What do Xbox controllers and cutting-edge U.S. Navy submarines have in common?
A lot more than you’d expect.
In a move that combines cost-cutting with high-tech modernization, the U.S. Navy is replacing traditional $38,000 periscope joysticks with $30 Xbox 360 controllers aboard Virginia-class submarines.
Yes you read that right. The same controller your kid uses to play Halo is now helping sailors navigate undersea warfare.
From Game Console to Combat Console
The joystick swap began when Navy officials and engineers from Lockheed Martin started searching for practical ways to modernize submarine controls without breaking the bank.
The older control stick designed specifically for periscope handling was heavy, clunky, and cost tens of thousands of dollars. More importantly, it wasn’t user-friendly for the new generation of sailors.
“The Navy asked junior officers, ‘What can we do to make your life easier?’”
said Lt. j.g. Kyle Leonard of the USS John Warner.
“And one of the biggest complaints was the periscope controls.”
The solution? An off-the-shelf Xbox 360 controller.
Lightweight, intuitive, and familiar to most crew members who grew up gaming, the controller was an easy upgrade and at a cost of less than $30, it made perfect financial sense.
Not Your Grandfather’s Periscope
Forget the classic spinning tube you’ve seen in movies. Modern submarines don’t use those anymore.
Instead, today’s Virginia-class submarines are equipped with photonics masts advanced, high-resolution camera systems that provide a 360-degree view above water. These cameras feed visuals to large digital monitors that everyone in the control room can see in real-time.
The Xbox controller is now used to rotate these masts and zoom in on targets, giving sailors precise control with minimal training time.
Beyond Gaming: A Shift in Military Tech
The controller upgrade is just one part of a bigger push by the Navy and Lockheed Martin to integrate commercial tech into military systems.
At a secure testing facility jokingly called the Navy’s version of Area 51 engineers are working with tech-savvy sailors to bring in proven consumer technology like:
- Touchscreens similar to iPads
- Smartphone-style interfaces
- User-friendly UIs inspired by apps and games
The goal? Faster deployment of tech and lower training curves for younger generations who already use these tools in daily life.
Why It Works: Familiarity Saves Time and Money
This change isn’t just about convenience it’s about efficiency.
- Reduced cost: From $38,000 to $30 per unit
- Faster training: New sailors already know how to use Xbox controllers
- Improved morale: Crew members feel more confident using familiar tools
This shift also reflects a growing trend in military innovation: adapting tech from civilian life rather than reinventing expensive, complex systems from scratch.
The Future of Submarine Controls
The Xbox controller is only the beginning. The Navy is now actively exploring other off-the-shelf solutions to improve submarine systems, streamline workflows, and keep pace with evolving technology all while staying under budget.
The result? A high-tech fleet powered by a mix of military engineering and everyday tools proving that sometimes, the best solution might already be sitting in your living room.