If you own a Nintendo Switch, you know all about the console’s most prevalent problem: Joy-Con drift. Drift refers to a controller registering an action (such as movement) even if the controller is not being handled. This can lead to characters moving in-game when the player is not even touching the controller.
Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common problem with the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con. Many Switch users worldwide have had to resort to buying new Joy-Cons or sending what they own to the repair shop.
But before you buy new Joy-Cons or pay for repairs, here are a few fixes you can try out yourself to address the issue:
1. Clean the controller
If your Joy-Cons have been through quite a bit, there is likely a build-up of dirt and grime in the thumbsticks. You do not have to take apart the Joy-Cons unless you are confident in your skills or do not mind the risk of breaking them. You can grab a can of compressed air (which are available at many electronics stores) for cleaning. When using the can, follow the instructions carefully, and while you are blowing into the thumbsticks, move the thumbsticks carefully to spray in as many angles as possible to loosen up and blow out all the dirt.
2. Update the software
Sometimes, software issues can cause the drift. Although we will not get into the nitty-gritty of the issue, software conflicts can lead to all sorts of problems outside of drifting. That being said, updates should have been made and released to address such problems.
If you have not updated your Joy-Cons, perform a controller update. To do this, go to your settings menu on the Switch and select "Controllers." From there, click "Update Controllers" and wait until the update is finished downloading and installing. This can apply not just to your Joy-Cons, but your Pro Controller and Poké Ball™ Plus.
3. Recalibrate the thumbsticks
The last thing you can do to fix a drifting Joy-Con is to recalibrate the thumbsticks. The internal software can compensate for the drift. Even if there is still a problem with your controllers, the software can ensure it reads as no movement. To do this, delve into the settings menu in your Switch, and then look for "Controllers and Sensors." From there, select "Calibrate Control Sticks" and then follow the instructions until it is done.
Conclusion
If any of the solutions fixed the problem for you, that is great news. You would not have to spend the money to buy new controllers, nor would you have to waste time getting them fixed. However, if none of the above solutions works, you may not have a choice.
Fortunately, Nintendo is well aware of this problem. Because of the upsurge of Joy-Con-related problems, Nintendo has a Joy-Con Repair Program, where you can send your Joy-Cons to Nintendo for a free repair (which may take a while). If you do not want to do that and still do not want to purchase a new set of Joy-Cons, then send it to a repair shop instead. Just make sure the repair store is knowledgeable and trustworthy to ensure you get the proper fixes!
Gamer-Tech is a well-established repair company in the UK utilising the latest techniques and highest-quality parts to carry out effective and quick repairs to get broken devices up and running. If you need Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons repairs, reach out to us right away!