Hidden Levels #2: Stick It to 'Em

This episode of "Hidden Levels," a collaboration between 99% Invisible and Endless Thread, explores the history and impact of the joystick. The hosts, Ben Brock Johnson and Roman Mars, introduce the topic by discussing the Konami code and its relevance to gaming culture. The episode traces the joystick's origins from early aviation controls to its evolution in video game consoles, highlighting its intuitive design and the concept of "affordance." It further examines the shift from single joysticks to dual thumbsticks in modern controllers, and the unexpected adoption of video game controllers by the military for operating advanced weaponry and even in medical procedures. The episode concludes by considering the rise of touchscreens and the enduring value of the physical connection offered by the joystick.