Interface
The way to connect the manipulator to the gaming device.
In general, such methods are divided into
wired(in a conventional or serial format),
wireless(radio, Bluetooth, or even both at once) or
combined(a combination of wired and wireless formats in one model). Here is a more detailed description of the different options:
— Wired. The classic wired connection is a very popular option, especially among PC/Mac controllers and desktop consoles (see "Platform Compatibility"). But for portable gadgets, it is practically not used (and for AppleTV it is not used in principle). A wired connection is usually carried out via a USB connector, but other options are possible (again, depending on the supported platforms). The main disadvantage of controllers of this format is the limited freedom of movement; this is especially true when playing on a large screen, when you need a considerable distance from such a screen for comfortable viewing. On the other hand, wired accessories are noticeably lighter and cheaper than wireless ones, and the vast majority of such models receive energy from a USB port or a network (see "Power"), so the operating time is unlimited (although there are some exceptions). And the length of the cable is not so often critical: for example, a steering wheel or joystick mounted on a table right in front of the computer usually does not need a lon
...g cable, and accessories for desktop consoles usually make the cable quite long.
— Wired serial. A variation of the wired connection described above, in which the controllers are connected in a “chain” through one port: one manipulator is connected to the gaming device, and the second to the first manipulator. In general, this is a rather rare option, used only in some paired sets of gamepads (see "Device type"). However, in some cases, such a connection turns out to be more convenient than the traditional one: it allows you to reduce the number of wires stretching to the set-top box.
— Wireless. The main advantage of all types of wireless connection is obvious: the absence of a cable, which limits mobility and can create inconvenience. And for motion controllers (see "Device type"), this option is, in fact, the only possible one at all (otherwise it would be at least problematic to use such a manipulator). In addition, it is wireless communication (for a number of reasons) that is most convenient for working with portable gadgets — smartphones and tablets. At the same time, the range of such a connection is usually sufficient to work at least within a large living room, and more often at greater distances. On the other hand, wireless controllers are noticeably more expensive than their wired counterparts. In addition, most of them use autonomous power (batteries or accumulator), which limits the time of continuous operation. And although this time can be quite significant, and batteries (and some batteries) can be quickly changed, you still cannot do without interruptions in work, and the charge may end at the most inopportune moment. The exception is some models with mains power, but they have a wire, in turn, “binds” the device to the outlet. As for specific methods of wireless communication, nowadays there are such options:
- bluetooth. Connecting via Bluetooth is convenient primarily because many modern gaming devices initially have built-in modules for such a connection. The list of such devices includes, in particular, almost all desktop consoles, smartphones, tablets and laptops, as well as many advanced PCs (including all Mac computers). Thus, the controller can be made compatible with numerous different devices, and most often no additional adapters are needed for the connection itself. However, if necessary — for example, for a desktop computer without Bluetooth — such an adapter can be purchased separately. With all this, the connection is carried out in the radio range and does not require direct visibility, and its range in open space is standardly at least 10 m (and often much more).
- Radio. Non-Bluetooth radio connection (see above). The specific features of such a connection largely depend on compatibility with gaming platforms (see above). For example, native radio standards are used by many desktop consoles, and connections to such devices are often made directly, without additional equipment. In turn, controllers with the ability to work on a PC (Mac) are equipped with special adapters, usually connected via USB (in this case, such models can also support a direct connection to the game console). But for mobile gadgets, this method of communication is not used — in this case, the Bluetooth described above is more justified.
- Bluetooth / radio. Ability to work in any of the options described above. All such controllers are made immediately for several platforms — consoles (of a particular series), mobile devices and computers; the specific combination of these options can be any, but there is always more than one. However such versatility significantly affects the cost, so in general there are very few models with such a connection. However, if we take not variety, but the total number, then this method is not as rare as one might think — for example, it is provided in the “native” gamepad for Xbox Series S / X consoles of the 2020 model.
