Anyone else with a drifting joy con? Need emotional support here

[Dewasa]

Ah, found the link of the instructions I used. Review and see if this is something that you can handle. As a side note, the joycon/sticks I bought came with all of the necessary tools. They are not the best of tools so you have to be extra careful to not strip anything but I thought it was nice of them to include the tools (screwdriver, prying tools, etc.) Goes to show how much the actual sticks cost if you can get 2x replacement sticks + tools for around $15 dollars...

Edit: This is the guide for the left joycon, which I am assuming is the one giving you issues. My right sticks are still working great but that's because I don't use it often, lol.

Left Joy-Con Joystick Replacement

The Nintendo Switch comes with two Joy-Con controllers. This guide shows how to replace the joystick of the left Joy-Con. The procedure for...

www.ifixit.com

 

[FraudulentDimetrodon]

In addition to what everyone else has already mentioned, do you happen to have any of the licensed third-party controllers where you live, like the PowerA controllers? I'm not sure how well they work, but they're cheaper at least.

My left Joy-Con started drifting with only 120 hours put into it. I played 60 hours of Super Mario Odyssey years ago on its release day and haven't used them much since. 60 hours into AC, I started noticing minor drift, and another 40 to 60 hours pushed it into the "unplayable" range when I couldn't even wish on a shooting star anymore.

I ended up getting a Pro Controller, which I love everything about except for the d-pad (which is even worse than the reviews made it out to be), but I definitely understand not wanting to put that much money into it.

I'm probably going to try and do a joystick replacement since I have nothing to lose at this point, and my Joy-Cons have the SMO red shell, which means that if I send them in and the Joy-Con can't be fixed, then it'll just be replaced with a standard variant. From what I understand, the drift is something of a hardware design issue, so even if it's replaced with a new stick, that'll start drifting eventually. So I figure that it's better to just learn how to replace the darn things myself.

Why is it that they're called joysticks when they bring us such frustration? OTL

 

[toenuki]

my character just randomly walks forward sometimes and it's so WEIRD

 

[Babo]

I can vouch for the 8bitdo dongle! I had three pairs of controllers all die throughout the span of year and ive been using 8bitdo with a ps4 controller for almost as long as i had a switch! 100% worth it!

 

[Rosie977]

I agree, it's so annoying, I almost gave up animal crossing! If you are planning to spend money, don't buy new joycons. The pro controller is I think the same price, and doesn't drift. I've had mine for a year, and I definitely recommend it!

 

[Chris]

View attachment 271550
It's called the 8bitdo wireless bluetooth dongle. I did some digging and apparently Xbox 360 isn't supported (some people say if you have a bluetooth one then it does).

The controllers I've used with it are PS4 and Wii U pro, but I prefer PS4 because the Wii U pro doesn't have a screenshot button so I can't capture videos with it.

This is fantastic to hear about! I feel Sony Dualshock controllers are superior to all other controllers. I don't know if that's just because I've been a Sony fan since the 90s or if they truly are the most comfortable to hold, but they're definitely my preference. This is something I may have to invest in.

 

[Babo]

This is fantastic to hear about! I feel Sony Dualshock controllers are superior to all other controllers. I don't know if that's just because I've been a Sony fan since the 90s or if they truly are the most comfortable to hold, but they're definitely my preference. This is something I may have to invest in.

U mean u definitely have to invest in

 

[Opal]

Yep! I dropped my switch and had to replace the ZL ribbon thingy myself by opening it up and using a new one that I ordered online since the button stopped working. It worked, but after doing that my character now randomly starts walking to the left even when I'm not touching the joy con :/ I probably accidentally messed with something while fixing the ZL button.

 

[Hoshi]

I know it's a common issue and new ones start drifting so I see no point in investing in a new pair. I had the analogue replaced 2 weeks ago, which was a lot cheaper, but they are both already showing signs... the left now makes the character move to the right, the right stick/camera starts moving on it's own inside, similar to before...
The joycons made me give up on playing Pokemon and a couple of other games, hope it doesn't happen with NH. Terrible design and it's incredible that they charge so much for a new set. You're really better off just learning how to replace it on your own.

 

[Cethosia]

I personally ended up buying a hori dpad joy con. It is around 25 euro, I think, so pretty cheap. This joycon does not have a battery though, so it only works in handheld.

I personally use a different controller for when I play docked, so it was worth the price for me. I will see how long it lasts though.

