Playing games with a faulty controller is frustrating. Imagine a situation where you are trying to leave, but the character keeps moving haphazardly. It will put you at a disadvantage against your opponents. If you are wondering what is wrong, there’s a big chance that your Pro Controller has Drift issues.
Drift is quite normal for old controllers, so if you recently bought a new Switch Pro Controller and are experiencing Drift, return it to the store for a new one.
If you’re having issues controlling your character using your Switch Pro Controller, this article contains information about solving such problems.
Possible Causes of Switch Pro Controller Drift
Almost all controllers with analog sticks face this problem, but it seems more familiar with the Switch Pro Controller. Here are some reasons why this happens:
Build Up of Dirt in the Controller
After using the controller for a long time, grime and dust will build up inside the sticks; this will hurt the contacts and, in turn, lead to drifting.
The Controller’s Contact Becomes Worn Out Due to Excessive Use
Excessive play and using a controller for a very long period can cause the contact to get worn out, leading to drifting.
Apart from the two reasons pointed out above, there could be other reasons why your Pro Controller is drifting. Whatever the cause, you should fix it with the following steps.
How to Fix Drift in Switch Pro Controller
Fixing a Pro controller is simple yet technical; without much knowledge of how it works, you should recalibrate the analog stick and even open and clean the controller.
WARNING: Opening the Pro Controller and applying DIY fixes can cause more damage to the pad if not done correctly; also, customizing or replacing parts means it no longer has a warranty.
1. Fix by Recalibrating the Controller
So, the first thing to do if you find yourself in this situation is to recalibrate the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Here’s how to go about it:
- The first step is to go to your Home Menu, then to System Settings.
- Once you tap system se3, there will be a drop-down; look for Calibrate Control Sticks.
- Once you click on Calibrate Control Sticks, its settings will appear.
- Once you get into the Calibration Settings, you will see a Pop Up Menu. The notification will ask which analog sticks you want to work on; pick the analog stick giving you problems. Once you do this, it will notify you that the custom settings for the analog stick are going to be temporarily disabled; that won’t be a problem; you can go ahead and click OK.
- The next step is calibrating the stick and moving the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller analog stick to see how it responds. If it is, the level of response to see if the control is appropriate or not.
- Next, press the X button to recalibrate. Follow all the instructions given to you, and make sure that you don’t make a mistake.
Other Solutions to Fix The Drift Problem
Once you follow all the steps listed above, the direction of your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is likely going to start working, but it doesn’t. There are other steps to take.
You should implement the steps above once you buy a new Pro Controller with or without a fault. They fix the issue of drifting controls, but if they don’t, return it to the store where you purchased it. They will either fix it or replace it with a new one. You can also reach out to Nintendo’s Customer Care for help.
If returning it is not possible, you will have to open the Pro Controller and clean the stick using a Contact Cleaner; do this gently to avoid causing further damage to the controller. Once done, reassemble the controller and use the steps listed above to recalibrate it.
If you are below 14 years old, make sure a second person is there in case of mistakes because a bit of a mistake can lead to a significant loss. However, the best solution is to take the controller to Nintendo or a Technician.
If the problem persists after implementing all the steps above and the controller still keeps drifting, the next option is to dispose of it properly and buy a new one.
Final Thoughts
The common cause of drifting in Nintendo Switch’s Pro Controller is when there is a fault with the calibration of your analog sticks. You can fix it by following the steps above or replacing it entirely. Rather than opening the controller, it is always better to take the controller to a technician or return it to the store you bought it.
This guide is about the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and we hope it helped you stop your controller from drifting.
