Newly released research has concluded that Joy-Con controllers for the Nintendo Switch feature a critical design flaw which is the likely cause of a phenomenon known as stick drift. The consumer group that conducted the study, UK-based Which?, has now called on Nintendo to address the issue identified through its analysis.
Those who make use of controllers will likely be accustomed to stick drift, a moniker that describes when cursors or playable entities move without any input from users. For decades analog sticks have been a default inclusion for console controllers and stick drift becomes ubiquitous as they deteriorate. Eventually, games can become unplayable and users are forced to purchase a replacement which can cost as much as a next-gen title. It is certainly not isolated to controllers either, as Steam Deck owners reported stick drift shortly after the release of the handheld device.
Nintendo's Joy-Cons have been heavily criticized for the ease with which stick drift seemingly manifests, and a new study from UK consumer group Which? has determined that this is due to a "mechanical issue in [the Nintendo Switch's] design." The consumer rights advocacy group subsequently called "for the games console giant to get a grip on the issue," and accused it of failing to adequately assist users reporting the problem. Which? previously detailed in June of this year that "two in five Switch Classic owners surveyed had experienced Joy-Con drift" and proceeded to investigate further. The group tested "five controllers with reported drift," and discovered what it believes to be a "mechanical issue... behind the drift in the UK's best-selling video games console."
Further information was provided about the investigation conducted by Which?, claiming that the left-hand stick was "most commonly affected." Taking apart the hardware suggested that the implemented dust-proofing cowls offered "insufficient" protection against "dust and other contaminants," and the "plastic circuit boards exhibited noticeable wear." Which? allegedly went to Nintendo with the information and were told that the "percentage of Joy-Con controllers that have been reported... is small," highlighting that it recommends users to contact customer support, "including in cases where the warranty may no longer apply."
Which? concluded its article calling for an "independent investigation into the causes of drift on Joy-Con controllers," and requested Nintendo to ensure "completely free-of-charge repair or replacement of all Joy-Con controllers solid in the UK" since 2017. Although nothing significant is likely to occur for the foreseeable future, console makers are certainly aware of the perpetual problem, as Sony's DualSense controller has continued to receive design alterations aimed at preventing stick drift.
Source: Which?
