Controller stick drift: repair or replace?

Stick drift is when a controller registers movement you are not making. It usually starts small, a slow camera turn or a character creeping forward, and gets worse over time.

What causes it

Thumbsticks measure position using small sensors inside the stick module. As those parts wear, or as dust and grime get inside, the controller's reading of the centre position becomes unreliable.

Things to try

• Update the controller and console software
• Blow compressed air around the base of the stick
• On Nintendo Switch, calibrate the sticks in the console's controller settings
• Test the controller on another console to rule out a software issue

Repair or replace?

If cleaning and calibration do not help, the stick module is worn. Replacing the module involves soldering on many controllers, so it is a job for a technician. A repair is usually cheaper than a new controller, especially for premium pads.

Check any warranty first

If the controller is still under the manufacturer's warranty, check your options with them first. Otherwise, bring it in for a diagnostic and we will confirm the price before starting.