— Combined. The combination of a wired connection with support for wireless standards — Bluetooth, radio, sometimes both at once. The features of each of these options are detailed above. And the combined format of work theoretically provides maximum versatility, allowing you to choose the best connection method for different situations. However, in fact, the specifics of the work of such accessories may be different — depending on the compatible platforms and even the features of individual models. For example, some combination controllers use different connection methods for different devices — for example, wired for a PC and radio for a desktop console. Others work mostly wireless, with the cable used to recharge the battery while playing (or when you need to save battery for later). Still others may combine these formats, etc. Anyway, such nuances should be clarified separately. The same goes for general connection features: for example, the "wired / radio" option in a device for PC and consoles can mean both the presence of a wireless USB adapter and the inability to wirelessly connect to computers.Range
The range of the wireless connection provided by the gamepad.
Almost all modern wireless models work confidently at a distance of at least 2 – 3 metres. So you need to pay attention to this parameter mainly when the device is planned to be used at a greater distance from the computer. At the same time, when evaluating the range, note that it is indicated for perfect conditions: the absence of interference and obstacles in the signal path, the battery is fully charged, etc. In fact, the communication range may be somewhat less, so when choosing, it is worth taking a certain margin. Nevertheless, according to the claimed range, it is quite possible to evaluate the practical capabilities of different models and compare them with each other.
Material
The main material(s) used in the design of the manipulator.
Usually, both the body of the device and the control elements — buttons, levers, joystick handle, etc. are made from the material specified in this paragraph. steering wheel ”(see above), the type of coverage is often specified.
Here are the main materials relevant for today:
— Plastic. It is used in the vast majority of modern game controllers — from low-cost to high-end; at the same time, even in inexpensive devices, sufficiently high-quality grades of plastic can be used. In general, this material combines low cost, practicality and ease of design: plastic elements can easily be given complex shapes, as well as any shades and patterns. Of the shortcomings of this option, one can only note a certain tendency to scratches; however, this is a purely aesthetic moment, having almost no practical significance.
— Rubber cover. An additional coating commonly used on plastic devices. Rubber is soft and flexible, and less slippery than a smooth plastic surface. This provides a more comfortable and secure hold in the hands. In addition, scratches are less noticeable on such material. The reverse side of these advantages is a slight increase in the cost and dimensions of the controller (the latter, however, can be compensated by reducing the size of the plastic base).
— Soft touch. A special kind of plastic, a kind of transitional option between traditional smooth pl...astic and rubber. The surface of this material has a special texture, due to which it feels soft to the touch (hence the name), besides, it practically does not slip in the hands. However for a number of reasons, such material has not received much popularity in game controllers.
— Rubberized plastic, rubberized coating. These terms may mean different materials in different models: in some cases it is plastic with a full-fledged rubber coating, in others it is a soft-touch surface. For more on both, see above; and what exactly is at stake — it is worth specifying separately.
— Rubber. The word "rubber" in this case, it is customary to denote individual elements made of this material — primarily buttons and additional inserts. Such elements are usually combined with a body base made of plastic (see above). And rubber is used for additional convenience: fingers do not slip off such buttons as much as with plastic ones, while inserts prevent the controller itself from slipping in your hand.
— Metal. In the case of game controllers, metal is a premium material: it is durable, looks solid, but it is not cheap. And in some types of manipulators — for example, gamepads (see "Device type") — the use of this material is not justified from a practical point of view. As a result, metal is mainly used for individual high-end rudders, joysticks / helms and aircraft instruments, designed both for functionality and for realism in appearance and user experience. At the same time, even if only metal is indicated in the characteristics, the design, usually, still includes individual elements from other materials: for example, the pad on the joystick lever can be made of rubber or plastic, for additional comfort and reliability.
— Aluminium. One of the types of metal described above — with all the characteristic features. Aluminium is often perceived as an advanced and expensive material (in particular, it is widely used in aviation); therefore, sometimes in the characteristics this name is specified for advertising purposes.
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.
