Platform
Game platforms that the manipulator is compatible with.
A gaming platform can be described as a list of devices with which a given model can be used. Nowadays, you can find controllers for the following types of platforms:
— computers:
PC (PC), mainly under Windows, as well as
Mac from Apple ;
— desktop game consoles: Playstation (
PS3,
PS4,
PS5),
Xbox, Nintendo (
Wii,
Switch);
— portable devices: primarily smartphones and tablets for
Android and
iOS ;
— other specific types of devices (in particular,
Apple TV set-top boxes).
Note that many models are made compatible with several platforms at the same time. And here is a more detailed description of each of the options mentioned above:
— PC. In this case, PC refers to PCs — desktop computers and laptops running Windows, and sometimes also other operating systems, primarily Linux. Only devices under macOS from Apple are not included here, they are placed in a separate category. Anyway, wired manipulators for PC (see “Connection”) usually use the USB interface, wireless ones use Bluetooth, less often radi
...o.
— Android. Portable gadgets running Android OS. Note that such compatibility is found not only in specialized overhead gamepads and virtual reality weapons (see "Device type"), but also in more traditional manipulators — primarily classic gamepads. At the same time, connection features and compatibility with specific gaming devices may be different, it depends both on the type of controller and on more specific features. So, traditional gamepads are usually connected via Bluetooth and can be used with any Android gadget on which a game with software support for such manipulators is installed. Likewise, VR weapons and over-ear gamepads require compatible games, but these accessories are almost exclusively for smartphones (not tablets) and are equipped with appropriate mounts.
— Mac. Under this term, they combine Apple computer equipment that uses the proprietary desktop OS macOS. First of all, these are desktops and laptops from different Mac and MacBook lines, respectively. This technique has software and hardware features that distinguish it from other types of PCs and laptops; therefore, such compatibility for gaming accessories is specified separately.
— iOS. Portable gadgets from Apple running under the proprietary mobile "OS" iOS — iPhone smartphones, iPad tablets and iPod touch players. Features of game controllers for such electronics are completely similar to the models for Android described above; in fact, many accessories for mobile games are initially made compatible with both of these platforms. And overhead gamepads (see "Device type") of mechanical design are universal by definition.
— AppleTV. A family of smart set-top boxes manufactured by Apple. Starting from the 4th generation (2015), such set-top boxes allow you to install applications from the corresponding section of the App Store, and software developers can not only create their own applications for this platform, but also port ready-made iOS programs to it without much difficulty (see above) . As a result, nowadays, games are also available for AppleTV — accordingly, game controllers for such consoles are being released. Such accessories are connected only wirelessly; many of them can be used not only for games, but also as a replacement for a standard remote control.
— switch. Game console from Nintendo, which has a hybrid format of work. Consists of a tablet that can be used on its own and a desktop adapter to connect the tablet to a TV, so it can be used as both desktop and portable. As a result, the controllers for this platform are very diverse. For example, the native Joy-Con consists of two motion controllers that can be used individually by two players, held by one player in two hands, combined into one gamepad for tabletop play, or attached to the sides of the tablet for on-the-go use. ". Joy-Con halves are sold individually. Other Switch accessories may be similar in design or less versatile, such as traditional gamepads, on-ear gamepads for the tablet portion of the console, and arcade controllers (see "Device Type").
— Wii. A family of desktop game consoles from Nintendo, the predecessor to the Switch. The original Wii, released back in 2006, was the first mass-produced console to be controlled by motion controllers (see "Device type") and actually set the standard for such control for the entire market. The next model, Wii U, appeared in 2012. She introduced her own original manipulator — a gamepad with a built-in display, on which (in some games) you can broadcast the image from the console and play without a TV; while maintaining full compatibility with motion controllers from the previous console. In general, the Wii family of consoles are considered obsolete in light of the release in 2017 of the Switch described above; new controllers for them are almost never produced.
— Xbox. A whole line of desktop game consoles from Microsoft; one of the most popular platforms in this market, directly competing with the PlayStation. As of 2020, it includes 4 generations: original Xbox (2001), Xbox 360 (2005), Xbox One (2013) and Xbox Series X/S (2020). The last two are actually the most relevant of them (for the same year 2020), and they use the same protocol to communicate with wireless controllers. Therefore, modern Xbox accessories are usually compatible with both generations. And the “native” wireless gamepad from the 2020 models supports Bluetooth and allows you to work with mobile devices, but this possibility is not guaranteed for third-party accessories. In general, the list of controllers for Xbox includes mainly gamepads (wired and wireless) and steering wheels. Also at one time, the Kinect motion controller was popular, capable of tracking the movements of the entire body, but its release (in the game version) was discontinued in 2017.
— PlayStation. A series of game consoles from Sony; one of the main players in the desktop console market, along with the Xbox described above. Portable gadgets were also produced under the PlayStation (PS) brand, but in 2019 Sony completely abandoned their production. The desktop versions include several generations that are not completely mutually compatible; so it’s worth choosing accessories for such a console that have the ability to work with the corresponding generation directly. On the other hand, many controllers are initially made for several PS versions at once, so finding a compatible model does not arise any particular problems. The classic types of such manipulators are wired and wireless gamepads, as well as the PS Move motion controller (see "Device type"); however, other types of accessories are also produced — primarily steering wheels, although the matter is not limited to them. As for specific generations, here are the most relevant options:
- PlayStation 3. The third generation of the PlayStation, introduced by Sony in 2006. It was here that the aforementioned PS Move was first used — however, only in 2010. It was also very successful, produced for 11 years. As of the end of 2020, you can find a lot of controllers compatible with this platform on the market — and among them there are not only models for new generations with the ability to work on PS3, but also accessories designed only for this version.
