In videogaming, these terms are often used in conjunction with joysticks and joypads. It wasn’t so long ago that many people associated analog with flight simulations (mainly PC) although in these enlightened times, both the PlayStation and N64 have analog pads.

Analog is a means of representing information that uses a continuous range of values – which ensures you can steer cars/planes/Mario/Lara in any direction you wish. Digital however, has a number of values (like tiny steps) and in videogaming terms, this often translates to the gamer being able to move a character in one of eight directions.

Videogamers have their own preferences, which may change depending on what type of game they’re playing. Some like to use the analog control in driving sims, but digital in football games. And vice versa…