically for this platform, but given the level of demand for the console itself, we should expect a quick change in the situation. Note that the manufacturer claims limited compatibility with previous generation controllers, but only controllers for this version of the console can be used in your own PS5 games.

The total number of buttons provided in the design of the manipulator.

The more buttons — the more additional features you can "tie" to the manipulator, the lower the likelihood that during the game you will have to turn to other controls (for example, a PC keyboard). However, many game consoles (see "Platform Compatibility") provide a certain minimum number of buttons for a compatible gamepad — a smaller number simply would not allow full use of all the functions of the console. For example, the original PlayStation 4 controller has 11 buttons.

Note that the D-Pad (see below) is not included in this calculation: it is considered a specific control, although it is based on buttons.

The type of feedback provided in the design of the manipulator (if any).

Feedback is the reaction of the manipulator to certain events occurring in the game. This reaction enhances the "immersion effect", giving the player the impression that he is holding on to a real airplane handle, car steering wheel, etc. It can be like this:

— Vibration. Feedback in the form of vibration allows you to simulate, for example, shaking from off-road driving, aircraft trembling when firing from airborne weapons or entering a turbulence zone, etc.

— Power. Force feedback controllers are able to create some resistance to the efforts of the player — for example, to simulate the difficulty in turning the steering wheel when the wheels are stuck in the mud.

— Vibration / power. Controllers that support both types of feedback described above. This option is the most advanced and at the same time the most expensive.

The presence of the D-Pad manipulator in the controller design; the type of such a manipulator can also be specified here.

D-Pad is used to move the character, cursor, etc. in strictly defined, standard directions. In some cases, this can be more convenient than using analogue levers that tilt to either side (see below). As for the varieties, nowadays there are such options:

— 4-position. The classic D-Pad, which appeared at the dawn of game consoles and does not lose popularity nowadays. Available as a set of 4 buttons in a distinctive cross-shaped layout, or as a single solid "multi-sided" button. Anyway, such a device provides 4 fixed directions: up, down, right, left. But to move diagonally, you need to select 2 corresponding directions at once; this is not always convenient, so in this regard, 4-way D-Pads are considered somewhat less practical than the 8-way ones described below. On the other hand, they are also quite functional, while being simpler in design, reliable and inexpensive; and strictly diagonal movements are not required as often as horizontal and vertical ones. So this type of D-Pads can be found even in accessories for the latest generations of game consoles.

— 8-position. A variation of the D-Pad, in which 4 standard directions (2 horizontal, 2 vertical) are supplemented by 4 intermediate — diagonal. In this case, we are usually talking about full-fledge...d fixed positions of the manipulator; in other words, to move diagonally, you need to click not on two standard directions, but on one intermediate one. The classic design of this type of D-Pad is a multi-sided button, which is the most suitable option in this case. However, this variety also includes some solutions for 4 separate buttons — provided that these buttons are placed very close, and pressing two at once with one finger is not difficult. Anyway, 8-position manipulators are somewhat more expensive, but more convenient than 4-position ones.

Auxiliary controls located on the top of the gamepad on the back of the case. Triggers are pressed using the player's index or middle finger.

Classic gamepads and joysticks have triggers. used to control various actions in games (for example, accelerating a car in racing, shooting in shooters, etc.). Moreover, in some models it is possible to press the trigger halfway for conditional aiming in the game or fully to fire at opponents. Also, such buttons can have a feedback function via vibration. The vast majority of triggers are based on potentiometers (variable resistors), less often on Hall sensors, which monitor changes in magnetic field fluctuations and do not have rubbing parts in their design (but are also more expensive).

Triggers are arranged somewhat differently in overhead gamepads for smartphones (see “Type”). Often, such controls are equipped with trigger-type mechanisms and moving contacts that are sensitive to the touch layer of the screen, which touch a certain area of the display when the triggers are pressed. Depending on the layout in the game, different control functions are supposed to be assigned to the triggers (shooting, aiming, squatting or jumping, etc.).

