Interface Devices

In this section I will be looking at the various controller types each platform uses. For each platform I will I will list the controller/s used with an image and a description.

Arcade:

Arcade machines use a control panel which consists of a joystick and buttons to control the game, although some arcade machines use other controls like guitars, dance pads, drums and steering wheels.

The joysticks are almost like a toggle on a controller that moves the entity from one place to another in one of the four directions Up, down, left and right.

Image from: https://www.homeleisuredirect.com/arcade_machines/pacman_arcade_machines/pac-man-arcade-party-cocktail-home-arcade-machine.html

The arcade machines also use steering wheels and pedals to simulate a real driving experience. The seats usually have vibration effect that make the game play more immersive.

Image from: https://www.homeleisuredirect.com/arcade_machines/driving-arcade-machines/sega-out-run-2-plastic-driving-arcade-machine-refurbished.html

PC:

PC's generally use keyboard and mouse to control games but also have the ability to use other controls.

A keyboard is a board that has alphabetical and numerical keys (buttons) this is usually in the qwerty layout based on typewriters. The W,A,S and D keys are usually used to control movement.

Image from: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=310556312

Handheld:

Handheld devices usually use a controller layout like the consoles but built into the display, newer smartphones have the ability to use other devices too, like a keyboard and mouse.

The built controller for handheld devices uses directional buttons and X,Y,A,B buttons to control games. It has a bottom screen with a stylus which is used in many different ways for games.

Image From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS_Lite

Wii:

The Nintendo Wii uses an infra red sensor bar that picks up the controller, it allows you to play games with more interaction than other controllers and make it more fun. The Nintendo Wii controller is easier to use than most controllers as it only needs hand movement to control.

The controller has a plug in port at the bottom that gives you a toggle stick to use in other games, there are also third party plug ins like tennis rackets, guns and baseball bats to make game more immersive and fun.

Image From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii

PlayStation 4:

The PlayStation 4 uses a typical console controller design with two toggle sticks for directional control and various other buttons. The controller has haptic feedback, speakers and a touch pad.

Image From: http://arcadesushi.com/dualshock-4-controller-now-works-wirelessly-on-ps3/

Xbox One:

The Xbox One controller is the definition of the traditional controller it is extremely comfortable to hold and is very beautifully and precisely designed, it is based on the very successful layout of the Xbox 360's controller.

Image From: http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-One-Wireless-Controller-Without-millimeter/dp/B00CMQTUSS