Greetings-
I've a small fabrication shop / 9 yr old Retro Systems CNC plasma / Hypertherm Phoenix software.

Although I like to "play" around with differing software, I typically leave well enough alone. That said, I'd to use an Xbox controller as a remote when homing away from the fix location.

My question is: Should I leave well enough alone? The cutter is working fine, just wondering what Mach is all about...THX Kevin

As much as I love Mach3, if it's working I'd leave it alone.  If the software is running on Hyperthem's controller, there may be a lot more to it than just installing Mach3.  Mach uses a parallel port interface (unless you use an external motion controller).  That is usually not found on industrial controllers.  Most of them use Ethernet or fiber optics for PC to motion controller communication.  Fiber optics is pretty common on older machines.  Ethernet on newer ones.

I agree, if it is working well and you know how to use it  and it does all you want then no need to change.
Hood

Mach has a plugin for the xbox controller and works well. I have only used mine to trace out parts and generate code using
CopyCat. Some of my friends use the xbox constantly instead of an mpg but I would rather use my mpgs for touching off and initial setting of tool location.

There is noting wrong with exploring but if you have something that is reliable and consistant the question's to ask yourself are:
What do I want that would be an improvment to what I currrently using?
In you case ....Will it improve my bottom line and is it worth the effort?

RICH