Paddle (game controller)

A paddle controller rotates through a fixed arc (usually about 330 degrees); it has a stop at each end.

Some famous video games using paddles are Pong, Breakout, and Night Driver.

That is, without any previous knowledge, the sensor can be read and the result directly indicates the position of the paddle knob.

[1] True (potentiometer-based) paddles are almost never employed any more because they stop reading accurately when the potentiometer contacts get dirty or worn, because turning them too far can break them and because they require more-expensive analog sensing, whereas quadrature encoder-based controllers can be sensed digitally.

Atari also offered driving controllers for use with games like Indy 500, which requires wheels that can spin around continuously in one direction.

Since only one controller attaches to each port, only two people can play driving games simultaneously.