Which device is known as a game controller held with both hands?

The gamepad is recognized as a game controller that is held with both hands, primarily because of its design and function. Gamepads are typically equipped with a variety of buttons, sticks, and triggers, allowing for a wide range of controls and gameplay mechanics. This two-handed design facilitates complex interactions within games, offering players the capacity to perform multiple actions simultaneously, which is essential for many modern video games.

Gamepads are widely used across various gaming platforms, including consoles and PCs, enhancing the gaming experience by providing a more ergonomic and user-friendly interface. In comparison, while a joystick is also a type of controller, it is usually operated with one hand and lacks the comprehensive button layout that a gamepad features. Touch screens offer a different method of interaction predominantly used in mobile gaming or some console systems but do not fit the definition of a handheld game controller. Steering wheels are specialized controllers used for racing games, requiring two hands but serving a very specific purpose, unlike the versatile gamepad.