I sorted out "hid"/object so it might work easier now I havnt seen it working before.
this was with a xbox/ looking controler. I got for 10 bucks.
https://patchstorage.com/hidi-midi-joystick-cannon-game-pd-vanilla-gem-pmpd-hid/

I made a small pmpd game pd file
https://patchstorage.com/hidi-midi-joystick-cannon-game-pd-vanilla-gem-pmpd-hid/

pmpd_cannon1.pd

if you make " f box $0 " and then check the inside of the f box youll get a number . so $0array is actually called maybe 1002array . and then you sen the data into 1002array.. but you have to check the number because it might be different it doesnt always stay the same number.

also this is how to use savestate with $0
https://patchstorage.com/savestate-plus-0-array-save-pd-vanilla/

they need their own name / per array to save the data. you could output the array as a txt file and read it back in when you open it.

got it to cut off the joystick from the mouse and the hid still works and the regular mouse still works. so it works totally now! linux mx is the only one Ive evr really used before.

I got "hid" hid-help to open device 15 on a playstation2-3 looking usb 2-analog stick. it gets the numbers from both analog sticks and 8-10 buttons. the last issue is that my mouse is actually still moving around because it also is using the joystick at the same time.

I just tried an akai "mpk mini play" it has a red joystick thing and a keyboard and 8 drum pads. The midi that comes out of it isnt really good for an actual joystick its a mess.

im finding them here for like 25 bucks

its referenced somewhere in gem. or a joystick is called a hid. maybe. I looked through the librry quickly , I dont understand what a device is maybe. I dont know if it only works on certain devices etc.. Im looking for midi becauise it seems to work best on vanilla. If you have any working examples with hid Id look at it .