The document describes polymorphic switches and poly-joysticks for use in control systems. A polymorphic switch consists of a printed circuit board with a microcontroller and an elastic element with a tenzoresistive coating. It can perform the functions of different switching devices and is compact, robust, and reprogrammable. A poly-joystick has a fixed handle with multiple polymorphic switches arranged on it to control maneuvering and activate displays. The polymorphic switches and poly-joysticks offer advantages over traditional controls by being multifunctional, reprogrammable, low cost, and usable in varied environments.