What does drifting mean on Nintendo?

Joy-Con drift is the name given to an issue some Switch owners have experienced with one or both of their detachable controllers. They have found that movement is being detected by their Switch even when they are not touching the thumbstick on a Joy-Con.

What is drift on Switch?

Table of Contents. Chances are if you have access to news media, you've heard of this phenomenon—joysticks are drifting. Even though it sounds like it, it's not the latest trend. It's a term for joysticks acting as though they are being tilted in a particular direction even when they are not.

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.

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 do Joy-Cons drift so fast?

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.

Joy-Con Drift: Nintendo's Biggest Problem

Can you fix stick drift?

Stick drift often can't be solved, unless you replace the joysticks.

Do new Joy-Cons 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.

What is drift console?

What is “Joy-Con drift”? Joy-Con drift is an issue that Switch owners have been encountering over the last few months that causes the analog sticks on the controllers to randomly move around and input commands to the console, even when they're not being physically moved.

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.

How do you check a drift Switch?

First, head to 'System Settings'. Select 'Controllers and Sensors', then 'Calibrate Control Sticks'. This takes you to a series of simple tests, which can be a little sticky if your Joy-Con isn't cooperating. The first test requires you to check the responsiveness of a floating point in a reticle.

Can you fix drift on Switch Lite?

Replacing the joystick will fix the notorious “Joy-Con drift” issue. (Follow this guide to replace the right joystick in your Nintendo Switch Lite). The Switch Lite uses JIS screws, but you can use a Phillips screwdriver in a pinch. Be very careful not to strip the screws.

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.

What causes drift?

So the way drift develops is the same for all controllers. The main natural cause for controller drift is dust and other debris. Things like food particles, pet fur, and dead skin can accumulate inside your controller and cause it to drift.

Can you avoid stick drift?

The best way to prevent stick drift is to make sure the controller isn't passively exposed to stuff that might be floating in the air. Additionally, we recommend not snacking while gaming. While this may be tempting, you could get bits of food stuck in your control.

Do fake Switch games exist?

The product could be counterfeit if offered well below the average retail price. Look closely at the print found on game discs, cartridges and packaging. Counterfeiters may ship the game disc or cartridge separate from the packaging or instruction manuals.

Can fake Joy-Cons damage your Switch?

Although these Joy-Con are much cheaper than the official ones, they can possibly damage your Nintendo Switch console as they aren't officially licensed by Nintendo. The controllers do act like any other Joy-Con thought with it having normal rumble capabilities and a motion censor.

How fast do Joy-Cons charge?

It takes approximately 3 ½ hours to fully charge the Joy-Con controllers.

How often do Joy-Cons 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.

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.

Are OLED Joy-Cons the same?

The Joy-Con controllers included with Nintendo Switch (OLED model) are the same as the controllers currently available.

Can hand sanitizer fix stick drift?

I've also applied some hand sanitizer (that's what I had) on the tip of a cotton swab and inserted it in the same area and did my best to clean it. After cleaning it, I moved the left joycon stick around for several seconds and then did a controller calibration. So far, the drifting is nonexistent.

How do I stop my Switch controller from drifting?

Is a little stick drift normal?

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.