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How to Fix âYour Drifting Nintendo Switch Pro Controllerâ issue: You are in the midst of a quest that is keeping you on the edge of your seat when all of a sudden, your character begins to slide to the side. This occurrence is referred to as âcontroller drift.â This unwanted revelation has been experienced by a great number of Nintendo Switch system users. When using a controller, drift is one of the most frustrating issues that can arise, and this is especially true when using a Nintendo Switch Pro controller.
Initially, the gradual unsupported movement might not appear to be very significant; yet, it has the potential to gradually derail games by causing unwanted motions. It is also possible for the problem to become more severe over time, with the drift gradually becoming more intense to the point where it makes it impossible to ignore it.
Attempting to fix the joystick drift on your own sounds like a difficult task, particularly if you have no prior experience with controller repair. When it comes to repairing your Pro controller, you are fortunate in that you do not have every option available to you. Through the process of working through your options, you will be able to successfully address the drift problem and ensure that your joysticks are functioning correctly. Here are the ways how to Fix âYour Drifting Nintendo Switch Pro Controllerâ issue.
What are the causes of âYour Drifting Nintendo Switch Pro Controllerâ issue
- Dust and Debris: If dust or other debris builds up around the joystick, it can stop moving, which is called drift.
- Wear and Tear: The controllerâs parts, especially the joystick, may become worn out over time, which can make it move in strange ways.
- Manufacturing Defects: Some controls may have problems with how they were made, like not being calibrated correctly or having low-quality parts that cause them to drift.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme weather or high humidity can make the controller less effective and cause it to move.
- Bugs in the software: Sometimes movement issues are caused by problems with the Nintendo Switchâs firmware or software.
- Intensive Use: Using the controller a lot, especially in games where you have to move the joystick all the time, can speed up the wear and tear on the parts.
How to Fix âYour Drifting Nintendo Switch Pro Controllerâ issue
Cleaning the Analog Sticks
- Power off your Nintendo Switch.
- Gently pry off the controllerâs faceplate using a plastic opening tool or your fingernails.
- Clean around the base of the analog sticks using a can of compressed air or a small brush.
- Wipe the area with a lint-free cloth.
- Reassemble the controller and check if the drifting persists.
Calibration your controller
- Go to the System Settings on your Nintendo Switch.
- Select âControllers and Sensorsâ and then âCalibrate Control Sticks.â
- Follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate the analog sticks.
- Test the controller to see if the drifting is resolved.
Firmware Update
- Connect the controller to your Switch using a USB cable.
- Navigate to the System Settings.
- Select âControllers and Sensorsâ and then âUpdate Controllers.â
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
Perform a Hard Reset
- Power off the Nintendo Switch and detach the Pro Controller.
- Press and hold the SYNC button on the controller for 15 seconds.
- Reconnect the controller to the Switch and power it back on.
Utilize Electrical Contact Cleaner
- Disconnect the controller from the Switch.
- Spray a small amount of electrical contact cleaner around the base of the analog sticks.
- Move the sticks around to distribute the cleaner.
- Let the controller dry thoroughly before reconnecting.
Conclusion
In this day and age, it is extremely difficult to locate a gaming controller that does not eventually become prone to drifting. Because it is such a pervasive problem, businesses like Nintendo and Xbox have even been subjected to legal action from all around the world as a result of it. When it comes to Nintendo, the most common type of drift is known as joy-con drift. However, despite the fact that drift may be less common with Pro Controllers, this does not mean that they are immune to it in any way. The following is a guide that will assist you in repairing your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller if it is drifting.
Questions and Answers
In the event that the rubber or plastic component becomes worn, the problem of drift can be resolved by either replacing it or fixing it. In some instances, a condition that is analogous to this one can be brought on by dirty thumbstick pads. The springs on each component of the thumbstick sensor have become worn out. These springs are responsible for bringing the component back to its centre whenever the thumb is removed.
An isopropyl alcohol solution should be placed on a q-tip, and then the solution should be applied around the joysticks while the stick is also rotated in its whole. In the event that you are able to open the controller and remove the joysticks, proceed with the methods that were described earlier. Youâll fix your stick drift or drastically improve it.
Dust, grit, and grime are the key factors that contribute to troubles with the Xbox controller drifting. As a result of the controller being contaminated with food particles, dead skin, and pet fur, drift problems can occur. The Xbox controller may also drift due to wear and tear, which is another potential obstacle.