Digital pens and styluses are touchscreen input tools for handheld consoles, tablets and phones, suited to players who want more precise taps, menu control or drawing than a fingertip allows. Passive capacitive styluses and active pens are the two main types. No products are listed in this category at the moment, so the advice below explains what to check before buying.
How to choose a digital pen or stylus
Screen compatibility. Check what kind of screen the stylus will be used on. Most modern touchscreens are capacitive and respond to a conductive tip, while older resistive screens, found on some earlier handheld consoles, need a plastic or hard-tipped stylus. A capacitive stylus will not work on a resistive panel, and the reverse can scratch a glass screen.
Passive or active. A passive stylus simply replaces your finger and needs no battery or pairing. An active pen contains electronics and can offer pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, but only on devices built to support it. For tapping through menus and playing games, a passive stylus is usually enough. For sketching or note-taking, an active pen is worth considering.
Tip type and size. Rubber tips are quiet and gentle on the screen but can feel spongy. Fine disc tips and mesh tips give a clearer view of where you are touching, which helps in precise tasks such as drawing or aiming in touch-based games. Replaceable tips are useful, since they wear down with regular use.
Size, grip and weight. A stylus that is too thin becomes tiring to hold during long sessions. Look for a barrel that suits your hand, and for a pen that fits in the console's stylus slot if the device has one. Some styluses are sold as multi-packs, which is practical for households sharing a device.
Brands and types we carry
- Console-specific styluses: these are shaped to fit the storage slot of a particular handheld and are usually passive, with a tip suited to that screen.
- Universal capacitive styluses: these work on most phones and tablets as well as capacitive console screens, and often come with a rubber or disc tip.
- Active digital pens: these connect to a specific device or work through a built-in digitiser, and add pressure sensitivity for drawing and handwriting.
No brands are listed in this category at the moment, and there are no subcategories to browse yet.
Digital pens and styluses: frequently asked questions
Can I use a stylus on a games console screen?
Yes, if the console has a touchscreen. Capacitive screens accept most capacitive styluses, while resistive screens need a plastic or hard-tipped stylus. Check the screen type in the console's specification before buying.
What is the difference between a stylus and a digital pen?
A stylus is a general term for any pen-shaped tool that operates a touchscreen. A digital pen usually means an active stylus with electronics inside, which can detect pressure and tilt. Passive styluses are simpler and work on most capacitive screens.
Do styluses need batteries or charging?
Passive styluses do not need power. Active pens often use a built-in rechargeable battery or a replaceable cell, though some get power from the screen itself. The product description should state which approach it uses.
Will a stylus damage my screen?
A stylus with a soft rubber or disc tip will not normally damage a screen, and it keeps fingerprints off the glass. Hard tips made for resistive screens can scratch a capacitive display. Replace worn tips promptly, as grit trapped in a damaged tip can leave marks.
