The gamepad doesn't protect anything in the box because it is located from the top through the cardboard. You can press the sticks, but I think if you press it well, the sticks will be damaged. I'll add this information about the packaging separately. There was only one layer of bubble wrap, and that was it. The box came with dents, but they weren't serious. In my instance, the package came with a 14-day trial membership to Xbox Game Pass (see out what else is included in the box except the gamepad).