Nintendo's hybrid console was released in 2017. Its main innovation was the ability to switch from a home console to a handheld by attaching or detaching its Joy-Cons . The Nintendo Switch controllers are one of its biggest selling points, but Nintendo didn't quite nail their design. Since its launch, many users have reported problems with their controllers . Some of these issues can be easily fixed, while others require repair. Below, we'll discuss all the problems your Joy-Cons can experience and how to resolve each one.
The Switch controller can be a source of problems
If the Nintendo Wii failed in something, it was in its controls. The Wiimote was big, heavy, and not ergonomically shaped. It had a motion sensor, but no accelerometer, which forced Nintendo to have to release a new revision of the controller - and complement the existing ones with the Wii Motion Plus. But the worst thing about the Wii was not the Wiimote, but its companion controller, the Nunchuk, which had barely any precision.
With the Nintendo Switch, the Japanese company presented the generational successor that the Wii deserved. The Joy-Cons are, in essence, those "twin" controllers we would have loved to have for the Wii. They are smaller, very lightweight, and highly precise in registering movement. But not everything is perfect when it comes to the Joy-Cons. To make a device with these characteristics possible, Nintendo had to resort to miniaturization . Any electronic component that gets smaller also becomes more expensive. And in the case of the Switch controllers, they also became more prone to malfunctions.
Basic failures: recalibration and update
Before starting to talk about the classic Joy-Con drift problem, we will talk about the official solutions that Nintendo has given us to fine-tune its controls. They are the following:
Joy-Con Update
The Joy-Con controllers have internal firmware, and they may malfunction if this software is not updated to the latest version. To ensure you have the latest version, follow these steps:
- Go to console configuration
- Choose Controls and Sensors
- Accede to update controllers
In a couple of minutes at the most, your Joy-Cons will be updated to the latest version.
Recalibrate the Joy-Cons
This method is the one that Nintendo added to solve the famous problem with the joysticks, although if your problem is due to dirt, this will not fix it.
To recalibrate the controls using this method, do this:
- Go to console configuration
- Sign in Controls and Sensors
- Active Calibrate Levers
The wizard will give you a series of sequences that you have to do with the Joystick to detect failures and be able to adjust based on what it detects. If this method does not work for you, do not panic, because the usual thing is to have to do a cleaning.
The 'drift', the great cross of the Joy-Cons
The worst thing that can happen to your Nintendo Switch controllers is drift . This problem is fairly easy to spot. If you have drift in your right joystick and you're playing a game where you have to move the camera and character, you'll notice the camera moving on its own. If you have this problem with the left joystick, then the character will move by itself.
If you want to be sure you have this problem, put on a game like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and leave the controllers on a table. If Link moves without you touching anything or the camera starts acting strangely, your controllers have drift.
Drift isn't a problem unique to Nintendo Switch controllers; it's also a common issue with PlayStation 4 controllers. Fixing it isn't easy, and in many cases, it requires opening the controller for cleaning . If you're not very skilled with electronic devices, we recommend you don't attempt it yourself. Although the controller may seem small, the way its circuit boards and sensors are arranged inside is complex. Therefore, opening it risks further damaging your Joy-Con.
The phenomenon of drift can occur for multiple reasons. In many cases, it may simply be due to dirt on the device's circuit board. However, according to many specialized technicians, the cause of this problem is the use of poor-quality potentiometers , which register incorrect values ​​that are then transmitted to the game.
Cleaning the Joy-Sticks of the Joy-Cons
Before you throw in the towel, you can try this method. The process is relatively simple and will hardly cost you any money. To do this, you must purchase isopropyl alcohol. You can find it online, but surely in your neighborhood drugstore you can buy it for very little money. Basically, it is almost pure alcohol. It leaves no residue and helps moisture to be removed from the circuits.
To perform the process, move the joystick to one side and add a few drops of isopropyl alcohol. Move the controller around so the alcohol is evenly distributed inside. In a few minutes, the alcohol will have evaporated, and in many cases, the problem will be solved.
If that doesn't solve the problem, there's an alternative: completely disassembling the Joy-Con and repeating the process, this time starting from the circuit board. This method has a higher chance of success, but it's quite risky if you don't have the right tools. The process involves disassembling the controller, removing the battery, and accessing the back where the joystick connects. Using a cotton swab or a brush for electronic components, spread rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the area. Don't close the Joy-Con until the alcohol has evaporated.
If cleaning doesn't work...
You have two more options. The first is to call Nintendo's technical support and try your luck. If your controller is under warranty, use this method directly. If it's not, you can request a quote or go directly to a local technician who can help you with this problem.
However, if you're handy, you can try it yourself by buying a Joy-Con replacement kit . The bad news is that both professional repairs and DIY projects can end up costing you more than buying a new controller for your console. Furthermore, there's no guarantee that the quality of the replacement you buy will be better than the original. Therefore, proceed with caution and consider what's the best option for you.