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EU proposes blanket ban on gaming consoles for Russia Photograph: (Michael Murtaugh via NY Times)
Russian gamers may soon run out of video game consoles as the European Union (EU) has proposed a ban on the hardware, particularly the controller. The decision comes amidst the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war where the Russian military is using console controllers to operate drones. The ban was proposed to prevent these activities.
“We are really looking into all the types of things that help Russia to wage this war to put them on the sanctions list,” EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said as per Financial Times. A blanket ban is being proposed to stop third-party sales.
Popular console makers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have already stopped exporting the Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch back in the early days of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. However, third-party resellers are still actively supplying as per demand. The proposal by the EU aims to put a complete stop to these activities.
Also Read:Microsoft once considered shutting down Xbox for good; Reports
Russia using video game controllers for drone attacks on Ukraine
Russia has faced heavy criticism for its invasion of Ukraine and the conflict is still ongoing. Over the months, both sides have switched to modern warfare using gaming hardwares. The use of video game controllers to operate weapons isn’t something new and is done by most countries. This is due to their cost efficiency as these cheap equipment can disrupt multi-million military equipment.
FAQs
How will this affect the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
While the EU’s decision to try and ban these gaming hardware is sound and on point, it may not be as effective or put a complete stop. A military expert from Ukraine, Olena Bilousova, further explains that most of the imports for these are local Chinese hardware manufacturers, so a ban will likely not disrupt the flow.
Will the ban affect Russian gamers?
Russian people are already suffering due to war and as for gamers, the lack of consoles does limit their options. Many gaming platforms have also ceased functions leading gamers to use other methods to access new video games. Russia is making a new gaming console domestically. but it is way behind in performance.