Force feedback simulates real life tactile sensations, translating digital information ("force effect" settings in a game) to physical sensations to make your gaming experience richer and more realistic. For example, when you move a D-pad or joystick to move a game character through mud, the game controller may push back. Force effects in a game may include resistance, springs, liquids, textures, vibrations—sensations of gravity, centrifugal force, impacts, and explosions—virtually any physical sensation.
Magnetic actuators and sensors built into the game controller sense the direction and degree of movement and respond with whatever feedback sensation the game has assigned to that movement at that point in the game.