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How to Test Your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons for Drift: A Comprehensive Guide

Wondering if your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are experiencing the dreaded drift? It’s a common issue, and fortunately, it’s relatively easy to diagnose. Joy-Con drift occurs when your controller registers movement even when you’re not touching the thumb sticks. This can lead to frustrating gameplay, with characters moving on their own or the camera panning unexpectedly. This article will walk you through the testing process and answer some frequently asked questions about Joy-Con drift.

Understanding Joy-Con Drift

Before we get into testing, let’s clarify what Joy-Con drift actually is. It’s a hardware issue that affects the thumb sticks of your Joy-Con controllers. When drift occurs, the internal components of the thumb sticks may send incorrect signals to your Switch console. This results in unwanted movement within games, even if you’re not actively using the controller. It’s frustrating for players since it makes precision and control challenging.

How To Test for Joy-Con Drift

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to testing your Joy-Cons for drift:

Access System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, select System Settings. It’s the gear-shaped icon.
Navigate to Controllers and Sensors: Scroll down the menu on the left-hand side and select Controllers and Sensors. This is where you’ll find options related to your controllers.
Test Input Devices: Within the Controllers and Sensors menu, select Test Input Devices.
Select Test Controller Buttons: On the following screen, choose Test Controller Buttons.
Test Each Control Stick: You will now be prompted to press the button or control stick on the controller you wish to test. Gently move each thumb stick in a full circle and watch the on-screen display.
- Normal Function: If your Joy-Con is functioning correctly, the cursor on the screen will move in perfect sync with your thumb stick movement.
- Drift Indication: If you notice the cursor moving on its own, even when you’re not touching the thumb stick, then your controller has drift. You might also notice jittery, erratic movement.
Visual Confirmation: If you are experiencing any drift, you will notice that the little “+” indicator in the middle of the screen may move around even if you aren’t touching the stick.

Further Testing & Calibration

If you’ve confirmed you have Joy-Con drift, you can attempt recalibration to see if this temporarily resolves the issue. To do this follow these instructions:

Go back to the Controllers and Sensors menu in System Settings.
Select Calibrate Control Sticks.
Follow the on-screen prompts. This will guide you to recalibrate each thumb stick one by one. You will be asked to tilt the stick in a single direction for a few seconds.
Return to the Test Input Devices menu and retest the controllers.

If after these steps the drift persists, it’s likely an internal hardware issue that may require professional repair or replacement.

Understanding the IR Motion Camera

Besides control stick issues, you might also be interested in testing the IR Motion Camera located on the bottom of the (R) Joy-Con. Here’s how to test it:

Access the Joy-Con settings: In the Controllers and Sensors menu, select the specific Joy-Con you want to test (likely the Right one).
Enable the IR Camera: Find the button at the bottom-right corner labeled “Point the IR Camera at things!” and select “On”. You might need to unlock some Joy-Con modules to make this option available.
Test the Camera: Once this option is “On,” point the IR Camera at an object. You will then be able to see the infrared image of this object on your console’s screen.

Motion Control Testing

To test the motion controls on your Switch, follow these steps:

From the HOME Menu, go to System Settings.
Select Controllers and Sensors.
Choose Calibrate Motion Controls.
Select Calibrate Console.
With Joy-Con controllers detached, place your console on a flat, stable surface and follow the prompts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Joy-Con Drift

Here are some commonly asked questions related to Joy-Con drift to give you a more comprehensive understanding:

1. How common is Joy-Con drift?

Joy-Con drift is surprisingly common. Recent studies suggest that a significant percentage of original Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are affected by this issue.

2. Why do Joy-Cons drift so easily?

Joy-Con drift can be attributed to several factors: hardware limitations, the buildup of dirt and grime around the thumb sticks, and general wear and tear. The design of the Joy-Con mechanism seems particularly vulnerable to this issue.

3. Will replacing Joy-Cons fix drift?

Replacing your Joy-Cons will fix the issue initially, but the problem may reappear over time as the new controllers are also susceptible to the same issue. Consider a more robust third-party controller if drift is a recurring problem.

4. Is Nintendo still repairing Joy-Cons for free?

Yes, Nintendo offers free Joy-Con repairs, especially in North America, even outside of the warranty period. Check their website for specific details.

5. Do all Joy-Cons drift eventually?

While not guaranteed, it’s a possibility. It’s often stated that all Joy-Cons will eventually drift.

6. How long do Joy-Cons last?

When fully charged, Joy-Con controllers can last for approximately 20 hours, but this can vary based on the software and functions you’re using.

7. Why is my Joy-Con control stick not working?

Ensure the Joy-Cons have the latest firmware and try calibrating the sticks. Sometimes a software update for the game may fix controller problems.

8. Can Joy-Con drift go away on its own?

No, **Joy-Con drift** will not resolve on its own. It’s usually a hardware problem and will require either a fix such as recalibration, a cleaning of the thumbstick mechanism, or a replacement.

9. Can I manually fix Joy-Con drift?

You can attempt to clean the Joy-Con around the base of the control stick with compressed air. Recalibrating is also a good option. However, it’s often a temporary fix. More permanent solutions often require a repair or a replacement.

10. What does the green light on the Joy-Cons mean?

The green light indicates that the **Joy-Con** is turned on and functioning. The number of lights also corresponds to the player number.

11. Does the Nintendo Switch have a hidden camera?

Yes, the right **Joy-Con** has an **IR Motion Camera** on the bottom, which is used in specific games and functionalities.

12. How do I clean the IR sensor?

Use a polyester swab wet with ethanol to gently clean the IR sensor lens if you suspect it’s dirty.

13. What is the lifespan of the IR sensor?

Infrared sensors can last for over 5 years, however they must be calibrated regularly. Sensors should be calibrated at least quarterly or when any accuracy problems arise.

14. Are microwave sensors better than PIR for motion detection?

Microwave sensors are often more reliable in hot areas or areas with obstacles, as they don’t rely on heat signatures and don’t require a line of sight to detect movement.

15. What is the ‘black thing’ on the bottom of my Right Joy-Con?

The **'black thing'** at the bottom of the Right **Joy-Con** is the **IR Motion Camera**.

Conclusion

Joy-Con drift is a frustrating issue that many Nintendo Switch users experience. Knowing how to test your controllers is the first step in addressing this problem. While some temporary solutions like calibration might help, more often than not the issue requires a repair or a replacement. By understanding the causes and symptoms, and by utilizing the testing steps outlined above, you’ll be better equipped to keep your gaming experience as enjoyable as possible. Remember that Nintendo offers free repairs for those affected, so reach out if your controllers are persistently drifting.

How do you test Joycons for drift?