The presence of a thrust regulator in the manipulator. Such a controller can be made directly on the manipulator itself (for example, next to the main handle of the joystick) or as a separate device. It is typically a crank similar to an aircraft engine control stick and is used in flight simulators to control engine thrust; adjustment is carried out by moving the handle back and forth. In the most advanced regulators, there may be several such handles, which allows you to control not only the thrust, but also, for example, the pitch of the screw; such detail is especially appreciated by fans of high-class simulators and professional pilots who use a computer as a simulator. However, most thrust controllers are quite simple and are designed not so much for realism as for convenience in fast-paced games.

The angle of rotation of the steering wheel in the manipulator-steering wheel (see "Device type"). This parameter is measured over a general range — from one extreme point to another; accordingly, the angle of rotation from the middle position will be half the total. For example, a figure of 180° means that the steering wheel is capable of turning to the right and left by 90°.

Both the general level and the purpose of the steering wheel directly depend on this parameter. Models with a rotation angle of up to 270° are predominantly entry-level and are intended mainly for fans of arcade racing without much emphasis on realism, as well as for children and novice gamers. In more advanced rudders, the steering angle is already 900 °, or even 1080 °. These numbers are taken for a reason — they correspond to the steering wheel ranges in most production cars (900 °), as well as some sports supercars (1080 °). Thus, such characteristics make the use of the steering wheel as realistic as possible — on the other hand, they significantly affect the cost.

The steering wheel rotation range can be adjusted by the steering wheel angle adjustment function (if such a feature is implemented in the game controller). The option is configured either directly in the game, or through the software that controls the operation of the steering wheel.

The material from which the steering wheel itself is made in manipulators of the corresponding type (see "Device type").

Note that the basis of the steering wheel is traditionally plastic. Therefore, this parameter is indicated by the material of the outer surface of the steering wheel: it is with this surface that the user's hands are in contact, it is she who is primarily responsible for the appearance of the device and the general impression of its use.

— Rubber. Rubber coating is relatively inexpensive, while it is quite convenient and practical. So, due to its softness and elasticity, such a surface is pleasant to the touch, at the same time it looks quite authentic — similar materials are often used in steering wheels of real cars. Therefore, it is this option that is most popular nowadays. Of the disadvantages of rubber, one can note only poor scratch resistance, but this is a common feature of many fairly advanced steering wheel materials.

— Plastic. Steering wheel made entirely of plastic; the outer coating may differ somewhat from the base, however, both belong to the same class of materials. The key advantage of this option is low cost; in addition, plastic can be made sufficiently resistant to scratches, scuffs and other damage. On the other hand, the plastic surface is somewhat less comfortable than the same rubber, and it does not always look solid and reliable enough. In addition, smooth plastic tends to slip in the hands...(although embossed protrusions or other similar solutions may be provided to compensate for this disadvantage). Therefore, this material is used less often, mainly in relatively inexpensive steering wheels (although there may be exceptions using high-quality plastic grades).

— Leather. The cover is made of artificial, occasionally — genuine leather. These materials belong to the premium class: they have a stylish appearance, are pleasant to the touch, but they also cost accordingly. However a leather substitute can be both high-class and relatively inexpensive — however, in the latter case, there is no need to talk about durability and durability; natural leather, in turn, is by definition quite expensive. On the other hand, such coatings provide maximum authenticity — to the point that the controller "smells like a real steering wheel, and not like a plastic toy."

— Alcantara. A material also known as "faux suede". In fact, it is a variety of the leather (imitation leather) described above, however, it stands out in a separate category, as it has specific features — primarily a characteristic velvety surface. Thanks to this, this material is pleasant to the touch, while it looks great and at the same time is quite durable and practical; It is worth saying that Alcantara is widely used in the decoration and external tuning of real cars, including luxury cars. At the same time, the cost of such a finish, including for game steering wheels, turns out to be considerable; therefore, only some high-end models are made from Alcantara.