Call them for instance gamepads, joy pads or control pads. Children simply love it. Gamepads are the game controllers which are often hand held whilst playing action games. Even though while controlling gaming pads, thumbs are used to give inputs, a set of action buttons are controlled by the right thumb while direction controllers are handled with the left. But since its inception a set of four-way digital cross action buttons known as joypads are mostly commonly used. Now-a-days however, analog sticks are also being used as modern controllers. Gamepads are often used as an input device on most of the video game consoles; these are also available for use in personal computers as well. A combination of mouse and keyboard is also being utilized along with these gamepads. The conventional gamepads were made of Gameport connectors; Gameport incidentally is a part of your soundcard. But with the advent of USB ports, various modern controllers are utilizing USB, since USB is much easier to install than its counterpart Gameport.
Currently some joysticks which are pre-programmed in an endeavor to act as a key on keyboards are being used in most computer games and have become popular since then. There are also several programs available like JoyToKey, Pinnacle Game profiler that pursue keyboard and mouse input with a pad. Various manufacturers and retailers are also using the term “gamepad” as gaming keypad. With the introduction of games exclusively meant for Windows these have lent a new life on traditional gamepads.
Gamepads often come in various shapes and sizes by different manufacturers and offer a range of different features. For example, some gamepads have reversible directional pads along with analogue sticks which have the capability to be rotated at 180 degrees and contains six fully programmable buttons and eight way directional pads. These gamepads can have wireless control or come with a corded version with battery life lasting up to 100 hours. Some gamepads have almost alike configuration to that of Xbox 360 controllers or are cross compatible with the consoles such as the PlayStation or Xbox 360. Various gamepads have plug and play potential. They are light in weight and have a fast response. Some gamepads which have wireless compatibility offer a range of 30 feet and contain LCD screens displaying their battery life and in-game data. Some pads contains a built-in cooling fan which helps keeps the hands of gamers cool and dry.
Various gamers believe that smaller the gamepad dimension the quicker response it will allow.
Buying tips: Gamepads [http://www.comnauts.com/collections/gamepads]
• Check your requirements; decide how many buttons do you really need?
• Choose gamepads by its features. Gamepads today have 12 to 20 buttons and also contain dual analog sticks. Go for newer model gamepads which have up-to-date driver support.
• Select a wireless gamepads because its ease of use. It is irritating dealing with cords when you’re in the middle of intense gameplay.
• Check online or read user reviews while selecting gamepads.
• Remember broken gamepads could be health hazardous and can give electric shocks or cuts.