Gaming hardware has long been associated with entertainment, but it has also found unexpected applications in military operations. From Valve’s Steam Deck being utilized to control turrets in Ukraine to the U.S. military adopting gamepad-style controllers for missile systems, these consumer products have demonstrated surprising versatility beyond their intended use.
Beyond military operations, gaming peripherals have been employed in other high-profile applications. The ill-fated Titan Submersible, for example, was controlled using a Logitech F710 gamepad. Whether it’s HOTAS flight sticks or standard game controllers, any input-capable device has the potential for unconventional use beyond gaming.
Now, the European Union is considering a sweeping ban on the sale of gaming hardware to Russia, citing concerns over their use in military applications. According to the Financial Times, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of targeting all resources that enable Russia’s war efforts:
“We are really looking into all the types of things that help Russia to wage this war to put them on the sanctions list,” she stated. Kallas further specified that the EU was set to issue a blanket ban on gaming consoles, as these devices are reportedly being used to operate drones.
While Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony officially halted direct console sales to Russia in 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the proposed EU ban aims to cut off indirect supply chains, including second-hand sellers and traders within the bloc who continue to send gaming hardware to Russia.
The proposed sanctions would not only encompass gaming consoles but also a wide range of peripherals:
“A ban would cover consoles and gaming controllers, flight simulator controllers and other input units capable of operating drones,” the Financial Times reported.
Despite the potential impact of such restrictions, some experts remain skeptical about their effectiveness. Olena Bulousova, a military dual-use expert from the Kyiv School of Economics, noted that the ban may not significantly hinder Russian drone operators, as many rely on Chinese-manufactured controllers that are readily available through online marketplaces within Russia.
At this stage, the proposed restrictions remain under consideration and require approval from all EU member states before they can be enacted. Whether this ban will effectively limit Russia’s technological access or merely prompt alternative sourcing strategies remains to be seen.
