Overview
The Power Pad is a controller for the Nintendo Entertainment System, consisting of a flexible mat with pressure sensors that function as buttons. It was first released by Bandai in Japan in 1986 under the name Family Trainer. In 1988 it was released in North America as Family Fun Fitness. It became the Power Pad when Nintendo bought the rights that same year, and re-released it alongside World Class Track Meet. Although other similar step controllers existed (notably, the 'Foot Craz' for the Atari 2600), the Power Pad was the first commercially successful controller of this type.
The pad is double-sided, with side A having eight buttons and side B having twelve buttons. Power Pad games primarily test the player's speed, timing, coordination, and memory, though it also enabled music-focused gameplay that would serve as a precursor to rhythm games such as Dance Dance Revolution.
Namco Bandai later released a Power Pad-like device for the Wii in 2008 called the Active Life, which worked in conjunction with the Wii Remote.
Power Pad Games
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