thumbstick

Analog input knob

A thumbstick is a small joystick on a video game controller designed to be operated with the thumb.

Most modern controllers feature two thumbsticks—one for character movement, one for camera control—that can be clicked inward as additional buttons.

The term distinguishes these from larger joysticks operated with the full hand.

I prefer the placement of the thumbsticks on PlayStation controllers.

gaming

gamepad

Handheld console interface

controllerDevice directing a system
XboxMicrosoft gaming console
PlayStationSony's gaming hardware brand

Nintendo · console · movement · aiming · camera · strafe · look · character · inventory · menu

hardware

analog

Comparable equivalent

potentiometerAdjustable electronic resistance component
actuatorDevice producing controlled motion
deadzoneArea without signal

sensitivity · calibration · axis · tilt · pivot · resistance · mechanism · cap · grip · rubber

input

directional

Indicating a path

analogComparable equivalent
digitalOf discrete data
pressureForce upon contact

tactile · haptic · feedback · precision · control · manipulation · gesture · interface · ergonomic · response

Categories

input devicesmouse, keyboard, trackball, trackpad, touchscreen
console partscontroller, d-pad, trigger, bumper, buttons
controller partsdirectional pad, face buttons, shoulder buttons, bumpers, select button
game controllersgamepad, Xbox controller, d-pad, DualShock, Wii Remote
control stickssidestick, cyclic
computer hardwareCPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, hard drive

Opposites

input method type

thumbstickdirectional pad

Four-arrow input control

face buttons · keyboard · touchscreen · arrow keys · mouse

control precision

thumbstickon-off switch

Binary power controller

Family

stick, sticky, thumb, thumbnail, stickler, joystick, thumbprint

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G