Abstract: A joystick device disclosed has a plurality of light emitter-detector devices disposed around a control shaft in a casing supporting the shaft. A first blocking member on the control shaft selectively blocks out the light to one or two detectors which produces a change in electrical state at an output terminal of a signal processing circuit connected to each detector without the use of any physical contact or the use of mechanically operated electric switches. A second blocking member on an axially movable inner shaft actuated by a button interrupts the light from another light emitter-light detector device having a similar signal processing circuit. The output circuit connects to a plug-type connecting member that connects to a load device such as a joystick-operable computer or video game.