Irritating Stick is based on a Japanese game show in which contestants must guide a metal stick along a path between two barriers. The stick can't touch the barriers; they are electrified and will shock the contestant if touched. Viewing the game field from a top-down perspective, players control a dot that represents the end of the stick. Directing the dot through a maze without hitting either of the barriers is the goal, but speed is a major consideration, as there is time limit for each course.
The X button causes the dot to move faster and the Circle button slows the dot down, with five speeds available in all. Different courses feature various backgrounds and obstacles, including spinning blades, poker machines, and a metal robot. Single-player, Versus, and Tournament modes are available. More than 100 pre-designed mazes come on the disc, along with editing tools that allow players to create their own levels.