Pointer events are DOM events that are fired for a pointing device. They are designed to create a single DOM event model to handle pointing input devices such as a mouse, pen/stylus or touch (such as one or more fingers). In the case of cross platform use, with desktop and Mobile devices, there is a need for both touch and click events on a single element. Currently the perspective onClick event works great for both. However, if there is a need for a mouseUp/mouseDown event it may not be fired within a browser (Chrome) on a touch capable device. So the dilemma begins, use mouseUp, onTouchStart or both. The onTouchStart/End events do fire reliably but in some cases touch and mouse events both fire. Pointer events solve this issue on modern browsers and consistently fire whether on a touch or click device.