Someone mentionee remapping so you move with the right joycon. This is a pretty good idea too. If you don't care about playing handheld, there are a lot of controllers out there

Spoiler: Image

 

[Shellzilla_515]

I feel you. I'm struggling to walk downwards normally. It's so infuriating having your controls being negatively impacted just because Nintendo is not willing to fix the source of the problem. The Switch Lite is even worse as the controls are stuck onto the system and are the reason why I will probably never get it. When Smash Bros. Ultimate came out, I knew I had to get a pro controller because the drifting will negatively impact my enjoyment of the game. Anyways, I have a couple of tips to help alleviate frustration when playing. When hitting the rocks, keep directing the joystick in the direction of where you're facing them. At least your character won't suddenly face somewhere else when trying to hit the rocks. My second tip is the inventory and most menus. Use the directional buttons instead of using the joystick to make a selection. I say most because there are other prompts where using the directional buttons do something else. I hope this helps in some way if you can't opt to use alcohol or be tech savvy to solve the drifting problem.

 

[sam :)]

y E s

for the first few weeks i thought my switch was broken, but it feels good to know its a common problem...what about trying to move your character n them not responding to the joy con?

 

[Hedgehugs]

If you have the money do not make the dumb mistake buying another pair of joy-cons (like I did) and just buy a pro controller instead. Especially if you prefer TV Mode. My only problem is that my right stick is becoming slightly drifty, but it's barely noticeable (thank god AC barely uses it) and that's with over 2 years of usage... Plus I haven't tried to recalibrate it yet so maybe that'll fix it (even if that sure didn't work for my joycons lol)?

8bit dongle is sounding kinda tempting though. Definitely gotta try it out when I get the money.

 

[zenni]

I use contact cleaner! It's a bit of a hassle to go get a big can just for joy-cons, but much cheaper than buying new ones for sure. I had to clean it 2 times to make the drift disappear (spray, rub, let dry for 10 mins, spray rub and dry again) and I was pretty surprised at how well it worked. Worth the investment!

 

[Cosmic-chan]

My joy cons drift luckily I have back ups..(I actually only have three- one broke..one drifts..one has a broken trigger. COME ON NINTENDO!! I spent 60 dollars on these things!!) Nowadays I use my tv..

 

[Loubelle]

I have 3 sets of joycons. One set the left one drifts so bad that I have deemed it unusable. It doesn't center properly and just automatically drifts all the way up at the fastest walking speed in animal crossing ;V Then, it also had dead spots at the top and bottom so I could barely move up and down, but when not touching it, it went up. This was especially irritating in animal crossing and private battles in splatoon 2 where I may want to stay still. My second set the left one drifts a little bit, but nowhere near as bad as the previous one I mentioned. The third set I think is in practically perfect condition. It was my first pair that my switch originally came with that I ended up giving my dad (he didn't end up using them as much) so those are in what I deem perfect condition (no drift whatsoever) For now I'm using the ones that drift a little/ medium amount, and im scared to use the good ones lol. I've thought about buying a kit off amazon and replacing the sticks, but I can't find a kit that seems to have good sticks. All the ones I've looked at have said multiple of the ones that come in the kit are defective and I don't want to go through the trouble of switching them out only to have to switch them out multiple times. I play in handheld mode, so I never really considered the pro controller, but I may have to change my ways, as joy con drift is becoming unbearable :[

 

[Sheep Villager]

I got a pro controller the moment my drift got bad enough that my character was barreling in to random direction.
It took some getting used to, but I think I prefer the pro controller now. If you have small hands you might need to finesse your hand position around a bit as the buttons and joysticks are a lot bigger.

I also see people link the joystick replacement guide and just a reminder, if you take apart your Nintendo product you are void of any warranty fixes. AKA if you try to fix the joycon you won't be able to send it in to Nintendo for official repairs. Just a good thing to keep in mind.​

 

[Matt0106]

Don't worry, I've been in your shoes. The drift is a royal nightmare, which is why I had to fix them myself. I also got a Pro Controller, which while pricey, has so far been a great investment; the sticks seem to be far more robust than that of the Joy-Cons.

If you're gutsy, you can always try to repair them yourself; it's not hard so long as you follow a tutorial. All you have to be careful with is not breaking any cables and you'll be fine (you will void the warranty though).

 

[jo_electric]

I don’t but I have a friend who did (just bought new joy cons) and lots of traders as well. I’d be talking to them and they’d either walk into me or wander/“drift” away. Always pretty comical but I can see how it would be frustrating to deal with.

 

[Ras]

I was raging at my drift last night. It has made me make the wrong choice in menus. Today, Audie asked to move and I was terrified it would make me pick letting her go (I would have quit without saving, but still).