Gamepad and joystick - it's the same thing?

The scope of computer games is growing every day. On the market there are more and more new and complex projects that allow you to plunge into the fantastic worlds, to visit fictitious places and become anyone. Some video games for completeness of a dive require a special controller - a joystick. This allows you to feel all the dynamics and get new emotions. But not everyone understands the features of management tools and very often they are confused.

Joystick or Gamepad

The joystick is very often confused with a gamepad, although these devices have a completely different structure and purpose. Gamepad is a button control panel. Manipulation of game characters is performed by pressing the keys, rotating special "sticks" and even changing the position of the manipulator. The presented equipment is used in all modern game consoles and is universal - allows you to enjoy any games.

In turn, the joystick is a device for entering information into the gaming device. It is a handle rocking in two directions. Very similar to the helm of modern fighter aircraft, therefore, it is used to play in flight simulators. Normally, you will not be able to enjoy the project without it.

Main differences

The main difference between the gamepad and joystick is the appearance - you can distinguish them each. Moreover, the second manipulator is more massive, it requires a stable support for control (table top, smooth floor), on which it is fixed by special fasteners. Gaming consoles are placed in the hands.

The second difference is in the way of management. It takes only one hand to make the video game object perform the actions that the joystick gives. This is very convenient and is often used together with additional controllers: pedals, gearshift knob.

To play with a gamepad, both hands are required: one controls the movement, and the other - a review and other actions on the main character. The same device performs a feedback function - when certain game events occur, a vibration occurs.

Another important difference is the type of projects under which these types of controllers are designed. Gamepad can be used for any games, but joysticks are created specially for simulators of control of space ships, submarines and airplanes.

Causes of confusion

The confusion between devices arose at the time of the appearance of a game console from Nintendo - NES. The joystick is the main manipulator used in "primitive" computer games, and the Japanese company introduced a completely new kind of controllers - gamepads - and managed to popularize them. But then it was common for gamers to call everything "joysticks".

The second reason for the confusion is the buttons located on the game console. As noted earlier, to control the review and movement used by the stick, which rotate in several directions. In their outline, they resemble the "steering wheels" of aircraft, joysticks. Soon they began to be called, and with them the controller.

Controllers for modern games

Now the market for modern devices can be found as a joystick for PCs, and for consoles - XBOX 360, PS3 and other representatives. The most common devices for personal computers - they have a universal USB plug, suitable for most machines and have an acceptable price.

The price of joysticks for modern game consoles is much higher than that of previous representatives, but they do not require additional manipulations from the user: driver installation, configuration, key assignment. Moreover, the joystick Xbox 360 is suitable for personal computers.

On what to stop?

Choosing a controller for yourself, determine the number of games that you can play with this device. Gamepads will allow to enjoy the majority of modern games, especially it is pleasant to play with them slashers and fighting games, but in shooters there will be some difficulties with aiming.

If you want to make a child's dream and become a pilot, at least on the computer, then your choice is obvious - choose a joystick. PS3, XBOX and PC games allow you to ride on a dragon. For other projects, it is better to limit oneself to more traditional manipulators.