Abstract: Two embodiments of a multi-directional control unit for video games and the like are disclosed. In each embodiment, the control unit includes a base structure, a circuit board with directional circuit segments, a resilient conductive pad arranged adjacent the circuit segments on the circuit board, a raised matrix on the conductive pad normally maintaining the pad in spaced apart relation from the circuit segments, a control element movable relative to the base structure and a directional actuator coupled with the control element for response to relative movement between the control element and the base structure for applying pressure to the resilient pad and establishing electrical contact with one or more of the circuit segments on the circuit board. One of the embodiments is a hand-held unit with the control element being a joystick, auxiliary triggers being mounted on opposite sides of the hand held unit for establishing selective contact in an auxiliary circuit segment.