They look at you funny these days when you call it a joystick. That term just implies too much fun for the serious-minded computer gamer. No, they're gamepads now, or game controllers. Even the early IBM PC documentation referred to the joystick connection on the back of the computer as an "analog-to-digital port." How stuffy.
The variety of gamepads available these days is almost endless. There are traditional joysticks; gamepad controllers, such as you would find on a game console; special "gravity" controllers that detect 3D movement in the air; and custom gamepads designed to look like car steering wheels, complete with foot pedals or yokes for use with flight simulator games. (It's amazing what you can find when you visit a game software store.)
The traditional joystick no longer resembles the simple X-Y digital joystick of decades past. Joysticks now look like they belong in a fighter jet rather than on your desktop. They have buttons, "hat" switches, swivels, locks, and all sorts of amazing doodads to flip, pull, and throw (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: A typical, rather tame type of joystick.
Of course, the big question is "Which gamepad do I need?" To pick the perfect gamepad, merely look at the back of the game software box. Sophisticated games sport a list of recommended gamepads or joysticks. Buy one of those listed. If you have more than one game that could use a joystick, choose the controller that is compatible with (or recommended by) both games. Follow these tips when buying a gamepad:
- A gamepad is not part of the traditional computer purchase. Generally, you buy it later.
- Though your computer may have a joystick port specifically designed to connect the joystick, most gamers now prefer the USB brand of gamepad over the old joystick-port type.
- Never rush out and buy a gamepad because it's "cool." Confirm that your software works well with the joystick before buying.
- Not all computer games require a gamepad. Many games, in fact, play better with the mouse or a combination of the mouse and keyboard. Quite a few game players become adept at using the keyboard all by itself.
