Transcending the Pixels: An 18-Step Evolution from Simple Joysticks to Immersive VR in Game Controllers
The D-pad
The D-pad, or directional pad, was the next major innovation in game controllers. Introduced by Nintendo in the 1980s, the D-pad allowed for more nuanced control than the joystick, particularly in games that required precise movements. The D-pad quickly became a standard feature on game controllers, and it remains a staple of controller design today.
