Gamepad

A gamepad, game controller, joypad, or video game controller is a peripheral device designed to be connected to a computer or console gaming system. It has multiple buttons and may have one or two mini joysticks. A gamepad is used for playing video games of many types, including sports, first-person shooters, role-playing, and others. The picture shows an example of the Xbox 360 controller for Windows and a popular gamepad for the computer and consoles.

A gamepad is the primary peripheral device used on console gaming systems, like the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii. Some portable gaming systems have a gamepad built into the gaming device itself, like the Sony PSP. However, some gamepads are also made to work with a computer, often using a USB connection.

Some gamepads featuring haptic feedback allow a user to feel some of the action in the game, by vibrating the controller.  The first gamepad was introduced in 1985, first by Nintendo, then by Sega, for use with their video gaming systems. Since then, many forms of joypads have been made and sold, but all still have a similar design.

Console

A console may refer to any of the following:

1. Alternatively referred to as a computer console, root console, system console, or terminal. Console is a basic computer or monitor and keyboard that is connected to another computer, server, or a mainframe over a network. It is used to maintain or monitor the status of the network or computer.

2. A game console, video game console, or console is a term used to describe a gaming box or device that is primarily designed to play games that connects to a TV. Examples of consoles include the Famicom, Xbox, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Wii, and Wii U.  The first video game console, called the Magnavox Odyssey, was developed by Ralph H. Baer and his team at Sanders Associates and released by Magnavox in September 1972.

3. In games and some programs, the console is a feature that allows advanced users or developers access to special features and an area to issue commands. If available, the console is usually accessed by pressing the tilde key while the game or program is running.