# video game controller

> device used with games or entertainment systems

**Wikidata**: [Q865422](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q865422)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_controller)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/video-game-controller

## Summary
A video game controller is an input device used to provide data and signals to a video game or entertainment system. It serves as the primary interface between a player and the game, translating physical actions like button presses, joystick movements, or gestures into in-game commands. Controllers come in many forms, from traditional gamepads to specialized devices like racing wheels and motion sensors.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** A video game controller is a subclass of both `input device` and `video game accessory`.
- **Unicode Symbol:** The Unicode character representing a video game controller is 🎮.
- **Function:** It is a peripheral used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system, specifically for games and entertainment.
- **Common Types:** Major types include gamepads, joysticks, arcade controllers, motion controllers, and specialized simulation controllers like racing wheels and throttle quadrants.
- **Notable Examples:** Specific models include the Wii Remote (released 2006), the Panther XL (released 1996), the GameCube controller, and the Wii U Pro Controller (released 2012).
- **Sitelink Count:** The entity has a sitelink count of 33 across various language Wikipedias.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a video game controller?
A: A video game controller is an input device used with games or entertainment systems. It allows a player to control characters, vehicles, and other elements within a game by sending signals to the console or computer.

### Q: What are the different types of game controllers?
A: There is a wide variety of game controllers, including gamepads (held in two hands), joysticks, motion controllers (like the Wii Remote), light guns (like the Wii Zapper), and specialized controllers for simulation games, such as racing wheels, gaming pedals, and flight controllers (HOTAS).

### Q: Is a video game controller considered an input device?
A: Yes, a video game controller is classified as a type of input device. Its primary function is to accept input from a user and transmit that data to an information processing system like a game console or computer.

## Why It Matters
The video game controller is the fundamental link between the player and the digital world of a game. Its design dictates the nature of interaction, shaping the gameplay experience itself. The evolution from simple joysticks to complex, multi-button gamepads, and later to motion-sensing and haptic feedback devices, reflects the growing complexity and immersion of video games.

Specialized controllers, such as racing wheels, flight yokes, and guitar controllers, have enabled entire genres of simulation and rhythm games to flourish, offering a level of realism and tactile engagement that would be impossible with a standard keyboard or gamepad. As an essential piece of hardware, the controller is not just an accessory but a critical component that defines how we play, experience, and connect with interactive entertainment.

## Notable For
- **Diverse Forms:** The category includes a vast range of designs, from the two-handed gamepad and single-stick joystick to unconventional forms like the DK Bongos, the baseball bat-shaped BatterUP, and the Wii Balance Board.
- **Genre Specialization:** Many controllers are designed for specific game genres to enhance immersion. Examples include the RailDriver for train simulations, HOTAS and throttle quadrants for flight simulators, and racing wheels for driving games.
- **Pioneering Motion Control:** The category includes influential motion controllers that translate a player's physical movements into game inputs. Notable examples are the Wii Remote, the optical motion-tracking TrackIR, and the Razer Hydra.
- **Haptic Feedback:** Some controllers, like the Novint Falcon, are notable for incorporating haptic technology, which provides force feedback to the user, adding a sense of touch to the gaming experience.

## Body
### Classification and Function
A video game controller is formally classified as a subclass of `input device` and `video game accessory`. Its core function is to act as a peripheral that provides data and control signals to an information processing system, such as a video game console or a personal computer. This allows a user to interact with and control elements within a game or other entertainment software.

### Types of Controllers
The source material identifies numerous distinct types of video game controllers, often tailored to specific styles of gameplay:
- **Gamepad:** A type of controller held in two hands where fingers provide input, such as the GameCube controller and Wii U Pro Controller.
- **Joystick:** An input device often used in aircraft and for video games, such as the Panther XL.
- **Motion Controller:** A device that translates its movement through space into input, including the Wii Remote, Razer Hydra, and TrackIR.
- **Simulation Controllers:** Devices designed for high-fidelity simulation experiences.
    - **Driving:** game racing wheel, sim racing wheel, gaming pedals
    - **Flight:** throttle quadrant, HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick)
    - **Train:** RailDriver
- **Specialty Controllers:**
    - **Rhythm:** guitar controller, DK Bongos
    - **Shooter:** Wii Zapper
    - **Exergaming:** Gamercize, Wii Balance Board
- **Other Types:** arcade controller, gaming keypad, Super Controller.

### Specific Examples and History
- **Panther XL:** A game controller that had its inception in 1996.
- **Wii Remote:** The primary controller for the Nintendo Wii console, launched on November 19, 2006, in Japan.
- **Wii U Pro Controller:** A video game controller for the Wii U, with an inception date of November 18, 2012.
- **Novint Falcon:** A notable example of a haptic video game controller.
- **BatterUP:** A baseball bat-shaped video game controller.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "video game controller",
  "description": "A device used with games or entertainment systems to provide input.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_controller"
  ],
  "image": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Nintendo-Switch-Pro-Controller-FL.jpg",
  "additionalType": [
    "https://schema.org/Product",
    "http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q860144"
  ]
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet
3. KBpedia