What happens when a controller drifts?

Controller drift is a term used when a controller's thumbstick no longer responds accurately to your input, or when it moves - or drifts - on screen without touching it.
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Can controller drift be fixed?

Owners have multiple options to fix Xbox controller drift issues, which include quick fixes like using isopropyl alcohol to clean the analog sticks to something more complex like dismantling the Xbox controller to eliminate obstructions.
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What is drift in a controller?

Controller drift is a curse that befalls every gamer at one time or another, but few feelings are worse than when it occurs mid-play session. For the uninitiated, controller drift is the terminology for joysticks that take on a life of their own, wrestling control away from the user. Sounds familiar? Related.
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How long does it take for controller drift to happen?

My two PS4 controllers got stick drift within 2 years while my four third party controllers (which I use more than the DS4s) are still fine. I had it after 1.5 years. Pumped the stick out of its socket and back in repeatedly 8-10 times for a few times, problem solved.
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What causes drift?

Stick drift can have several causes. Some common causes are: Wear and tear: Over time, wear and tear on the joystick's internal components can cause stick drift. Dirt and dust: Accumulation of dirt and dust in the controller can affect joystick operation and cause stick drift.
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Stick Drift Explained | Everything You Need To Know | Prevention, Causes, Options!

Why do all Xbox controllers drift?

If your Xbox controller is broken and you're experiencing joystick drift, there are a few possible causes. One is something as simple as low batteries. A more common cause is dust or debris inside your controller.
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Why do Joy-Cons drift so easily?

Joy-Con drift can often be attributed to one of two major factors: software/hardware issues or buildup of dirt and grime under or around the thumb sticks. If your console stops working, we'll handle the repairs. Make an appointment, or visit your nearest store today.
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Will resetting controller fix drift?

Fortunately, it's easy to fix stick drift by resetting and cleaning the controller, or by maneuvering the thumbsticks.
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Why does controller drift exist?

Stick drift happens as the resistance of the analog sticks potentiometers change over time or in some cases right out of the factory. The resistance can change due to use, break down of the material inside the potentiometer or just by being unbalanced.
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Can hair cause stick drift?

We're talking about sticky dust balls, skin flakes, pet hair, anything that can squeeze between the base and stick rings. That junk getting lodged in the sensors underneath is most likely causing the drift disaster, so yeah, blast it all out.
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How to fix stick drift on PS4?

How to Fix PS4 Controller Analog Stick Drift
  1. Reset your PS4 controller. Resetting the DualShock 4 can solve a lot of issues that suddenly pop up. ...
  2. Clean your PS4 controller. ...
  3. Get your PS4 controller repaired or replaced by Sony. ...
  4. Disassemble your PS4 controller to clean the analog stick. ...
  5. Replace the PS4 analog sticks.
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How do I clean my controller to stop stick drift?

Clean the stick with alcohol.

Again, make sure the batteries are removed from the controller. Lightly soak a cotton swab with Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Use it to clean the base of the joystick. Press the joystick in all directions to expose more of the base and clean as much of it as you can.
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How to prevent stick drift?

Here are some tips to prevent this problem from happening again in the future: Treat your controller well. Avoid dropping the controller or exposing it to liquids. Clean the controller regularly. This will help prevent dirt and debris from accumulating that can clog the joysticks.
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How do I permanently fix my drift controller?

Turn off your controller's Bluetooth, then turn it back on

Disconnecting your controller from your console's Bluetooth® devices forces the controller to forget it and then recognize it upon syncing again. Sometimes, this can eliminate controller drift.
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Is stick drift always fixable?

When one or both springs wear out, you'll notice drift. Replacing the springs fixes that problem. Bad thumbstick unit: Each thumbstick has a boxy sensor component soldered to the controller circuit board. This component can fail internally; the only possible fix is replacing it with a new part.
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Does replacing joystick fix drift?

Stick drift is when the potentiometer in the joystick wears out and starts malfunctioning. The good news is that most stick drift guides have you replacing the joystick but almost all of the time the potentiometer is the only problem.
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Should I worry about Joy-Con drift?

Yes, Joy Con drift on the Switch Lite is a real concern. It can happen to anybody at any time. I have seen numerous videos both on YouTube and reddit where people get drift in just a matter of days.
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Is Joy-Con Drift permanent?

While you can send your Joy-Cons away for a free repair at Nintendo (or just buy a new set), the sticks will inevitably start drifting again.
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Does Nintendo fix drift for free?

Nintendo admits that "Joy-Con drift" is an unavoidable problem on Nintendo Switch systems, as the controllers' joysticks simply can't the normal wear and tear of gaming. Thankfully, you can get your Switch Joy-Cons repaired for free.
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Are there any Xbox controllers that don't drift?

However, after years of notoriously drift-prone Joy-Cons, third-party accessory makers like 8BitDo and GuliKit have been slowly stepping up to offer alternatives that utilize drift-free Hall effect sensors. The latest is the GameSir G7 SE, the first licensed Xbox controller with Hall effect sticks.
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