Did you know that Joy Cons are incredibly versatile? They aren’t just controllers for your Nintendo Switch. They can also perform a variety of other functions.
For example, you can pair Joy Cons with your Android phone, Mac, or PC! It’s a simple way to take your gaming to the next level. You can also turn them into lightsabers, use them to make music, and more.
As useful as Joy Cons are, however, they’re still controllers. Like any analog video game controller, they’re prone to stick problems, such as Joy Con drift.
If you’re experiencing Joy Con drifting or similar problems with your Joy Cons, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll explain the possible causes of Joy Con drifting, methods you can try to fix it, and what to do if it doesn’t work.
What Is Joy Con Drift?
Joy Con drifting is one of the biggest issues that you will encounter when playing a Nintendo Switch. It’s been a problem since the console dropped in 2017, and will likely continue to be an issue for a long time.
Simply put, Joy Con drifting is when movement is detected by your Nintendo Switch without you using either of the thumbsticks. Sometimes it happens when absolutely nothing is touching the Joy Con. This problem can occur with either of your Joy Cons.
As you might have guessed, this is a major problem for one simple reason: it makes gaming harder. How are you supposed to play your best when the character starts running around without your direction? Or when the in-game camera angles change too fast for you to keep up with?
Gaming is supposed to relax you or improve your mood. Joy Con drifting is an annoying problem that will do the exact opposite.
Luckily, Joy Con drifting isn’t impossible to fix. Once you figure out why your Joy Con is drifting, the potential reason might be simple enough that you can fix it on your own.
Possible Causes of Joy Con Drifting
There are a few reasons why your Joy Cons might be experiencing drifting issues. One of the biggest reasons is a problem within the hardware of that Joy Con. Fortunately, that’s not the only reason, so you don’t need to jump to replacing your Joy Cons.
If it’s not a hardware issue, the reasons why your Joy Cons aren’t working right get significantly easier to fix.
One big cause of Joy Con drifting is the buildup of dirt and grime. Over time, this grime will get into the inner workings of your Joy Cons. This causes problems with any kind of technology, let alone something that depends on being sensitive to touch.
Another cause of Joy Con drifting is pretty simple. If you’ve been using your Joy Cons for a while, the thumbsticks are probably worn out. They’re more prone to problems than they were when they were brand new.
It gets even more simple than that, though. The reason your Joy Cons are drifting could be as simple as needing to be updated. You should also check the last time you calibrated themthey might just be out of sync.
How to Fix Joy Con Drifting
Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can try if you want to fix Joy Con drifting.
The first thing you should do is check to see if your Joy Cons have updates. If they do, install the update. After that, all you need to do is re-calibrate the Joy Cons and see if that fixes the problem.
If you don’t have an update available, try re-calibrating your Joy Cons anyways. It only takes a few minutes and might easily fix your problem.
If it’s not a software update or a calibration issue, then the next most likely culprit is a buildup of dirt and grime. Fortunately, cleaning your Joy Cons isn’t a difficult thing to do.
You’ll need to use either contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip. Make sure it isn’t wet enough to damage your Joy Cons. Work the Q-tip in and around the thumbstick, and then wait fifteen to thirty minutes to see if that fixes it.
If none of these work, then the fix might be a little more complicated than you can do on your own.
What If You Can’t Fix Joy Con Drifting?
If the methods to repair your Joy Cons are more than you can handle, then you have a couple of options.
The first option is to send in a request to Nintendo. If your Switch is within the one-year warranty, then they should fix the problem for you. On occasion, they’ll fix Joy Con drifting past the warranty date, but that isn’t a guarantee.
If Nintendo refuses your request, then you should turn to local repair shops. These shops will offer you a quick fix that you can easily afford. Their repair times are typically much shorter than Nintendo’s.
If the problem with your Joy Cons can’t be repaired by a local shop, then you might have to spend the money to replace your Joy Cons. You can rest assured knowing you’ve tried all your options, though, and you know what to do next time.
Contact Us for Repairs Today
Now that you’ve learned how to fix Joy Con drift, you’re ready to try our simple fixes yourself. If none of those work, however, it might be time to call in the professionals.
Why not trust us at Fruit Fixed to repair your joy cons? We offer reliable and affordable services at a variety of locations throughout Virginia.
Reach out to us for repairs to your Joy Cons today. With Fruit Fixed’s repairs, you’ll be gaming again before you know it!
