How to Fix Joy-Con drift
- Send it to Nintendo For Repair/Refund. Since the issue is widespread, Nintendo actually offers to fix Joy-Con drift for free (and has allegedly fixed the issue on newer Joy-Cons).
- Recalibrate Your Thumbsticks. It's possible that you just need to recalibrate your controller. ...
- Update Your Joy-Con. ...
- Clean the Joy-Con with Compressed Air. ...
Full Answer
Can I get my Joy-Con repaired outside of the US?
The address you provide will be used to ship the Joy-Con back to you. If you live outside of the US or Canada, you must use a repair center in your area. Please carefully read and check each one of the repair terms below before submitting your Joy-Con repair.
How do I get my Nintendo Joy-Cons repaired?
Currently, Nintendo is advising that if you want to get ahold of them regarding repairs for your own Joy-Cons, you fill out a form on the company’s support page. It is here that you can list all of the specifications of your problem along with giving your address, phone number, and other vital information.
What are the Joy-Con controllers?
They consist of two individual units, each containing an analog stick and an array of buttons. They can be used while attached to the main Nintendo Switch console unit, or detached and used wirelessly; when detached, a pair of Joy-Con can be used by a single player, or divided between two as individual controllers.
What to do if your Joy-Cons are drifting?
If you're still having Joy-Con drift issues after using the canned air method, foam fix, and recalibrating the controllers, you may need to replace the analog sticks. Some cheap options are available on Amazon, but remember that replacing the joystick will void any active warranty your Joy-Cons may have.
Can you repair Joycons?
Even if you're outside the warranty period, Nintendo has been known to repair the issue for free since Joy-Con drift is so widespread. Visit Nintendo's Joy-Con repair page and follow the steps to send your Joy-Con away. You shouldn't need to send your Switch console or any other accessories, only the affected Joy-Con.
Is Nintendo still repairing Joycons for Free 2021?
As a reminder, Nintendo is still offering free Joy-Con repairs in North America. All you need to do is fill out an easy form, and live in the USA or Canada, and you're good.
How do I fix my joy cons?
Here's how to do it: Head into Systems Settings and click on Controllers and Sensors. Chose Update Controllers and hit A to start. Once that's done, head down the menu for the Calibrate Control Sticks option.
Is Nintendo still fixing joy cons for Free 2020?
Ever since a report by Kotaku from July 2019 shined a light on the Joy-Con drift issue, Nintendo has changed its policies significantly. The company will now repair drifting Joy-Con controllers for free, even if your controllers are outside the regular warranty.
Do Joy-Cons still drift?
Nintendo has made minor updates to Joy-Cons over the years, but the ones in the Switch OLED are the same as the controllers that came with the Switch V2, so they're still susceptible to drift. Players can purchase new controllers, but Nintendo's services also repair Joy-Cons with drift for free.
What causes Joy-Con drift?
Clean your Joy-Con controllers The drift in your Joy-Con could be due to natural buildup of dirt and grime inside the thumb sticks. To clean your controller, we recommend using a can of compressed air.
Are Joy-Con repairs free?
In 2019, Nintendo started repairing Joy-Con drift for free, even with an expired warranty.
Why is my left Joy-Con not working?
Reset the Joy-Con by pressing the SYNC Button once. Then press any other button on the controller to power it on again. Attach the Joy-Con to the console, ensuring that it is correctly oriented and inserted all the way.
How long do the Joy-Cons last?
The Joy-Con controllers take approximately three and a half hours to fully charge. When fully charged, the battery for the Joy-Con controllers can last approximately 20 hours.
Does GameStop repair Joy-Cons?
Need your console or controller repaired? We can fix it! Just bring your eligible products into any GameStop store and we'll take care of the rest.
How much does Joy-Con repair cost?
How Much Does Nintendo Charge to Repair Joy-Con? All Nintendo products have a limited hardware warranty which covers manufacturing defects for twelve months from the date of purchase. So, any repairs required during that time are free. If repairs are needed after the warranty has expired, it costs $40.
