Joysticks

Gaming input devices include joysticks, gamepads, and specialized gaming keypads. These devices are all designed to control your in-game character, vehicle, animal or widget. These controllers all connect to your computer the same way that a mouse or keyboard would, through a USB port. We'll take a look here at the most common of them.

Joysticks were once the king of gaming input devices. The advancements of the mouse have taken over a lot of the jobs it once held. Now, joysticks are used mostly for flight or space simulations. A basic joystick consists of a handheld stick that can be tilted in 360 degrees, and sometimes twisted left or right. Joysticks that are made for flight simulators will normally come with a separate controller for the throttle controls.

Joysticks are designed to be used in one hand, with the base either being held or on a desktop. Normally, the hand not using the joystick will use the keyboard or throttle control. This is a must for flight simulators, as today's simulators are quite realistic and complex.
As with some other gaming input devices, joysticks can also come with Force Feedback. Force feedback is a technology that vibrates or moves the joystick based on in game actions, for instance when getting shot at in a dogfight.
Purchasing a joystick takes a bit of research. There is a wide range of joysticks and along with that is a wide range of prices. Things to take into consideration...

What type of games do you play? If you are a flight simulation fan or enjoy space fighting games, then you will want to consider a joystick / throttle combination. Depending on the quality of construction, available functions, and customization options, you can pay anywhere from $30.00 to $250.00. Some of the top joystick / throttle controllers include:

Source: www.build-your-own-computer.net