Twinstick

Twinstick refers to a control scheme and a related game design concept in video games in which two input sticks are used independently to control different aspects of the action, typically movement and aiming. The term is most closely associated with twin-stick shooters, a class of action games in which the player navigates with one stick while aiming and firing with the other.

The concept originated in early arcade games such as Robotron 2084 (1982) and Smash TV (1990), which used two separate joysticks to separate movement from shooting. With the advent of home consoles and the standardization of dual analog sticks, the modern twinstick shooter emerged in the 2000s and became a staple of arcade-style and indie titles.

Gameplay typically assigns the left stick to movement and the right stick to aiming and shooting. This separation allows independent navigation and targeting, enabling complex crowd control and precise aiming. Some games feature auto-fire or require manual firing, and some extend the mechanic to turret or vehicle weapons.

Hardware implementations range from dedicated arcade twin-stick cabinets to standard dual-analog gamepads on consoles and PCs. Some PC setups may approximate twin-stick control with a mouse for aiming and keyboard for movement, but the canonical arrangement uses two sticks.

Notable examples include Robotron 2084 and Smash TV as historical precursors; Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, Nex Machina, Enter the Gungeon, and Nuclear Throne as modern staples. Twinstick mechanics also appear in many top-down shooters and roguelikes across platforms.