Game controller facts for kids
A game controller is a special tool you use to play video games. It helps you tell the game what to do, like moving a character or pressing a button.
Contents
What is a Game Controller?
A game controller is a device that lets you control things in a video game. It sends signals, or "input," to your game system. This input tells the game what you want your character or object to do. Some controllers also get information back from the game. For example, they might vibrate when something happens in the game. This is called "input/output."
Different Kinds of Game Controllers
Gamepads: Your Main Gaming Tool
A gamepad is a very common type of game controller. You hold it with both hands. Gamepads usually have buttons you press and sticks you move. These help you control your character or actions in the game.
On a Nintendo gamepad, the main action buttons often have letters like A, B, X, and Y. There are also "Start" and "Select" buttons. On the left side, you'll find a set of arrows or a control stick. You use these to move around in the game world.
Paddles: Old School Fun
A paddle is an older type of game controller. It has a round wheel that you turn. It also has one or more "fire buttons." You use the wheel to control movement in a video game. These controllers were popular with games like Atari 2600 and Indy 500.
The paddle's wheel tells the game exactly how far you've turned it. This means the game knows your exact position. It's different from controllers that just tell the game if you're turning left or right.
Joysticks: Point and Control
A Joystick is a controller with a stick that moves on a base. It tells the game its angle or direction. Joysticks are often used to play video games. They usually have one or more buttons that you can push. Modern game consoles often use a similar tool called an "analog stick."
Joysticks are not just for games. They are also used to control machines like cranes and trucks. Even some mobile phones have tiny joysticks for navigation.
Images for kids
-
A player holding a North American SNES controller.
-
A Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, a typical modern two-stick gamepad.
-
Paddle controllers were popular early on for games like Pong.
-
A dual-joystick controller for the original PlayStation.
-
Sega-Dreamcast-Arcade-Stick.jpg
An arcade style controller for the Sega Dreamcast.
-
A Logitech steering wheel for the PlayStation 3.
-
The WASD keyboard setup is often used for PC gaming.
-
A Wii Remote.
-
The Dreamcast light gun.
-
Guitar controllers for music games.
See also
In Spanish: Controlador de videojuego para niños
