Is controller drift inevitable?

Overall, the main takeaway is that controller drift will happen eventually, especially if you've had a controller for a while. Ultimately, the best solution is to buy a new controller, but this isn't always practical, so be sure to problem-solve and take care of any other controllers that you have.

Why is controller drift so common?

One is something as simple as low batteries. A more common cause is dust or debris inside your controller. Over time, that grime can build up and affect the electrical components. Analog stick drift can also be caused by damage to your controller, either from someone dropping it or excessive wear and tear.

Does everyone experience Joy-Con drift?

What is your personal experience with drift? Many people insist that eventually, the sticks on Joy-Cons (and the sticks on the Switch Lite will inevitably drift. But there are many people who have also had no experience with drift. People complain when things go wrong, and tend to not say anything when things go right.

Is Pro controller Drift common?

Joy-Con drift is the most common form of drift for Nintendo. But although drift may be less common in Pro Controllers, they are not immune to it by any means.

Do all controllers have stick drift?

Though stick drift can happen to any controller, today's latest models seem to be the most susceptible to this problem. According to IGN, PS5, Xbox, and Switch Pro controllers have similar potentiometers.

The REAL Science Behind Controller Drift

Why do Joy-Cons drift so easily?

Joy-Con drift can often be attributed to one of two major factors: software/hardware issues or buildup of dirt and grime under or around the thumb sticks. If your console stops working, we'll handle the repairs.

Does Nintendo actually fix Joy-Con drift?

It's been a problem ever since the Switch came out and still hasn't been fully fixed in the new OLED model (although Nintendo says it's made some “improvements”). While you can send your Joy-Cons away for a free repair at Nintendo (or just buy a new set), the sticks will inevitably start drifting again.

Will buying new Joy-Cons fix drift?

Send it to Nintendo For Repair/Refund

Since the issue is widespread, Nintendo actually offers to fix Joy-Con drift for free (and has allegedly fixed the issue on newer Joy-Cons).

Which Switch controllers don t drift?

If you're looking for a Switch controller that's also a great Bluetooth controller for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android, GuliKit's KingKong 2 Pro is a worthwhile purchase. It has Hall effect sticks that ensure that its analog sticks won't suffer from drift, Amiibo support, and it feels like an Xbox controller in the hand.

How long do controllers last before stick drift?

A PS4 controller has a life of about 4 – 5 years before the analog and buttons start to break or drift. This can be due to mishandling or dust buildup.

Is stick drift a controller issue?

The problem that I experience the most is referred to as a drift stick, which is when your character in the game moves or looks around when you're not touching the controller. This can become extremely frustrating in first and third person video games, and make it difficult to play well.

Why is Switch drift so common?

The Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con drift issue is caused by a fundamental design flaw according to a UK consumer group. As reported by Eurogamer, a report from Which claims that, even after just a few months of use, the Joy-Con's plastic circuit boards show significant wear on the joystick slider contact points.

Why do Xbox controllers drift so much?

There are multiple causes of stick drift. Sometimes it can be caused by damage—like dropping it—for example. Other times it can be caused by normal wear and tear. Fortunately, a lot of the time, it is simply caused by a buildup of debris in the sensor.

Do controller grips cause drift?

Don't grip your controller with excessive strength when playing competitive games, but try to put as little force as necessary. Don't push your analog stick too hard: plastic debris can wear off of it, fall down into the module, and cause drift.

Is Joy-Con drift unavoidable?

However, the bad news is that the company has come to the conclusion that Joy-Con drift is an inevitable reality of the controller's design with Shiota comparing it to tire wear on a car.

How do I permanently get rid of Joy-Con drift?

What does Nintendo say about Joy-Con drift?

Nintendo has responded to reports on the issue, telling Kotaku that anybody who experiences problems with their Joy-Cons should contact Nintendo support: "At Nintendo, we take great pride in creating quality products and we are continuously making improvements to them," it said.

What are early signs of stick drift?

When an Xbox One controller starts suffering from drift, you'll typically notice unwanted movement while playing games. It's called controller drift, or analog stick drift, because one or both thumbsticks will drift, or move, in an undesired direction even when you aren't touching them.

Do pro controllers drift less?

Joy-Con drift is the most common form of drift for Nintendo. But although drift may be less common in Pro Controllers, they are not immune to it by any means.

Does Gamestop fix Joy-Con drift for free?

A: Yes , drifting is a highly common isssue with all Nintendo switch joy-con but nintendo has a policy in place to repair if your request through their customer service for a fix free of charge.

How long do Joy-Cons last?

The Joy-Con controllers take approximately three and a half hours to fully charge. When fully charged, the battery for the Joy-Con controllers can last approximately 20 hours. This may be shorter depending on the software application and functions being used.

How common is Joy-Con drift Switch?

According to UK consumer group Which?, 40 percent of Nintendo Switch users report that they have experienced issues with Joy-Con drift.

Can you sue Nintendo for Joy-Con drift?

A US judge has dismissed a Joy-Cons drift lawsuit against Nintendo. The legal action was initially filed in October 2020, by parents on behalf of their 10-year-old.

Do SCUF controllers have stick drift?

Thumbsticks can also develop “drift” which will manifest in-game as unintended movement or canceled functions (like sprinting). Games with smaller deadzones in their default settings, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends or Call of Duty: Warzone, may cause more controllers to display “drift” in game.