Nintendo Switch Joy-Con stick drift is an issue that has been there since the device's release. Even though Nintendo has claimed to have made changes to the Joy-Con to fix the issue, many users still come across stick drifts and it affects the console's lifespan.
Causes of Stick Drift
The main cause of stick drift on a Nintendo Switch console is wear and tear. Since the analog stick is a moving part of the console, it is bound to wear out eventually.
Controllers use a component called potentiometer to gauge the current position of the console stick. The damage to the controller can eventually affect the neutral position of the stick that is supposed to return when it is not being tilted in a certain position. It can cause the potentiometer to register constant or erratic movements.
This is due to dust and debris building up within the console's mechanism. It is something that will affect controllers with constant use over time.
Also Read: Nintendo Switch OLED is 'Joy-Con Drift' Prone--Controller Issue Will Continue Despite Upgrades
As for the Nintendo Switch, the threshold was hit sooner than expected. Some users have opened up their Joy-Con just to find worn-down parts inside. If you find your Nintendo Switch suffering from stick drift, there are troubleshooting tips that you can follow.
Calibrate the Controller and Dead Zones
If the controller is showing signs of controller drift, it is worth investigating a proper repair. It is possible to make the issue better with the console's calibration tool.
This is effective if you have a controller that seems to be pulling in one direction all the time, but it is unlikely to help with erratic movements of the stick.
To do this, all you have to do is go to System Settings, then select Controllers and Sensors, followed by Calibrate Control Sticks. Hold down the analog stick that you want to calibrate and hit the "X" button on the controller.
Keep in mind to choose "Calibrate" in the warning that appears to proceed, according to How-to-Geek.
Use the Joy-Con Repair Program
The Joy-Con stick drift issue is so widespread that Nintendo now has its own repair program just to address this issue.
Technically, the program allows for Joy-Con issues to be addressed and does not mention stick drift specifically, so you may be able to use it to repair non-functioning buttons, infrared sensors, and motion controls.
If you would like to register for the repair program, go to joyconrepair.nintendo.com and fill out the form with your personal information, including your name, email, home address, and phone number.
You can also provide a reasons for the repair, though Nintendo tests each incoming Joy-Con for issues. You will need to specify the number of Joy-Con that you are returning, with a maximum of five Joy-Con per program.
Repair the Joy-Con with Spare Parts
If you have a special edition Nintendo Switch and you do not want to take any chances on Nintendo sending a gray Joy-Con as a replacement and you want to fix the problem yourself, you can try repairing your Joy-Con by yourself. iFixit sells Nintendo Switch Joy-Con replacement joysticks as a kit or individually.
You can just follow iFixit's own handy guide to fixing either the right or left Joy-Con.
Related Article: Nintendo Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Switch Joy-Con Drift Issues
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Written by Sophie Webster
