#physical-controls

#physical-controls

The Android gaming handheld dubbed Pocket Super Knob 5000 has a knob that can be turned to select from one of the four performance profiles in games where the function is supported. One advantage that dedicated gaming handhelds have over a phone-controller setup is the freedom of a full-blown set of physical controls. This handheld is another example of a gaming console with a specific set of control inputs targeted at a niche set of gamers.

It's helpful to know that the lack of physical buttons isn't just a trend pushed by designers-the bean counters like it, too. It's quicker-and therefore cheaper-during assembly to just fit a capacitive touch module that controls multiple settings or switches than it is to have individual buttons, each connected to a wiring loom. Which is why we're seeing the controls for heating and cooling the interior, the headlights, seat heaters, and more move from knobs and dials and sliders and buttons to touch panels.

The new Volkswagen ID. Polo's interior is charmingly retro, in more ways than one. It doesn't just pack a lot more buttons and physical controlsthe compact EV also features design cues from classic Volkswagen models, like the original Polo and Golf. Best of all: a digital "tape deck" view when you play music. Volkswagen loves to lean on nostalgia. But sometimes, it just doesn't work out.

Porsche revealed the interior of its upcoming electric Cayenne on September 30, 2025, and I'm experiencing the kind of cognitive dissonance that only comes from loving something I fundamentally disagree with. The cabin features what the company calls the largest continuous digital surface in any Porsche to date. Translation: screens everywhere. As someone who prefers minimal dashboard clutter, I should hate this. But Porsche's execution here is genuinely impressive, even if it represents everything wrong with modern automotive design philosophy.