This is an experimental technology
Because this technology's specification has not stabilized, check the compatibility table for the proper prefixes to use in various browsers. Also note that the syntax and behavior of an experimental technology is subject to change in future versions of browsers as the spec changes.
The Gamepad API is a way for developers to access and respond to signals from gamepads and other game controllers in a simple, consistent way. It contains three interfaces, two events and one specialist function, to respond to gamepads being connected and disconnected, and to access other information about the gamepads themselves, and what buttons and other controls are currently being pressed.
Reference
The following interfaces are defined in the Gamepad API
The Gamepad API also defines some events and a specialist function:
- Gamepad
Window
events - Specialist events on the
Window
object that allows us to react when a gamepad is connected or disconnected:gamepadconnected
andgamepaddisconnected
. Event handlers can be easily set usingWindow.ongamepadconnected
andWindow.ongamepaddisconnected
. Navigator.getGamepads()
- An extension to the
Navigator
object that returns an array ofGamepad
objects, one for each connected gamepad.
Tutorials and guides
Specifications
Specification | Status | Comment |
---|---|---|
Gamepad The definition of 'The Gamepad API specification' in that specification. |
Working Draft | Initial definition |
Browser compatibility
Feature | Chrome | Firefox (Gecko) | Internet Explorer | Opera | Safari (WebKit) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
General support | 21.0 webkit 35.0 |
29.0 (29.0) | Not supported | 15.0 webkit 22.0 |
Not supported |
Feature | Android | Firefox Mobile (Gecko) | IE Phone | Opera Mobile | Safari Mobile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
General support | Not supported | 32.0 (32.0) | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported |
See also
- The Gamepad API by Ted Mielczarek and Robert Nyman
- Simple API demo page (source)