The Submarine Control Gamepad: A Modern Viewing Tool in the US Navy
The US Virginia-class nuclear submarine uses a controller similar to a gamepad on the Titan submersible, but unlike the submersible, it does not operate the craft. Instead, it manages the viewing angle of the submarine’s photon mast. This update was reported by journalists at Popular Mechanics.
In contemporary fleets, many forces deploy game controllers to interact with equipment. Virginia-class submarines reportedly rely on Xbox-style controllers to adjust the photon mast, a device that replaces the traditional periscope for surface surveillance and underwater observation. The shift illustrates how off-the-shelf gaming hardware has found a practical niche in high-stakes military environments.
Journalists also highlighted the U.S. Air Force using console controllers in virtual simulators, and they pointed to the Stryker virtual reality military simulator which enables detachments across Stryker armored units to train together within a single shared virtual world. This interconnected approach to training mirrors broader trends toward immersive, controller-based interfaces in defense programs.
Observers noted that gamepads are increasingly common in the military, even as some question whether this trend signals a lack of specialized equipment. This debate echoes broader conversations about the balance between consumer electronics and purpose-built military systems.
The reporting began with a CBS Sunday Morning segment discussing the use of a Logitech F710 controller to pilot a submersible. The gamepad remains available on the market, listed at about 2,500 rubles in current retail listings. The reference underscores how consumer devices can cross into niche maritime technology spaces.
The Titan submersible wreck was located on June 22 in the Atlantic Ocean near the site of the Titanic sinking. OceanGate, the company offering underwater tours to see the historic wreck, has positioned these expeditions for enthusiasts who want a rare, firsthand look at the famous ship’s remains. The coverage situates the discussion of control devices within a broader narrative about exploration, risk, and the evolving tools used to study the deep sea. [Citation: Popular Mechanics; CBS Sunday Morning; OceanGate coverage]