Just bought a Microsoft official Series X controller so I could enjoy cloud gaming and use it to play stardew valley on my pc. I can already feel the Joystick on this thing slightly falling a part. Like, i think in a few months i might have some real problems with this thing.
Kind of bullshit considering it was damn near 70 dollars. 360 controllers did not feel cheap like this.
It's fundamentally a question of the extent to which the US can maintain its bullshit financial system, as the structural underpinnings of it (namely imperialism and ever-increasing home values) are the primary drivers of profit. The 2008 financial crisis was never actually resolved, interest rates are zilch and quantitative easing is in overdrive. They're out of their usual mask-on tools.
That probably means that they'll be left with mask-off tools: austerity for all, targeting nations outside the US-associated financial system for death even more than usual, and all kinds of disgusting shenanigans to keep exploiter + exploited states in line. India, Vietnam, Indonesia... it will be absolutely essential to the system that they do not become in any way independent: food security, multipolar financial partnerships, improved living standards and fewer work hours will all be high-priority targets of sabotage.