Hardware Horrors - The Case of the PS5's Drifting Joysticks

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The long-awaited arrival of Sony’s latest entry into the console wars was met with several criticisms from consumers. Although it boasts competitive hardware specifications fit to handle upcoming next-gen IPs, the PS5’s release doesn’t have the strongest opening hand.

 

With limited supply in the market, plenty of buyers had to competitively reserve slots from game stores to avail of the console. Not only that, but scalping became common with buyers reserving multiple units for resale. This is why PS5 you can expect to pay for a higher purchasing price if you’re buying one late in the game. Another issue that’s making the PS5’s release more of a blunder is that its infamous DualSense controllers have the issue of drifting.

 

Considering Innovation Before the PS5’s Setbacks

 

The introduction of the DualSense controller was met with critical acclaim with its unique functions and features. It has great potential for game developers to capitalise on its versatility as a game controller since it can make great ways to control environments and promote a broader range of input from the user. Its unique haptic feedback can give more weight to gaming experiences. With its ergonomic shape and impressive technical capabilities, it’s definitely a great success for Sony above the Xbox’s recent entry. However, all these technological advancements can fall short due to a slight analogue stick problem.

 

Based on many sources since release, the innovative DualSense controller seems to have a drift problem. This causes the analogue stick to lean slightly towards a direction without getting any user input. Confirmation from several Reddit threads and YouTube videos reveal that both sticks can drift, with just 10 days after buying their console. If the broken joystick becomes a prevalent hardware issue, it can be alarming for Sony and its supporters to expect a major callback of slightly defective controllers.

 

Comparing Nintendo’s Joy-Con Problem

 

A widespread cause for alarm isn’t clear yet, with a majority of PS5 owners not having the same drifting problem. However, if it’s an issue of wear and tear over time, it could be a considerable problem indeed. For example, the Nintendo witch’s Joy-Con drift issue remains a problematic scenario for the company. Many individual consumers are holding pitchforks and broken left Joy-Con analogue sticks to request reimbursement repairs, even for units past the warranty date. If history will repeat itself, Sony should be ready to do similar reparations to their customers.

 

Checking Your Options With a ‘Damaged’ DualSense Controller

 

Currently, there are several options you can take if you end up owning a DualSense controller with a drifting problem. Sony confirms that this issue is covered by the warranty, allowing you to contact the PS5’s support page and send it back to them for repairs. Additionally, you can contact your reseller for a replacement and have them offer a faster solution for you.

 

Conclusion

 

Sony’s release of the PS5 from a marketing standpoint has some pros and cons going for them. Although it boasts an impressive and unique innovation to the gaming industry, it also has an underwhelming number of games on its release. Many gamers criticise the lack of an expansive game library upon release, with the Remastered Demon Souls being one of the few compelling selling points of purchasing it as early as now. Although there’s a round of intriguing titles coming out in the following weeks, its minor hardware complications can be a troubling fact. For now, the limited internal storage won’t be an immediate issue since there are still too few games to actually buy. However, its controller issue can be more damaging to the brand if more people start encountering it with their purchases.

 

If you don't plan to wait in line for Sony's customer support, you can send your broken DualSense controller to us at Gamer Tech. We can handle all forms of console accessory and device repairs, from consoles to smartphones. If you need a tech hop that can handle PS5 and Xbox Series X repair in the UK, ship your device to us today!

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