The Ukrainian military is using Valve’s ‘Steam Deck’ handheld game console as a military controller, which is a hot topic. This is seen because it is more readily available and cheaper than general control modules.
Ukrainian Media TPO Media recently posted photos and videos of a remote controlled ‘Sabre’ automatic machine gun with a steam deck via social media. ‘Saber’ is a system that preserves the user’s life by fighting remotely from a distance of up to 500 meters using a remote control, camera and monitor. Originally, the Ukrainian military used a separate joystick and monitor, but as of 2023 it is known to use a steam deck that is smaller in size and can integrate remote and monitoring functions.
TPO Media said the “Sabers will be placed at key checkpoints and strongholds to support Ukrainian forces in the war against Russia.”
These photos and videos were circulated through various media in Ukraine, but there was no mention of Steam decks. However, it became a hot topic of late as gamers who watched the video on social media discovered the steam deck.
TPO Media did not elaborate on the reason for using the Steam deck as Saber’s controller. However, it is predicted that the low price of 399 dollars (about 530,000 won) had a big impact. General military modules are more expensive than this, and the import process is complicated. Also, since Steam decks are based on Linux, they can be easily adapted for other uses.
This is not the first time a gaming device has been transformed into a military one. In 2018, the US Navy adopted an Xbox controller as a controller for the ‘optical mast (acting as a periscope)’ on a new submarine. The reason is that using off-the-shelf commercial products keeps costs down and makes it easy for young sailors to learn how to use them.
However, some companies are strongly opposed to the unintended use of their products or technology in warfare. In February of this year, SpaceX, where Elon Musk serves as CEO, immediately blocked the service when it learned that its ‘Starlink’ satellite internet was being used to control Ukrainian military drones. “We never intended to be armed,” SpaceX said.
However, it is known that there is no way for Valve, the manufacturer, to respond to the military weapons of steam decks. This is because there is no way to stop the use of steam decks once they are released.
