How does Nintendo fix Joy-Con drift?

Nintendo fixes Joy-Con drift by providing free repairs for affected controllers, regardless of the warranty period, and can be done by sending the Joy-Cons to Nintendo for inspection and repair or replacement if necessary. The company also provides a calibration guide to help users troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue on their own by recalibrating the control sticks through the System Settings menu.

Understanding Joy-Con Drift

What is Joy-Con Drift?

Joy-Con drift is a common issue where the joysticks on the Nintendo Switch controllers malfunction, causing the in-game character to move on its own or drift in a particular direction without any input from the user.

Fixing Joy-Con Drift

Calibration Process

To fix Joy-Con drift, users can try recalibrating the control sticks by going to the System Settings menu, navigating to the Controllers and Sensors section, and following the on-screen prompts to complete the calibration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do they fix Joy-Con drift for free?: Yes, Nintendo performs free Joy-Con repairs in most countries, and users can send their Joy-Cons to Nintendo for inspection and repair or replacement if necessary.
2. Is Joy-Con Drift still a problem in 2023?: Yes, Joy-Con drift is still a problem in 2023, and many users continue to experience issues with their Nintendo Switch controllers.
3. How long do Joy-Cons last before drifting?: The lifespan of Joy-Cons before drifting varies, but on average, users can expect to experience drift after about a month of daily use.
4. Why do Joy-Cons keep drifting?: Joy-Con drift can be attributed to software/hardware issues or the buildup of dirt and grime under or around the thumb sticks.
5. What percent of Joy-Cons have drift?: According to a report by Which?, a UK consumer group, approximately 40% of Nintendo Switch users have experienced Joy-Con drift issues.
6. Do all Joy-Cons drift eventually?: While not all Joy-Cons drift, the issue is common, and many users will eventually experience drift with their controllers.
7. Does controller drift get worse over time?: Yes, controller drift can worsen over time due to natural decay and the deterioration of the joystick components.
8. Are there any Switch controllers that don’t drift?: The GuliKit KingKong 2 PRO Controller is a third-party controller that uses electromagnetic joystick technology to eliminate drift.
9. Why are Joy-Cons so expensive in 2023?: Joy-Cons are expensive to manufacture due to the advanced technology and components used in their design.
10. Do newer Joy-Cons get drift easily?: Yes, even new Joy-Cons can experience drift, and the issue is not limited to older controllers.
11. Do you need a receipt for Joy-Con repair?: While a receipt is not always necessary, providing proof of purchase can help expedite the repair process and ensure that the work is done under warranty.
12. Can you send in a pro controller for repair?: Yes, Nintendo will inspect and repair or replace Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers if they are found to be defective or malfunctioning.
13. Will Nintendo fix Joy-Con drift out of warranty?: Yes, Nintendo will fix Joy-Con drift for free, regardless of the warranty period, as long as the issue is deemed to be a manufacturing defect.
14. Is stick drift fixable?: In some cases, stick drift can be fixed by resetting the controller, cleaning the analog sticks, or replacing the joystick components.
15. Does Joy-Con drift make games unplayable?: Yes, Joy-Con drift can render some games unplayable, especially those that require precise joystick control, such as first-person shooters or platformers.