Can you trade in Joy-Cons with drift?
We hope that this painted an idea of the process to trade in your Nintendo Switch for the newer model. If you have Joy-Con drift, this deal is a win win. Just call ahead to your local GameStop and make sure you can do the transfer in-store.
How long do Nintendo repairs take 2021?
around 2-3 weeksThe current total turnaround time for repair orders is around 2-3 weeks.
Are Joy-Con repairs free?
In 2019, Nintendo started repairing Joy-Con drift for free, even with an expired warranty.
Is Nintendo fixing my Switch for free?
If you purchased your Nintendo Switch less than a year ago and it is not physically damaged, your repair is likely free. When sending your Nintendo Switch to a repair center, carefully wrap and pad the console to prevent any damage during shipping.
Does Nintendo fix drift for free?
Since the issue is widespread, Nintendo actually offers to fix Joy-Con drift for free (and has allegedly fixed the issue on newer Joy-Cons). This is currently the only "official" method of dealing with drift, though check below for some ways you can address the issue yourself.
Contact Nintendo for Repairs
Currently, Nintendo is advising that if you want to get ahold of them regarding repairs for your own Joy-Cons, you fill out a form on the company’s support page. It is here that you can list all of the specifications of your problem along with giving your address, phone number, and other vital information.
Getting a Refund for a Previous Repair
If you have already previously paid Nintendo to repair your Joy-Cons that were outside of warranty, you should now be able to hit them back up and get that payment from before reimbursed.
Fix it Yourself
And for those who want to live dangerously and try to fix this issue themselves despite the fact that Nintendo is now willing to do it for free, well, there are some methods.
How to recalibrate joysticks?
Here's how to recalibrate your analog sticks through the software: From the main menu, click on System Settings. Scroll down to Controllers and Sensors.
What tool do you use to replace a joystick?
This replacement joystick comes with a "Y" Tri-wing screwdriver, a cross screwdriver, tweezers, and pry tools to help you make replacing the part easier. It also comes with two analog caps that you can place on your joysticks to make them respond faster during gaming sessions.
How many thumbstick caps does a Joystick 2 pack come with?
If you need to replace both of your joysticks or if you'd prefer to have an extra joystick handy, consider purchasing this 2-pack. It comes with four thumbstick caps, a cross screwdriver, a "Y" screwdriver, a prying tool, and tweezers to make the replacement process easier.
How to clean a switch lite?
Place your thumb on the joystick and pull it to one side. Gently use the straw to lift the rubber skirt of the joystick. Give your stick several quick cleansing blasts from different angles. Leave the Switch Lite, or the Joy-Con tilted to one side and allow any debris to run down the side.
Can you replace joysticks after cleaning?
Hopefully, that dislodged any debris or dust that was causing problems for your joysticks. If controller drift continues after cleaning, you might want to send your Switch in for repairs, or, if you're handy, you can replace the joysticks.
Do Switch Lites have removable controllers?
It's more expensive, but that's another route owners of the larger Switch can take. Unfortunately, Switch Lites don't have removable controllers, so you won't be able to disengage the problematic joysticks easily.
Does Nintendo Switch Lite have Joy Con drift?
Nintendo warranties and sending Joy-Cons in for repairs. Joy-Con drift has been an issue for many Switch fans since launch, and unfortunately, it affects Nintendo Switch Lite owners as well. The prevalence of this problem has resulted in lawsuits against Nintendo.
Featured Guides
Replace the joystick on the left Joy-Con for the Nintendo Switch. This repair fixes the notorious "Joy-Con drift" issue. iFixit has the parts needed too!
Tools
These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.
Troubleshooting
Something wrong with your Joy-Con? Diagnose the problem at our troubleshooting page.
Background and Identification
Joy-Con are the primary controller (s) of the Nintendo Switch video game console. They consist of two individual units, each containing an analog stick and an array of buttons.
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