Gravis PC GamePad
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The Gravis PC GamePad is a game port game controller produced by Advanced Gravis Computer Technology. It was the first gamepad for the IBM PC compatible in a market then dominated by joysticks.[citation needed] Included with the gamepad was a shareware Commander Keen game, episode 1, Marooned on Mars, which was later replaced with the shareware episode 4, Secret of the Oracle which supported all 4 buttons. The gamepad is no longer manufactured, as the Gravis company has ceased to exist.
The gamepad's design is similar to that of the stock SNES controller (more so the Japanese version with colored buttons), although it lacks the Start, Select and shoulder buttons, and the shape of the controller's chassis differs slightly, with an inverted curve on the left side. In the centre of the D-pad is a hole where a small joystick can be attached. The resulting lever action provides increased directional sensitivity, desirable in fighting games for example. This type of hybrid "stickpad" is now standard in game consoles, such as the Dual Shock, the Xbox controller, and the GameCube controller.
Both at the top and bottom of the gamepad are switches. One of them removes the normal functionality from 2 of the buttons, and turns them into autofire variants of the first 2. The other allows for left-handed operation by turning the workings of the D-pad and buttons upside down. Both switches can be used at the same time.
[edit] Variations
Later, two variations were made, called the GamePad Pro, and GamePad Pro USB, which resemble a PlayStation controller. The latter uses the USB port, and is the only original GamePad series still sold by Gravis. After that Gravis launched other series of more advanced gamepads for the Mac, the Amiga, and Atari ST as well.
The CD-i interactive multimedia CD player features a wired controller that is basically the original Gravis PC GamePad in a monochrome, grey color scheme. The Gravis logo is replaced with the Philips logo. There are only two button functions, and the switch at the bottom controls the cursor speed in menus. [1]
[edit] Media
The GamePad also appears in the video game Jazz Jackrabbit as a power-up; it appears in the same game as an advertisement in the background, which reads "All kids love Gravis GamePad".
One icon from the Nuvola icon set resembles the GamePad.
