The origin of video game controllers can be traced back to the first computers, medical applications, military operations, and even aerospace technology. For example, the first video game controller that appears on this timeline was created in 1962 to operate a game called Spacewar! This game was developed for the DEC PDP-1 minicomputer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Initially, gameplay was controlled using front-panel switches on the PDP-1 minicomputer, but this was cumbersome especially when operated by two players facing off against each other. A detached control device was developed, which was essentially an early gamepad. It had a switch for turning left and right, a switch for forward thrust or hyperspace, and a torpedo launch button. The launch button was purposely designed to be silent so the other player could not anticipate the attack. You can see how these functions evolved throughout the years as you explore the video game controller timeline.
Infographic by: vr.space
