What is a Gamepad?

A gamepad refers to an input device used for gaming purposes. It is a video game controller that can be held with both hands and has multiple buttons on it to be pressed by the thumbs. Gamepads were first introduced with gaming console systems as a peripheral device to connect the user with the system.

How does a Gamepad work?

A gamepad works by sending signals from its various controls (buttons, joysticks, triggers) to a gaming console or computer, translating physical actions into in-game movements or commands. These signals are transmitted to the gaming divide. For wired gamepads, the signals travel through the cable connecting the controller to the device. Wireless gamepads use radio frequencies or Bluetooth technology to send signals without a physical connection.

Types of Gamepads

Gamepads differ according to their functions or areas of use. It’s all about getting a better experience from the games or how they are enjoyed. The features of gamepads can be listed as follows;

• Standard Gamepads: These are the typical controllers that come with most gaming consoles, like PlayStation DualShock, Xbox Controller, or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. They feature a set of buttons, triggers, analog sticks, and a D-Pad.
• Racing Wheels: Designed for driving and racing games, these gamepads mimic the feel of a car’s steering wheel and often come with pedals for acceleration and braking, providing a more immersive driving experience.
• Arcade Sticks: These are large, tabletop controllers with a joystick and large buttons, mimicking the controls found on arcade machines. They are popular for fighting games and retro gaming.
• Motion Controllers: Using accelerometers and gyroscopic sensors, motion controllers like the Nintendo Wii Remote or PlayStation Move allow players to control games through physical movements, adding a level of physical activity and immersion.
• Adaptive Controllers: Designed for gamers with limited mobility, adaptive controllers offer customizable setups, allowing various external devices to be connected to cater to individual needs, such as foot pedals, one-handed joysticks, and button arrays.
• Touchscreen Gamepads: With the rise of mobile gaming, touchscreen devices themselves can act as gamepads, using virtual buttons and joysticks displayed on the screen. Some physical gamepads can also be attached to phones or tablets for a more traditional control scheme.

• PC Gamepads: While many standard and specialized gamepads are compatible with PCs. some are specifically designed for PC gaming, often mimicking the layout of popular console controllers but optimized for PC software and connectivity.

Advantages of Using a Gamepad

Using a Gamepad offers several advantages over other input devices like a keyboard and mouse. They fit comfortably in the hands for long gaming sessions, reducing training on the fingers, wrists, and arms compared to keyboards and mouse. Joysticks on gamepads provide analog input, allowing for precise control over movement and camera angles with variable sensitivity, which is difficult to achieve with the binary on/off nature of keyboard keys. Also, Gamepads combine multiple functions in one device, such as movement controls, action buttons, and feedback mechanisms like vibration, streamlining and gaming experience.

What You Should Look For When Buying A Gamepad?

Now that you know what Gamepads are, let’s look at the other vital factor, which is what controller is best for PC. When you are on the quest to purchase a gaming controller, consider the following factors that enable you to purchase the right gaming controller.

Compatibility 

Although controllers can be connected to almost all gaming consoles, laptops, PC, Smartphone, and Smart Tv it is recommended that you choose the one that is compatible with your gaming console. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is a wireless controller that connects with your console through Bluetooth. If you play on multiple devices, it is recommended to purchase a Bluetooth-enabled controller for a hassle-free gaming experience.

Comfort

Since the controller you buy will be in your hands for long hours, you must choose comfort over other appealing factors. The controller should have a firm grip that ensures it remains in your hands even if they get sweaty while playing.

Design

Once you have set your comfortability benchmark, the next thing to look for is the design. There are controllers designed for specific game genres. Check how well your fingers rest on the controller.

Endurance Build

When you are playing against your friends in multiplayer mode, you may run high on emotions. The controller should withstand the impact caused when thrown or accidentally dropped. Rapoo’s gamepads are designed to sustain such impacts while giving you a memorable gaming experience.

What are the Features of Gamepads?

• Color: The color of the gamepad device
• Interface: Hardware that comes with the device (like USB cable / USB nano receiver)
• USB Cable length: Length for wired devices.
• Dimensions: The size of the device. It is denoted as AxbxC. (like 145x120x60mm)
• Weight: The weight of the device.
• Working Range: The operating range of wireless devices. (10 meters – 15 meters) If another expression, such as 360 or 180 degrees, is indicated, it shows the view of this device towards the console or the system it is attached to.
• Battery: Generally used for wireless devices. Indicates the type of battery in the machine. (like polymer or lithium)
• Battery Standby Time: The state tells how long the device will work when not in use.
• Operating Voltage: The unit of voltage the device uses while operating.
• Frequency Range: The speed type shows the connection between the device’s keys and the system. It is measured in GHz. Low-frequency settings indicate delayed operation of the pressed keys, and high-frequency settings suggest that the keys are compatible with the system in parallel.
• Design: It is about whether the device is soft-hard or ergonomic. Complex instruments cause pain to the user, and although the keys feel realistic, they do not provide a comfortable gaming experience. Vibrations are also mentioned in the design. Beat is divided into two as single or double with new generation devices. While the single pulse tells the user the situations, such as hits in the game by shaking, the double beat allows the user to experience many problems in the game (fall, damage, death, etc).
• Feature: Talks about different states on devices. It shows the sensitivity of the keys, whether there are buttons such as “Turbo”, and the number of keys.
• Compatibility: Not every gamepad is compatible with every system or console. Some are compatible with PlayStation consoles, while others are with Xbox consoles. Others are used on both PlayStation and Xbox and personal computers.
• System Requirements: If you use it for your personal computer, it shows the system properties of the personal computer to be used. (Like Windows 7-8-10-11)

Common Questions

How do you use a video game controller on a PC?

While not all video game controllers are cross-compatible with out-of-box use on the PC, more modern controllers, those with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, can be paired to the PC device by accessing your operating system ‘System Preferences’ and ‘Bluetooth Accessories’ and selecting the discovered controller to be paired.

What is the best video game controller?

Though there isn’t a ‘best’ controller, many gamers have preferences for their favorite gaming controllers. Sony’s most recent DualShock 4 is often considered to be the most comfortable video game controller to hold, while Microsoft’s Xbox One Elite controller may be preferred for their responsive triggers and joysticks. Other gaming controllers have famously helped change the industry by adding innovations like the freedom of the Wii Remote, the joystick of the N64 Controller, and the feedback of the original Dualshock Controller.

Are gamepads compatible with all games?

Most modern gamepads are compatible with a vast majority of games, especially on consoles. For PC games, developers usually include gamepad support, but it may vary depending on the game. Some older or indie games might not have gamepad support by default but could work with third-party software that maps gamepad inputs to keyboard and mouse controls.