Is Switch drift common?

Joy-Con drift is a problem where a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller acts as though something is moving the control stick even when nothing is. This can mean the camera, cursor, or video game characters on your Switch keep moving even when you aren't touching the controller. This problem is worryingly widespread.

Is drift common for Nintendo Switch?

Drifting is a problem that is undeniably common in the Switch's Joy-Con, but it can also affect Pro Controllers as well. That's not to say Nintendo's products are cheap or shoddy universally; drift is an issue that can affect any controller on the market – even the mighty Xbox One Elite Controller isn't safe.

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.

How often do Joy-Cons get drift?

Six in 10 (57 percent) participants said they started experiencing drift issues within the first year of owning a Switch, and approximately a quarter of those (26 percent) contacted Nintendo for a replacement or fix. Of these, one in five (19 percent) were not offered a free replacement or fix.

Does Joy-Con Drift happen to everyone?

Well, all controllers can have a drift issue. A drift issue happens when a controller stick wears down and the sensors of the controller stick don't register things correctly. The term Joy-Con drift has appeared because the Joy-Con has a somewhat higher failure rate.

Joy-Con Drift: Nintendo's Biggest Problem

Is stick 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.

Is Joy-Con drift an easy fix?

This is easy to fix by recalibrating your control sticks in the Switch settings. Go to the Home page and select System Settings > Controllers and Sensors then scroll down to Calibrate Control Sticks. Follow the onscreen instructions to recalibrate your control stick.

Does Nintendo fix drift for free?

Nintendo has been repairing Switch players' Joy-Con "drift" issues for free, even if they're no longer under warranty, in North America since 2019.

What percentage of Joy-Cons drift?

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

How long do Joy-Cons usually 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 bad is Nintendo Switch drift?

Every Nintendo Switch owner's worst fear is "Joy-Con drift." Joy-Con drift — the bug where the controllers' sticks act like you're moving them, even when they're still — has gotten so bad that Nintendo is involved in two class-action lawsuits about it.

Is Joy-Con drift Avoidable?

Joy-Con drift on Switch is basically unavoidable, Nintendo admits | TechRadar.

Is drifting faster than just turning?

Is drifting really fast? That depends. Around a corner it is not the fastest way, as a straight line will propel you faster, since there are no interruptions, but drifting can be as fast as around a corner as driving around a corner in a traditional way.

Why are Joy-Cons prone to drift?

What causes Joy-Con drift? There are two potential causes for drift: some users blame the issue on either dust or debris making their way into the controller underneath a rubber cap that's designed to keep the interior clean.

How many Joy-Cons are affected by drift?

UK consumer watchdog Which has released a new report that claims over 40% of Joy-Con controllers for the base Nintendo Switch are hindered by drift issues.

How long will Nintendo fix Joy-Con drift?

How long does a Joy-Con repair take? The general consensus indicates that Joy-Con repairs by Nintendo can take anywhere from 3 days to a month. If it turns out your Joy-Con issues aren't covered by Nintendo or you need it faster, we can help.

Does drifting take skill?

It is true that drifting requires skill, technique, and precision—but it is also true that anyone can learn how to drift with the right coaching.

Does deadzone stop stick drift?

A low deadzone is more responsive, a subtle touch will result in an input, on the flip side, if your controller is a little worn or the sticks are a little loose it could lead to drift. Larger deadzones trade off slower responsiveness to avoid accidental inputs.

Does drifting cause damage?

I'm aware that drifting has a safety risk and wears out tires. It also places some lateral force on the bottom of the tire, torquing the wheel relative to the axle, and puts load on the suspension on the outside of the turn. However, hard, non-drifting turning also puts torque on the wheel and load on the suspension.

How much drift is too much?

At the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), we have defined a displacement with an absolute value greater than or equal to 0.6 logits as excessive and found this threshold to be useful.

Will Nintendo repair Joy-Cons for free?

Although Nintendo has offered free repairs for out-of-warranty Joy-Cons in North America, Latin America, and France, it never extended the policy to the UK, Switzerland, and all of the EEA until now.

Can updating Joy-Cons fix drift?

The software needs an update: Making sure that your Joy-Con controllers are calibrated properly and have received the latest updates help them function properly and can fix some minor drifting issues.