Controller

From Styleguide

controller

Any external device used to control a videogame.

In general, the keyboard/mouse on a computer and the controls on arcade, portable and mobile games are not referred to as controllers. See controls.

A standard controller is any controller that is packaged with a system. Standard controllers can simply be referred to as the system’s controller on all references. The Nintendo 64 controller was the first console controller to feature an analog stick. A peripheral controller is any controller not included with the system.

Refer to the official marketing name for peripheral controllers whenever possible, otherwise use a simple description: the dance pad; the drum controller.

A controller with no analog joysticks or buttons is a digital controller. All other controllers are analog controllers. Do not use joystick or pad as general terms for the entire controller.

Example: The Wavebird was the first wireless controller released by Nintendo for the GameCube.

Wrong: Controller, joypad, joystick.

Also see: analog, analog stick, button, d-pad, dance pad, digital, joystick.