Dreamcast controller tactile guide
This page describes the physical and tactile features of the official controllers for the Dreamcast.
Dreamcast Controller
The Dreamcast controller is a traditional two-handed gamepad.
Left grip
The left thumb rests on the analog stick, while the left index finger rests on the L trigger. The L trigger is pressure-sensitive.
The analog stick has a textured surface with small bumps that provide a tactile landmark for the thumb.
The D-pad is down and slightly to the right of the analog stick. It is cross-shaped and has a small circular depression in the center.
Right grip
The right thumb rests on the A button, while the right index finger rests on the R trigger. The R trigger is pressure-sensitive.
The four action buttons are arranged in a diamond. B is diagonally up and to the right from A, X is diagonally up and to the left from A, and Y is directly above A.
Each action button has its corresponding letter marked on it. The letters are tactile and can be felt.
Center
The Start button is shaped like an upward-pointing triangle. The word "START" is marked below the button.
At the top of the controller is the VMU slot. A tactile Dreamcast swirl logo is located on the controller at the top of this area and remains present when the VMU is removed.
VMU
The VMU is a small rectangular accessory with rounded corners around its button area.
The connectors are on the top edge of the VMU. The VMU is inserted into the Dreamcast controller with the connectors facing downward and clicks into place. To remove it, pinch the sides of the VMU with two fingers and pull it out.
VMU front
The Dreamcast swirl logo and "Dreamcast" text are above the screen. The screen is a dot-matrix display.
Below the screen are the controls.
The D-pad is on the left. It is cross-shaped but mostly circular.
On the right are four buttons. Sleep and Mode are the smaller buttons and are arranged left to right, with Sleep on the left and Mode on the right.
Below them are the larger A and B buttons, with A on the left and B on the right.
VMU back
The back contains the battery door. The battery door is secured by a Phillips screw and cannot be removed without removing the screw.
The bottom edge has a small attachment point where a string or similar item can be attached.