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The resistance is increased or decreased by the joystick tilting (or being pressed down, if the console has that function). The current is constantly flowing through the potentiometers, but the current depends on the resistance. Variable resistors called potentiometers are placed at right angles underneath the joysticks. Joysticks are used for movement and aiming and work wildly different than buttons. Other forms of input include circular plastic sticks with a rubber cover, called joysticks. For example, the PlayStation DualShock controller is often considered to be the most ergonomically designed controller ever, with its winged shape and convenient button placement. Creating a design that is unique but comfortable to be held for long stretches of time is no easy feat.
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It’s worth noting that the mere design of a game controller can take months. The shell is traditionally plastic and is molded to make the proper controller shape. This process explains two universal features on all controllers: a circuit board and a shell of some kind. This all happens practically instantaneously (it’s called “input lag” when the commands don’t register immediately). From there, the CPU compares the data of the game or program to respond with the action matched to the button press.
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The controller senses the connection and sends data to the CPU of whatever device the controller is paired with.
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When the button is pressed down, it meets two conductive strips on the circuit board and completes a circuit.
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Essentially, each button has a piece of metal on the bottom. To understand how a game controller is built, you need to know how they work. But how are they built? How do they translate a button press into a jump? How do the wireless controllers connect with the device? What goes into designing one that’s comfortable and easy to use? They vary in shape, materials, and button layouts, but each has the same purpose: to, well, control the game. For as long as there have been video games, there have been game controllers.
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