Although it is now a market standard for video game console controls, and even many other devices, the directional pad or digital pad AKA D-pad, was developed in 1982 by a true genius of design and invention also inventor of the Game Boy and creator of the Game & Watch Gunpei Yokoi for their Donkey Kong handheld game.
Initially intended to be a compact controller for the handheld games, just later Nintendo realized that Yokoi's updated design would also be a standard for the control of NES and Famicom consoles respectively, the design was so original and useful that the Nintendo patent was awarded in 1984 with the Technology & Engineering Emmy Award
Once again the D-pad replaced joysticks and represented an early example of how Nintendo was willing to shake up the status quo in the search for a better gaming experience, most of controls returned to include the analog stick in their controls but, still it continues including the D-pad in its design.
