How Video Game Controller Vibration Works: ERM vs LRA/VCA Haptic Technologies

Yes. All modern controllers (DualShock, DualSense, Xbox, Switch Pro, Steam Deck) use Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM) motors or Linear Resonant Actuators (LRA).

ERM (Traditional Rumble)

• Motor: Small DC motor (2–4 mm diameter).
• Weight: Off‑center mass (tungsten/steel semicircle) on shaft.
• Physics: Rotation → centrifugal force → vibration at rotation frequency.
• Control: PWM voltage → speed → amplitude. Frequency fixed by motor RPM.
• Location: Two per gamepad (left/right handles) for stereo haptics.

LRA / VCA (HD Rumble / DualSense)

• Linear Resonant Actuator: Mass on spring, driven by voice coil at resonant frequency (150–250 Hz).
• Voice Coil Actuator (DualSense): Direct electromagnetic drive — wider bandwidth (5–300 Hz), precise waveforms.
• Advantage: Crisp textures (rain, sand, bow draw), not just "rumble."

History

• 1997: Nintendo 64 Rumble Pak (external, ERM).
• 1998: DualShock (built‑in dual ERM).
• 2017: Switch HD Rumble (LRA).
• 2020: DualSense Haptic Feedback (VCA).

Next: Piezoelectric actuators (thinner, faster, multi‑point) — in development.