d-pad
Plus-shaped controller input
A d-pad (directional pad) is a flat, cross-shaped button on video game controllers, used to input up, down, left, and right commands.
It sits under the thumb and allows quick directional input without a joystick.
The d-pad became standard on home consoles in the 1980s and remains common on controllers, handheld devices, and TV remotes.
Indicating a path
- crossPass from side to side
- buttonsSmall disc fasteners
- inputData received for processing
- controllerDevice directing a system
circuit · interface · switches · actuation · tactile · membrane · contacts · PCB
Device directing a system
- consoleComfort in distress
- NintendoJapanese video game company
- PlayStationSony's gaming hardware brand
- XboxMicrosoft gaming console
handheld · input · precision · fighting games · platformer · menu navigation · combo · Street Fighter
directional
Indicating a path
controller · circuit · interface · switches · actuation · tactile · membrane · contacts · PCB · plastic
controller
Device directing a system
- consoleComfort in distress
- NintendoJapanese video game company
- PlayStationSony's gaming hardware brand
Xbox · handheld · input · precision · fighting games · platformer · menu navigation · combo · Street Fighter · inventory
up
Out of bed
four-way · diagonal · cardinal · movement · scrolling · cursor · selection · navigate · menu · arrow keys
NES
1980s home gaming system
arcade · 8-bit · 16-bit · Atari · classic · vintage · original · Super Mario · Mega Man · side-scroller
- controlsbutton, switch, dial, knob, lever
- input devicesmouse, keyboard, trackball, joystick, touchscreen
- console partscontroller, joystick, thumbstick, trigger, bumper
- game controllersjoystick, Xbox controller, DualShock, Wii Remote, arcade stick
- fight sticksarcade stick, hitbox, lever, buttons, button layout
- keyboard keysspace, enter, shift, Tab, tab
d-padanalog stick
Tilting directional controller input
thumbstick · joystick · control stick · motion controls · trackball
d-padtouchpad
Touch-sensitive cursor controller
touchscreen · motion controls · gyroscope · face buttons · accelerometer