Largest joystick

The largest functioning joystick is a scaled-up version of a classic Atari CX40 controller that measures 9 ft (2.74 m) high - making it nearly 14 times the original size. Entitled [giantJoystick], it was the creation of American artist Mary Flanagan, who created the device in 2006 to "produce a childlike scale" and "to generate discussion and group play".

The joystick, which is crafted from wood, steel and rubber, was commissioned in 2006 for London's HTTP [House of Technologically Termed Praxis] Gallery and was displayed at that year's Game/Play exhibition, and also the London Games Festival. It is currently housed at the ZKM Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe, Germany, where it forms part of the zkm_GamePlay. the next level exhibition.

The original CX40 Atari controller measures 5 in (12.7 cm) tall from the bottom of the base unit to the top of the stick; with its eight-direction joystick and single red button, it has become a design icon. Flanagan's intention with her scaled-up version - which requires at least two people to operate it - was to investigate the idea of collaboration and the sharing of an otherwise single-person gaming experience, and also to focus on the "exploration of the cultural and sociological effects of technology”.