Overview
Games you could feel. The Rumble Pak launched with Star Fox 64, vibrating during hits and explosions. Sony integrated the technology into DualShock. Suddenly controllers weren’t passive—they responded. Driving over rough terrain rumbled. Gunshots kicked. Damage hurt. Haptic feedback became expected, not optional.
Fast facts
- Introduction: Star Fox 64 (1997).
- Creator: Nintendo.
- Mechanism: Eccentric rotating mass.
- Legacy: Standard in all modern controllers.
How it works
| Component | Function |
|---|
| Motor | Rotation source |
| Eccentric weight | Unbalanced mass |
| Speed control | Intensity variation |
| Duration | Pulse patterns |
Star Fox 64 usage
| Event | Feedback |
|---|
| Hits taken | Sharp vibration |
| Explosions | Strong rumble |
| Boost | Sustained pulse |
| Crashes | Intense shake |
| Console | Implementation |
|---|
| N64 | Removable pak |
| DualShock | Built-in |
| Dreamcast | VMU vibration |
| Modern | Integrated standard |
Design applications
| Use case | Effect |
|---|
| Damage feedback | Immediate response |
| Environmental | Texture sensation |
| Tension building | Heartbeat patterns |
| Confirmation | Menu selections |
Evolution
| Development | Feature |
|---|
| DualSense | Haptic precision |
| HD Rumble | Nuanced feedback |
| Adaptive triggers | Resistance simulation |
| Localised | Position-specific |
See also