The Logitech controller used in the missing Titanic submarine has sparked a flood of troll reviews on its Amazon page. The focus has been on the OceanGate submersible and its crew, who lost contact while on their way to search for the Titanic shipwreck. It has been revealed that the Titan submarine was piloted using an old Logitech video game controller, leading some to troll the review section of its Amazon store page.
OceanGate has stated that the Titan cost $250,000 to assemble for the purpose of exploring the sunken Titanic. Interestingly, the navigational controls were operated using a repurposed Logitech G F710 Wireless Gamepad. Originally released in 2010, this controller is primarily designed for PC gaming and is still being sold by Logitech today, usually priced between $50 and $60 in stores. However, given the current situation, some individuals have taken to trolling Logitech regarding this story.
Amazon's store page for the Logitech G F710 controller has already been updated with customer reviews that mention OceanGate's submersible. In addition to the sarcastic comments, the store page now includes a customer question asking if the controller can be used to control a submarine. Interestingly, Amazon is currently offering a 40% discount on the $49.99 controller, and some users are even eligible for a 90-day free trial of Amazon Music.
Of course, repurposing video game hardware for non-gaming purposes, such as navigation, is not uncommon. In 2017, it was revealed that the US Navy had replaced the clunky and heavy controls in some of its submarines' periscopes with Xbox 360 controllers. Additionally, it has been reported that the US military is integrating Xbox-style controllers into at least two of its next-generation weapons systems. More recently, the Ukraine military has been observed customizing the Steam Deck to remotely operate turrets in their ongoing war efforts.
It's important to mention that Logitech's controller isn't the only one that has captured the public's attention. In fact, the disappearance of the Titan submarine has even had a positive impact on the sales of Iron Lung, an indie-horror game where players navigate underwater in a small, rusty submarine. The creator of the game recently shared the sales trend, revealing that Iron Lung's sales have nearly tripled since June 19.
The current status of OceanGate's submersible remains largely unknown. As of now, the United States Coast Guard has reported discovering debris in the vicinity of the Titanic submarine search area. Further information regarding their efforts will be disclosed through a forthcoming press briefing.
