I mean, the build quality isn't a problem for terrestrial use where your life doesn't depend on it. A 1% failure rate (I don't know what it actually is, just pulling a number out of my ass) is not bad in those cases, but I'd be a bit nervous about it in a sub.

[–] nexusband@lemmy.world 14 points 1 year ago (3 children)

So, you'd also be nervous knowing all U.S. nuclear subs also use an XBox controller?

https://www.geekwire.com/2017/u-s-navy-swapping-38000-periscope-joysticks-30-xbox-controllers-high-tech-submarines/

https://www.cnet.com/science/us-navy-launches-submarine-maneuvered-by-xbox-controller/

The fact of the matter is, gaming peripherals are probably close to the very best we have in human/machine interfaces. They've been studied to oblivion and back, for over 40 years.

[–] UnexampledSalt@lemmy.ko4abp.com 17 points 1 year ago

The Navy also has redundancies and procedures in place for when those controllers fail. The controller doesn't determine whether the crew lives or dies.

[–] staticblanket@lemmy.ca 11 points 1 year ago

IIRC the controller is used for the periscope.

[–] WhiskyTangoFoxtrot@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

They've also been studied to Morrowind and Skyrim and back.

[–] DannyBoy@mastodon.ie 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

@interolivary Again their products are reliable. I'm still using some Logitech X-540 on my desktop PC and they still sound incredible.
Now when you move to devices that require software like mice and keyboards, there's not gaming brand that does that good or even "acceptable".
Even the Xbox controller had an issue in Steam were it used to fulfill your hard drive with screenshots. Microsoft had to release a driver update.
Again gaming devices have lots of software issues.

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[–] interolivary@beehaw.org 4 points 1 year ago

Oh I get it, I'm not saying they're unreliable for normal gaming use (something like a 1% failure rate would be great for consumer stuff), but that I wouldn't want to bet my life on one.

[–] DannyBoy@mastodon.ie 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

@interolivary There's a middle point that I share with you.
They shouldn't had used a device make for consumers. They should engineered a controller that could stand harsh uses like military or scientific purposes.

Also, pardon my language, who in the fuck thinks that's a good idea to use a controller that uses an old technology like WiFi 2.4GHz and only batteries, no USB cable.
A device for those purposes should be wired and with Half Dome sticks (which prevents drift).

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