Quick definition:A hand-held input device with buttons, triggers, sticks and a directional pad, used to control a game on a console, computer or other screen.
Meaning
A gamepad is a controller held in both hands and operated mainly with the thumbs and fingers. A typical layout has a directional pad on one side, a group of face buttons on the other, shoulder buttons or triggers on the top edge, and one or two analog sticks.
Gamepads suit games where smooth movement and quick button presses matter, such as platform games, racing games and sports games. They are the standard way to play on consoles and are also widely used with computers and some mobile devices, connected by cable or wirelessly.
Because bodies and needs vary, many manufacturers now offer adaptive versions and settings that remap buttons. Players with limited movement can often change the layout, add extra switches or use alternative controllers. The shape of a pad has changed over the years, though its basic purpose has stayed the same.
Origin:Pad describes the flat, hand-sized shape of early controllers, which had a directional pad and a few buttons. Gamepad became a common general word for such devices as home consoles developed, and it is used interchangeably with controller, although some people use it to mean a standard console-style controller in particular.
Example:Ben plugs a gamepad into his computer to play a racing game. The game detects it at once and displays button icons on screen. He uses the left stick to steer and the triggers to accelerate and brake. Compared with the keyboard, he finds the smooth control makes tight corners far easier.
Did you know?Gamepad layouts have changed gradually, adding shoulder buttons, triggers, analog sticks and vibration motors over time. Many modern pads also include motion sensors or touch surfaces, and most can connect to several kinds of device.
