Do New Joycons Drift?
Yes, new Joycons can still drift, as the issue is inherent to the design of the Joycon controllers, and even with improvements made by Nintendo, the problem persists, causing frustration for many Nintendo Switch users. The drift issue is caused by the accumulation of dust and dirt under the rubber diaphragm protecting the electrical contacts beneath the joystick, which can lead to ghost inputs and uncontrolled movement in games.
Understanding Joycon Drift
To better understand the issue of Joycon drift, it’s essential to consider the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
FAQs
- What is Joycon drift?: Joycon drift refers to the phenomenon where the analog stick on a Joycon controller registers movement or input even when the stick is not being touched.
- How common is Joycon drift?: According to a report by UK consumer group Which?, over 40% of Nintendo Switch users have experienced Joycon drift issues.
- Will buying new Joycons fix drift?: Unfortunately, buying new Joycons may not permanently fix the drift issue, as the problem can recur over time due to the design of the Joycon controllers.
- Is Nintendo still repairing Joycons for free 2023?: Yes, Nintendo is still offering free repairs for Joycon controllers affected by drift, even if the warranty period has expired.
- How long does it take for Joycons to drift?: The time it takes for Joycons to drift can vary, but on average, it can start to happen within a month of daily use.
- What causes Joycon drift?: The main cause of Joycon drift is the accumulation of dust and dirt under the rubber diaphragm protecting the electrical contacts beneath the joystick.
- Can you send Joycons to Nintendo for repair?: Yes, Nintendo offers a repair service for Joycon controllers, and you can send them in for free repair if you’re experiencing drift issues.
- Is Joycon drift still a problem 2023?: Unfortunately, Joycon drift remains a problem for many Nintendo Switch users in 2023, despite Nintendo’s efforts to address the issue.
- Do Joycons drain Switch battery?: When Joycons are connected to the Nintendo Switch console, they can drain the battery slightly, especially if they’re charging.
- How many years should a Nintendo Switch last?: The lifespan of a Nintendo Switch console can vary, but Nintendo estimates that it can last up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance.
- Do modern Joycons still drift?: Yes, even the latest Joycon controllers can still experience drift, although Nintendo has made some improvements to reduce the issue.
- Does Joycon drift make games unplayable?: In severe cases, Joycon drift can make games unplayable, as the ghost inputs can cause unpredictable movement and actions.
- Can you prevent Joycon drift?: While it’s difficult to completely prevent Joycon drift, you can take steps to reduce the risk, such as cleaning the Joycon controllers regularly and avoiding exposure to dust and dirt.
- Are there alternative controllers that don’t drift?: Yes, there are alternative controllers available that use different technology, such as Hall effect sensors, which can reduce the risk of drift.
- How much does it cost to make Joycons?: According to a report, it costs around $90 to manufacture a pair of Joycon controllers, which is more than the retail price, resulting in a loss for Nintendo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, new Joycons can still drift, and the issue remains a problem for many Nintendo Switch users. By understanding the causes of Joycon drift and taking steps to reduce the risk, you can help extend the lifespan of your Joycon controllers and enjoy a better gaming experience. Additionally, Nintendo’s commitment to offering free repairs and improving the design of the Joycon controllers is a positive step towards addressing the issue.