Overview of the game controller

Mention one of the most important thing in playing the game? Well, of course, game controller, with no small thing on this one, we may not be able to play any game. Game controller is also experiencing growth in line with the rapid advancement of technology in the game. Perhaps, 30 years ago, never imagined using a game controller such as Kinect. Previously, to avoid confusion, some gamers often called the 'joystick' for all types of game controller that is actually somewhat misleading. Because the joystick is actually one type of game controller instead of the name for all the game controller.



     There are several common types of game controller that I will discuss in this article. Each type of game controller will also depend on the type of supported games.

1. Paddle


Odyssey

Paddle is the game controller that has a control like a steering wheel that can be twisted around, and some command buttons. Game consoles of today have nothing like this kind of game controller. This type appears on the console Magnavox Odyssey in 1972. In addition, Atari2600, Commodore VIC-20.

2. Gamepad/joypad/control pad

This is probably misunderstood by some gamers as the 'joystick'. Gamepad itself different from the joystick. Gamepad has 4 direction buttons (d-pad) and a few key commands, including select and start buttons, which are more controlled by both thumbs. Gamepad newer generation also has analog buttons. Gamepad controller game probably the most popular and frequently used by a variety of console and PC games also have their gamepad.

'brick' gamepad

Gamepad introduced by Nintendo in the form of 'brick box' and the cross-shaped four-way and two command buttons A and B, and select and start buttons. After that followed by many other consoles like the Sega Master System, which has a shape similar to the NES controller.


SNES



Genesis

Sega introduces Genersis gamepad with more than 2 buttons control up to 6 control buttons (the original is 3 button) After that SNES gamepad introduce one format that is familiar to the present. SNES is no longer taking the form of a box, but the ends are more rounded, with 4-way control button, select, start, and an additional two control buttons, and additional buttons L and R. Formation of the placement of control buttons such as diamonds, and L and R buttons placed on the front side of the game controller so you can reach with your index finger. (a very familiar form, still used by the Playstation and Xbox).

Atari Jaguar

Game controller is decorated by a fifth-generation Atari Jaguar controller. Teralu odd shape to grip and large teralu make this controller fails in the market. Gampepad was added also to the Numpad on the bottom. Sega Saturn gamepad issue with the D-pad and buttons 9 consisting of six command buttons, select, and two buttons L and R. Virtual Boy has a shape similar to the NES controller, but the difference between both sides of the game controller has a D-pad and two buttons control.


N64

Introduced the Nintendo 64 analog in their gamepad, which will be followed by another controller such as Playstation, Dreamcast, and Xbox. Then, PlayStation introduced their original form with the d-pad, four buttons control which is symbolized by the form of square, triangle, circle and cross. Select and start buttons, and the R1 R2, L1 L2. DualShock controller and then have 2 analog buttons.

Nintendo once again introduce a different form of controller, which is like a television remote, and introduced a form of Nunchunk who have analog buttons.

Gamepad mostly curved shape like the letter M, making it easier for players to hold it and press the buttons.

PlayStation


X360


3. Joystick

Atari

The controller is shaped like a lever that can move in any direction. Generally, in the game, the joystick can be moved to a 4 to 8 directions. Atari 2600 joystick developed consisting of a single lever control and one button control. The joystick is also used in arcade-style controller and flight simulation game.

4. Arcade-style controller

Controller such as this that we commonly encounter in the playground arcade. Consists of a single lever control (joystick), accompanied also some control buttons.


5. Racing Wheel
This controller is used in simulation games or car racing game. One racing wheel set consists of a steering wheel, two pedals, and a lever to move the clutch.


6. Light Gun
"Guns" that was used to shoot game, shaped like a pistol and used to 'shoot' targets at the television screen. The weakness of the Light Gun is not be used on LCD or plasma television. Magnavox Odyssey first introduced the Light Gun is shaped like a real gun, even be cocked every single shot.

NES Super Scope


Atari XG-1



GunCon

NES Zapper NES then introduce a form of 'guns' and the Super Scope is shaped like a bazooka or sniper rifle (depending on how to view it). Super Scope requires battery power to be used. Sega also released them named Light Gun Light Phaser, Menacer (which is like the Super Scope NES) and Sega Lock-On. Atari also released 'guns' they are XG-1. Namco Guncon issue that is used for PlayStation.
Wii release Wii Zapper, which in fact is the Wii remote and Wii Nunchunk used simultaneously, although the technology used is different from a standard gun Light.


NES Zapper


Odessey's Shooting Gallery


7. Motion sensing
This controller requires body movements of real players to be able to move it. Sega Sega Activator memperkenalan in 1993. Nintendo also has a Power Glove and U Force before they make a Wii. Players of the newer generation knows Kinect released by Microsoft.


Kinect



Power Glove


U Force


Beberapa controller lainnya :

- Dancingpad, gamepad is used in dance games. Previously, there was also from the Nintendo Power Pad is used in game-themed sports game.

Power Pad


- Musical instruments, the controller is used to symbolize the musical instruments and used in games such as Guitar Hero, Guitar Freaks, and others. Earlier, in 1990, a musical instrument shaped like a real piano Piano Teaching System named Miracle was released and used for the NES, and a few other consoles.

Miracle Piano Teaching System

- Steel Battalion controller, the controller is shaped like a mecha cockpit or tank (depending on how we see it) With 2 levers that control and about 40 buttons.

- Balance Board, a controller shaped like a balance board. Nintendo has the Wii Fit and Atari have Joyboard. (before the release of Wii Fit, NES actually has one additional accessory called the Roll and Rocker).

Roll and Rocker

- Nintendo ROB, the Robotic Operating Buddy stands. This robot is designed to replace the 2nd player in the game. There are only 2 games that support the Gyromite ROB and Stack-Up and both are for NES.

R.O.B

- Microphone, there are some games that use voice commands or use the help of a microphone to play. Konami Laser Scope never been issued as an accessory NES, Nintendo DS also has a microphone (which I initially did not understand the point for what) And now we know SingStar.


Konami Laser Scope

Source : Kaskus.com