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Controllers

Controllers are the primary connection between player and game, but not all are created equally. SwitchWatch covers first-party and third-party options across Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox, assessing build quality, ergonomics, battery life, latency and special features such as adaptive triggers or customisable inputs. Whether you’re playing competitive multiplayer, long single-player sessions or family games, we help you find controllers that feel right in real-world use.

  1. Joysticks & Early Controllers (1970s–80s)
    • Paddle controllers (Atari Pong)
    • Single-stick joysticks (Atari 2600, Commodore)
    • Simple buttons and directional input
    • Built for arcade-style games and home consoles
  2. Gamepads (The Standard)
    • D-pad + buttons (NES, SNES)
    • Dual analog sticks (PlayStation Dual Shock)
    • Triggers & shoulder buttons (Xbox, modern controllers)
    • Used across PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, PC
  3. Arcade Sticks & Fight Pads
    • Arcade sticks: Lever + large buttons (Street Fighter, Tekken)
    • Fight pads: D-pad-focused controllers
    • Favored for fighting games and retro gaming
  4. Steering Wheels & Driving Controllers
    • Racing wheels with pedals (Logitech, Thrustmaster)
    • Flight sticks / HOTAS for flight sims
    • Simulates real vehicle controls
  5. Motion Controllers
    • Nintendo Wii Remote
    • PlayStation Move
    • Joy-Cons (motion + IR camera)
    • Detect physical movement for immersive gameplay
  6. VR Controllers
    • Oculus Touch / Meta Quest
    • HTC Vive wands
    • PlayStation VR Sense
    • Track hand position, gestures, and finger movement in 3D space
  7. Touch & Mobile Controllers
    • Touchscreens (phones, tablets, Nintendo DS)
    • On-screen virtual buttons
    • Clip-on gamepads for mobile (Backbone, Razer Kishi)
  8. Keyboard & Mouse
    • Dominant on PC gaming
    • High precision for FPS, strategy, and MMO games
  9. Adaptive & Accessibility Controllers
    • Xbox Adaptive Controller
    • Custom switches, pedals, sip-and-puff devices
    • Designed for gamers with disabilities
  10.  Rhythm & Specialty Controllers
    • Guitar, drums, turntables (Guitar Hero, Rock Band)
    • Dance pads (Dance Dance Revolution)
    • Light guns (Duck Hunt, Time Crisis)
    • Fishing rods, DJ decks, cameras
  11. Experimental & Emerging Interfaces
    • Hand tracking (no controller in VR)
    • Eye tracking
    • Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) – early research stage
    • Haptic gloves & suits


From joysticks and gamepads to motion, VR, adaptive, and even brain-controlled interfaces, gaming controllers have evolved from simple input devices into immersive, accessible, and highly specialized tools designed to match every type of gameplay.