A joystick is a control device that has a handheld stick that transmits it position to the computer. The joystick was originally built for the control of aircrafts but has been modified to meet the requirements of other activities also. The movement of the joystick is based on the movement of the mouse which is two dimensional. However there are three dimensional joysticks also. The joystick is used as a control device while playing games and it may have buttons on them whose signal the computer can read. Joysticks were popular when the games like racing and flight stimulators were popular as a joystick is simpler to use while playing such games. However with the rise of games that require the use of the mouse and the keyboard the popularity of the joystick has declined. Joysticks have also been used to control cranes, elevators, wheelchairs and lawn mowers.
Joysticks are of two types-analog and digital. It digital joystick is more popular as it is more compatible with the games. It gives the signal for the four different directions and has one or two fire buttons that signals the computer some message. The arcade style joysticks have been frequently used while playing games as it has the ability to indicate its movement from it initial position. The joystick also has a feedback capability which makes it not just an input device but a very active device. The joystick is user friendly and it’s easier for the children to handle the joystick while playing games then the keyboard and the mouse together.
The joysticks are used nowadays not only while playing the standard arcade games but are connected to the home computers and video game consoles, making playing games a better experience. However joysticks cannot be used while playing all kinds of games and can be used while playing certain games that can be played using the joystick.