- PlayStation 4. Generation released in 2013 with a lineup update in 2016. As of the end of 2020, the most popular PS version and the second best selling desktop console of all time (behind PS2); continues to be released. Accordingly, there are a lot of controllers for this platform on the market.
- PlayStation 5. The latest generation of PS, introduced in 2020. The stock gamepad for this version is called the DualSense, based on the DualShock predecessor with a number of modifications: force-feedback triggers, a built-in set of microphones and an improved speaker that allows you to communicate with other players directly through the controller, as well as a touchpad (hence the name; more see below for this feature). There are still very few other accessories specifically for this platform, but given the level of demand for the console itself, we should expect a quick change in the situation. Note that the manufacturer claims limited compatibility with previous generation controllers, but only controllers for this version of the console can be used in your own PS5 games.
Number of buttons
The total number of buttons provided in the design of the manipulator.
The more buttons — the more additional features you can "tie" to the manipulator, the lower the likelihood that during the game you will have to turn to other controls (for example, a PC keyboard). However, many game consoles (see "Platform Compatibility") provide a certain minimum number of buttons for a compatible gamepad — a smaller number simply would not allow full use of all the functions of the console. For example, the original PlayStation 4 controller has 11 buttons.
Note that the D-Pad (see below) is not included in this calculation: it is considered a specific control, although it is based on buttons.
Feedback
The type of feedback provided in the design of the manipulator (if any).
Feedback is the reaction of the manipulator to certain events occurring in the game. This reaction enhances the "immersion effect", giving the player the impression that he is holding on to a real airplane handle, car steering wheel, etc. It can be like this:
—
Vibration. Feedback in the form of vibration allows you to simulate, for example, shaking from off-road driving, aircraft trembling when firing from airborne weapons or entering a turbulence zone, etc.
— Power.
Force feedback controllers are able to create some resistance to the efforts of the player — for example, to simulate the difficulty in turning the steering wheel when the wheels are stuck in the mud.
— Vibration / power. Controllers that support both types of feedback described above. This option is the most advanced and at the same time the most expensive.
Power source
The power source used by the gamepad.
This parameter directly depends on the type of connection (see "Connection"). So, power from a
USB port or
network (power supply) is provided mainly in wired models, and devices with wireless connectivity (both purely wireless and combined) are almost guaranteed to use a
battery or
batteries. Here is a more detailed description of each of these options:
— USB port. Powered by a USB port — usually the same one through which the controller directly interacts with the console, PC or other gaming device. This method of connection allows you to do without unnecessary wires. On the other hand, USB power is relatively low, which makes this option poorly suited for controllers with powerful feedback systems (in particular, advanced steering wheels) — you have to use separate PSUs with such accessories (see below).
Also note that this power supply method is also found in separate wireless models — usually controllers for mobile devices that interact with the gadget via Bluetooth, and are powered from the USB port of the same gadget. This format of operation allows you to do without batteries in the controller itself, however, it additionally consumes the charge of the main device.
— Network. Powered from a conventional outlet using a separate power supply unit (PSU). Mainly used
...in high-end wired wheels (see Device Type) that require high power for feedback systems to work effectively. Theoretically, this option is not very convenient, as it requires the search for an additional outlet; however, in fact, this usually does not cause any particular difficulties (in extreme cases, you can use an extension cord).
— Accumulator. Powered by a built-in battery that does not belong to standard sizes (unlike batteries), and often also non-removable. This is the most popular way of powering wireless manipulators nowadays. Its main advantage over batteries is that this option does not require extra money and effort: the battery is initially included in the package, you do not need to buy it separately, and when the charge is exhausted, it is enough to charge the controller. However this procedure requires a certain time; however, the time for a full charge rarely exceeds a couple of hours, while the operating time can be measured for days (although there are also more modest figures). In addition, many controllers can be used without unplugging the charger; this somewhat limits mobility, but this moment is usually not critical.
— Batteries (AA, AAA). Powered by replaceable cells of a standard size — usually "finger" AA or "little" AAA. The number of elements used can be different; however, the general features of such a power supply are the same in all controllers. On the one hand, the batteries allow quick replacement, which allows you to play with a minimum of interruptions: when the charge is exhausted, it is enough to simply install fresh batteries instead of dead ones. At the same time, the user has a choice: either regularly buy disposable batteries, or invest in rechargeable batteries with an external charger. And if you purchase two sets of such batteries, you can keep one set on charge while the second is in use. On the other hand, the use of batteries is inevitably associated with additional costs: batteries are usually not included in the kit, and they must be purchased separately before the first use. As a result, this type of power is used much less frequently than batteries, although it can also be found in fairly advanced and well-known devices — in particular, regular gamepads for Xbox 360, Xbox One and even Xbox Series X|S.Operating time
The time of continuous operation of the controller with autonomous power supply (see above) without recharging or replacing batteries. When choosing according to this indicator, note that it is quite approximate, because. in fact, the operating time depends on the intensity of the game, the frequency of feedback, etc., and in models powered by replaceable batteries, it also depends on the quality of these batteries. Therefore, the actual battery life may be less, and sometimes more than the claimed one. Nevertheless, different models of controllers can be quite compared according to the time of operation on a charge given in the characteristics.
