Nintendo Switch: 5 ways to fix Joy-Con drift — with or without tools
Introduction:
Joy-Con drift is a well-known issue faced by many Nintendo Switch gamers, causing frustration and a less-than-ideal gaming experience. If you’re tired of your character wandering off or camera panning unnecessarily, worry no more! We’ve got you covered with five different ways to fix Joy-Con drift, whether you have tools on hand or not.
1. Clean the Joy-Con Joystick:
With a simple cleaning technique, you can often solve the problem of Joy-Con drift. Take a soft toothbrush or a small lint-free cloth and gently sweep around the base of the joystick, removing any debris or dust. This method requires no tools and is extremely easy to execute; just make sure your Switch is powered off before starting.
2. Compressed Air Technique:
Another no-tools option involves using compressed air to remove dirt and particles trapped under the joystick. Turn off your Switch and carefully position the nozzle of a can of compressed air at an angle near the base of the joystick. Apply short bursts of air while gently moving the joystick in all directions. Remember to follow all safety instructions on the compressed air can.
3. Adjusting Calibration Settings:
Navigate to your Nintendo Switch’s system settings and test if recalibrating your joystick solves the problem. Under “Controllers and Sensors,” select “Calibrate Control Sticks.” Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the recalibration process. This method doesn’t require any tools and can be done directly from your console’s settings menu.
4. Replacing Joystick Components (Tools Required):
Some cases may require replacing the damaged joystick components entirely, which involves purchasing replacement parts and having some minor technical know-how. To do this, carefully remove the backplate of your Joy-Con using a screwdriver, disconnecting any necessary ribbons as you go. Remove the damaged components and replace them with their new counterparts. Reassemble your controller and test it out to see if the drift problem has been resolved.
5. Sending In for Repair:
If none of these methods work, or you’re not comfortable attempting the repairs yourself, consider sending your Joy-Con to Nintendo for an official repair. Many cases of Joy-Con drift are covered under Nintendo’s warranty, and you can reach out to their customer support to start a repair ticket.
Conclusion:
There you have it – five different methods to tackle the infamous Joy-Con drift issue plaguing Nintendo Switch gamers. Whether you have tools on hand or prefer a no-tools approach, these options should help you get back to enjoying your favorite games without frustration. Good luck, and happy gaming!