Joysticks

Joysticks  have come a long way from the earliest models with just one or two buttons. Although the basic design hasn't changed much, the details continue to evolve. Today's joysticks are complicated pieces of gaming equipment with lots of features to choose from. Here are a few tips on selecting the right joystick for you.

Compatibility

• Make sure the joystick you want is compatible with your computer system. The older Gameport plug has fallen out of favor -- most computers use USB ports these days.
• If you're a PC owner, make sure the stick you're looking at doesn't operate only on Macs. Likewise, no amount of screaming and banging the device on the wall will make a PC joystick work on a Mac.
• PC joysticks 
• Mac joysticks 
• Check the system requirements to be sure your computer has got what it takes to operate the joystick.

Design

• Comfort is a priority. Make sure the controller feels right in your hands, regardless of how cool it may look.
• Some features to look for:
• Size/shape of the grip -- some have two-handed grips. 
• Location of buttons -- are all easily reachable while keeping a grip on the stick?
• Number of buttons -- some models have more than 30. Beginning gamers should gravitate toward simpler devices.
• Avoid stuck button syndrome -- make sure the buttons are responsive, easy to press and pop back up instantly.

• If you are left-handed, make sure to get a left-handed  or ambidextrous  joystick -- there are joysticks out there, like scissors, that cannot be used with the left hand.

Force Feedback

• Much like "rumble pack" functionality in console gaming, force feedback  is a feature that causes the joystick to vibrate in response to prompts within the gaming software. For instance, in a dogfighting sim, force feedback would cause your stick to rumble if an enemy plane shoots you.
• On some models the level of force feedback can be adjusted to suit your preference.

Analog vs. Digital

• Both have advantages and shortcomings. Read up on the attributes of both, as well as hybrid models.
• Analog joystick 
• Digital joystick 
• Analog/Digital joystick 

Wireless

• Saitek,  among others, now offers a wireless joystick  to help get rid of desk clutter.

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External links

• Joystick Review -- A comprehensive comparison of various joysticks.
• Logitech vs. Saitek -- A comparison between two popular brands of joysticks.
• Dell Comparison -- Dell sizes up various joysticks.
• 8 Bit Joystick -- A tribute site to the games of yesteryear.