directional pad
Plural
directional pads
1
a set of arrow-shaped buttons on a controller used to navigate in video games or other electronic devices
A directional pad (D-pad) is a control button found on many game controllers, consisting of four directional buttons arranged in a cross or square shape. It allows players to move characters or navigate menus by pressing up, down, left, or right. The D-pad is commonly used in 2D games or games that require precise movement, offering a more straightforward way to control movement compared to analog sticks. It provides quick, responsive input and is often preferred in games that involve simple or grid-like movement, such as platformers or puzzle games.
- I used the directional pad to move my character through the maze in the game.
- When playing fighting games, I prefer using the D-pad for more precise control.
- The controller has a responsive directional pad, making it easier to navigate the menu.
- She switched to using the D-pad after the analog stick started acting up.
- The game was so old that it only supported the D-pad for movement, not analog sticks.