Power Pad facts for kids
The Power Pad is a special game controller for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It's different from a regular controller because you don't hold it in your hands. Instead, you lay it on the floor and step on it to play games! It was released in different parts of the world, including North America, Japan, and Europe, starting around the late 1980s.
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What is the Power Pad?
The Power Pad is a large, flat mat that you connect to your NES console. It has 12 pressure-sensitive circles or "buttons" arranged in two rows. When you step on these circles, the Power Pad sends a signal to the game, just like pressing a button on a regular controller. This unique design lets you play games using your feet and body movements, making gaming a more active experience.
How the Power Pad Works
Inside the Power Pad, there are sensors that detect when you press down on a specific area. When you step on one of the numbered circles, the sensor underneath registers your foot's pressure. This action is then translated into a command in the game. For example, in a running game, you might step on different spots quickly to make your character run faster. It's a simple but clever way to turn physical movement into game actions.
Games You Could Play
The Power Pad was designed for games that involved physical activity, often called "fitness games" or "athletic games." The most famous game bundled with the Power Pad was Track & Field, which let you compete in various sports like running, hurdles, and long jump by stepping on the mat. Another well-known game was Stadium Events. These games encouraged players to get up and move, turning living rooms into mini-gyms. The Power Pad made gaming a fun way to exercise and compete with friends or family.
History and Release
The Power Pad was originally known as the "Family Fun Fitness" mat in Japan and was made by a company called Bandai. Nintendo later bought the rights to it and released it in North America and Europe as the Power Pad. It became a popular accessory for the NES, especially for kids and families looking for interactive and active ways to play video games. Its release helped introduce the idea of "exergaming" – combining exercise with gaming – long before modern fitness consoles existed.
Images for kids
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The Power Pad, Side A
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The Power Pad, Side B
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European version Family Fun Fitness.
See also
In Spanish: Power Pad para niños
