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Gamepad API

A browser API that allows web applications to respond to input from game controllers and other similar devices.

Categoryweb

Overview

The Gamepad API provides a standardized way for web-based games to support hardware controllers (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, or generic USB gamepads). It exposes the state of buttons and axes (joysticks) to JavaScript.

How it Works

Unlike keyboard events, the Gamepad API is typically used via 'polling.' The application checks the state of the connected gamepads inside a requestAnimationFrame loop to ensure smooth, low-latency input handling.

Use Cases

  • Web-based 2D and 3D games.
  • Controlling drones or robots via a web interface.
  • Navigating complex 3D visualizations.