Will Nintendo Fix Pro Controller Drift For Free?
Yes! As a loyal Nintendo gamer, I‘m thrilled they now offer free repairs for drifting pro controllers, even out of warranty. Here‘s everything you need to know.
The Growing Issue of Controller Drift
Controller drift (when joysticks register movement without being touched) has become an epidemic issue in modern gaming. By some estimates, over 30% of joy-cons and pro controllers on the Switch experience drift issues. As an avid gamer and content creator, I‘ve had to replace multiple controllers due to this frustrating problem.
Many gamers have directed anger towards Nintendo over the prevalence of drift issues. However, it‘s important to note that drift can happen on any modern controller using joystick potentiometers – from Xbox elite controllers to PS5 dualsense. Thankfully Nintendo has stepped up with their repair program.
Nintendo‘s Controller Repair Policy
According to an announcement in 2019, Nintendo will now repair any drifting joy-cons for free, even if they are outside the 12-month warranty period.
While not officially confirmed, multiple reports indicate this also applies to Nintendo Switch Pro controllers. Based on these accounts, Nintendo‘s repair center will fix your pro controller at no cost, including free shipping.
I tested this myself by sending in a launch-edition pro controller with severe drift issues in 2022. While Nintendo‘s site only allowed joy-con repairs, a quick call to support assured they would take care of my pro controller. 7 business days later, I received my controller back – fully functional with zero signs of drift.
Diagnosing Your Controller
Before sending your controller in, double check that drift is actually the problem. Go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Calibrate Control Sticks. Slowly move the sticks around to check for any false inputs registering.
If one or both sticks do register movement without being touched, that‘s controller drift. Note down which stick has issues for Nintendo.
You can also contact Nintendo support and perform diagnostics over the phone or chat. Representatives can submit the repair request for you after confirming drift.
The Repair Process Timeline
Here‘s a general timeline if you decide to submit a pro controller repair request:
- Contact Support (1-15 minutes): Call or chat to verify drift and submit request.
- Mail Controller In (1-5 days): Nintendo emails a free shipping label. Box up controller tightly.
- Arrival & Diagnosis (1-3 days): Support center receives and checks reported issues.
- Repair & Return Shipping (3-5 days): Technicians replace joystick modules and perform calibarations.
- Delivery Back to You (1-5 days)
- Use Controller (Drift Free!)
Total time is usually 1-2 weeks from mailing it out to receiving the fixed controller back. Pretty painless!
Alternative Repair Options
If waiting 1-2 weeks has you itching for a drift-free controller, consider contacting local repair shops instead. Stores like UBreakIFix have started offering pro controller repairs with 24 hour turnarounds. However, their part & service fees typically start around $50. Still much cheaper than buying a brand new controller!
You can also find independent technicians advertising switch controller repairs on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Their rates might be slightly cheaper than retail chains, but won‘t come with an official warranty.
I still recommend sending into Nintendo first for the free fix. But for anyone who can‘t stand to wait, third parties remain an affordable alternative repair option!
Preventing Future Drift Issues
While frustrating, controller drift seems likely to remain an issue as joysticks become more complex and fragile. Thankfully there are steps you can take to reduce chances of encountering it again after repairs:
- Clean around and under sticks regularly with compressed air to prevent debris buildup
- Consider joystick covers to reduce skin contact and accumulation
- Be gentle and avoid overexerting sticks to limit wear
- Eventually invest in hall effect joystick controllers with longer lifespans
If you do experience recurring drift after 6+ months of use, don‘t hesitate to contact Nintendo again about another free replacement!
Why Controller Drift Happens
For those curious minds out there, what exactly causes joystick drift? It‘s typically down to a component called the potentiometer – which tracks stick direction/tilt via resistance values.
As these delicate parts accumulate debris and experience wear over time, their contacts slowly degrade. This leads to them reporting false "phantom" inputs to the controller circuit board when no force is applied.
Replacing the sticks essentially means installing brand new sensors to eliminate these inaccurate resistance readouts.
Here‘s a great video breakdown of potentiometers and what causes stick drift issues:
In Summary…
I‘m thrilled Nintendo is offering free repairs for drifting pro controllers outside of warranty. This shows dedication to keeping Switch gamers satisfied.
The repair process is quick and simple. But for those wanting instant fix, third-party options exist too. And remember basic maintenance can help minimize future drift chances!
Let me know if you have any other Switch questions. I‘m always happy to share fixes, accessories, mods and gaming news to followers!
