What is the difference between a joystick and a gamepad?

When it comes to gaming controllers, two terms you often hear are joystick and gamepad. Though they both serve as input devices for video games, they are quite different in design, function, and typical use cases. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right controller for your gaming style.

🕹️ What Is a Joystick?

A joystick is a control device featuring a vertical stick that pivots on a base to detect directional movement. The player manipulates the stick in various directions to control movement or aim.

Key Features of a Joystick:

  • Single control stick that moves in all directions

  • Often accompanied by a few buttons (trigger, fire button)

  • Originally designed for flight simulators and arcade games

  • Usually mounted on a base or panel

Common Uses for Joysticks:

  • Flight simulators: To control aircraft pitch, roll, and yaw

  • Arcade games: Classic titles like "Asteroids" or "Street Fighter" cabinets

  • Space simulators and mech games: Precise directional control

  • Some modern gaming setups use hotas (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) combos for immersive experience

🎮 What Is a Gamepad?

A gamepad is a handheld controller featuring multiple buttons, thumbsticks, and directional pads (D-pad). It is designed for comfortable, all-around control of many game genres.

Key Features of a Gamepad:

  • Two analog sticks for dual-directional input

  • A D-pad for digital directional control

  • Multiple face buttons (A/B/X/Y or ◯/✕/△/□)

  • Shoulder buttons and triggers for complex inputs

  • Ergonomic design for extended play sessions

Common Uses for Gamepads:

  • Platformers, action/adventure, shooters, racing, and sports games

  • Popular with console systems like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

  • Increasingly used on PCs for versatility and comfort

  • Designed to control movement, camera, actions, and menus seamlessly

🔑 Main Differences Between Joystick and Gamepad

Feature Joystick Gamepad
Form Factor Single stick, mounted on base Handheld with dual sticks/buttons
Directional Control One stick, full 360° movement Two sticks + D-pad for multi-input
Button Count Few buttons Multiple buttons & triggers
Primary Use Flight sims, arcade, simulators Wide variety: shooters, racing, RPGs, etc.
Ergonomics May require desk or stand Designed for handheld comfort
Complexity Simple directional control Complex inputs, multiple commands

🧩 When to Use a Joystick vs. a Gamepad?

  • Choose a joystick if:
    You play flight simulators, arcade classics, or space/mech simulators and want precise, realistic directional control.

  • Choose a gamepad if:
    You enjoy a broad range of games from shooters to sports, and want an ergonomic device with many buttons for complex actions.

🖥️ Examples of Each

  • Joysticks:

    • Thrustmaster T.16000M (flight sims)

    • Logitech Extreme 3D Pro (arcade & space sims)

  • Gamepads:

    • Sony DualSense (PS5)

    • Xbox Wireless Controller

    • Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

🎥 Watch This to See Both in Action

Final Thoughts

Both joysticks and gamepads have their unique strengths tailored to different gaming experiences. Joysticks shine in simulation and arcade settings, offering precise, analog control. Gamepads are versatile, ergonomic devices designed to handle a wide variety of games with multiple buttons and input options.

Knowing the difference helps you pick the right tool to enhance your gaming—whether you’re piloting a jet or battling foes in your favorite RPG.