How To Send In Switch Controller For Repair

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Switch that drift!

How to fix Joy-Con drift on the Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite

How to fix controller drift Nintendo Switch Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore

I absolutely love the Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED and the Switch Calorie-free. Nintendo's latest consoles tin go anywhere, there are a ton of amazing games to choose from, and the larger hybrid tin can even be played on your Idiot box. But if you lot're like me, y'all may have experienced this annoying thing called Joy-Con drift, where your on-screen characters or cursor but starts moving effectually without you touching the joysticks. Thankfully, in that location are a few ways to fix the dreaded Joy-Con drift upshot.

Alert: Opening Joy-Cons and performing home fixes can permanently damage parts if done incorrectly. Additionally, replacing parts or customizing Joy-Cons will void whatsoever active warranty. Proceed at your own risk.

Merely why is this happening?

Many other controllers with analog sticks can be subject to the same trouble, simply it seems as if the Switch is uniquely vulnerable to drifting. Here are some mutual reasons why this happens:

At that place'south some build-upwards: Afterwards frequent use, dust and grime tin can build upwardly inside the sticks, which can injure the contacts within. This isn't surprising because that the Switch devices are portable and therefore get subjected to more contaminants indoors and outdoors.
The contacts are worn downwards: Subsequently taking their Switch autonomously, some gamers have discovered that the joystick contacts get worn down over fourth dimension, causing them to piece of work improperly.

Aside from the 2 reasons listed above, there could be other reasons why your joysticks are doing this. Whatever the reason, it's something that virtually everyone will want to fix when it starts happening to them.

How to deport a system update on the controllers:

OK, enough chitter-churr! You have a globe-trotting analog stick, and you want to fix it. Here's what you should try! Information technology's possible your controllers just need an update. Here's how to make that happen:

From the main bill of fare, go to System Settings.
Click on Controllers and Sensors.

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Roll down to Update Controllers.
If the controllers are already upward to appointment, a bulletin volition pop up saying then. Click OK. If you lot didn't get this message continue to the next step.

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Wait until the controllers finish updating with the latest firmware.
A message volition pop up reading Update Complete. Click OK.

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Now y'all can cheque to see if the drift issue has been fixed. If it hasn't, y'all can also try recalibrating your Joy-Cons by post-obit the next set of steps.

How to recalibrate your Joy-Cons and joysticks through software:

It'south also possible that your joysticks could but be off. Here'south how to recalibrate your analog sticks through the software:

From the main menu, click on System Settings.
Scroll downwardly to Controllers and Sensors.

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Select Calibrate Control Sticks.
Press down on the stick that you want to calibrate.

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If your joystick is behaving unremarkably, you lot should see a green cross in the heart of the crosshair. If information technology shows a circle or the cross isn't in the center, click the Ten button to calibrate.
A message pops up alert you only to recalibrate if something is wrong with your joystick. Click Calibrate.

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What follows are several instructions for you lot to complete. First, maneuver the joystick towards the green triangle and release it when information technology changes colour. This will repeat a few times. It can exist tricky if at that place is something wrong with your joystick. If it proves too tricky, exit by pressing the B button.
Next, it will enquire you lot to rotate the sick. Follow the direction information technology indicates.

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A message will pop up stating Scale consummate. Click OK.

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How to fix drift with compressed air:

It's possible that removing particles from your sticks using compressed air could brand them work properly again.

Warning: If you're going to use compressed air, make sure to utilise the WD-40 Specialist Electric Contact Cleaner (or something similar) and non the regular WD-twoscore equally the regular version can cause boosted problems for your Joy-Cons.

Identify the analog stick that is giving y'all problems.
Follow the instructions on the compressed air can. This usually means you'll need to milk shake the tin thoroughly before using it.

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Place your thumb on the joystick and pull it to one side.
Gently use the straw to lift the rubber skirt of the joystick.

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Give your stick several quick cleansing blasts from different angles.
Get out the Switch Calorie-free, or the Joy-Con tilted to one side and allow any droppings to run downwards the side.

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Wipe up any debris that got dislodged onto the Switch Lite or Joy-Cons.
Let the joysticks dry thoroughly before using them.

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Hopefully, that dislodged whatsoever droppings or dust that was causing problems for your joysticks. If controller drift continues subsequently cleaning, you might desire to transport your Switch in for repairs, or, if you're handy, you can replace the joysticks.

Add foam or paper-thin inside the Joy-Con

Recently, VK's Channel on Youtube discovered a critical ready. They found that placing some kind of padding between the analog stick and the Joy-Con casing tin solve the drifting upshot. All-time of all, you tin exercise it using things you lot find around your firm. For step-by-step assistance, you lot tin follow the video above and find the basic steps below.

Open your globe-trotting Joy-Con and be careful to remember where each screw goes.
Cut out a modest square of either foam or cardboard. The thickness should be 1mm or less and have roughly the same shape as the metal casing surrounding the analog stick.
Use some adhesive to adhere this square cut out to the back of the metal casing. Exist careful what adhesive you cull to utilize, and don't put it on too thick.
Screw the Joy-Con casing back into place.

DIY gear up by replacing the analog stick

If you're still having Joy-Con drift issues subsequently using the canned air method, foam fix, and recalibrating the controllers, yous may need to supplant the analog sticks. Some cheap options are bachelor on Amazon, but remember that replacing the joystick volition void whatever active warranty your Joy-Cons may have.

Nosotros recommend checking out this video from TronicsFix on how to replace your Joy-Con analog sticks for boosted aid.

How to forbid it from happening!

Tomtoc Mars Switch Lite Case Open Games Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore

If you haven't had this issue notwithstanding and you would similar to endeavour to avoid it, or if you had it and don't want information technology again, in that location are a few things yous tin do to endeavor to go on it from happening.

Make certain your hands are make clean: One suggestion is to make sure y'all are using your Switch with clean hands. This may seem obvious, but if you have young ones playing on your Switch, they don't always wash off Cheetos crumbs earlier they outset playing.
Use a protective carrying instance: When taking your Switch on the get, I seriously recommend using a case. If you are simply tossing your Switch into a haversack without a protective case, your sticks may exist subject area to collecting some particulates or getting smashed against various surfaces. If you don't accept i yet, check out the best Nintendo Switch cases or the best Nintendo Switch Calorie-free cases.

Pocket-size issues like this tin be incredibly frustrating. In that location have been times when I had a controller stop working as information technology was intended, and I sure did desire to toss it across the room. Hopefully, these tips will aid keep you in the game and frustration-free!

Nintendo warranties and sending Joy-Cons in for repairs

Luigis Mansion 3 Multiplayer Pack Dlc Review Hero Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore

Joy-Con migrate has been an issue for many Switch fans since its launch, and unfortunately, it affects Nintendo Switch Lite owners every bit well. The prevalence of this problem has resulted in lawsuits against Nintendo. With so much attention brought to the event, the gaming company has made it much easier to kickoff a ticket for repairing Joy-Cons on its customer support page.

"At Nintendo, nosotros have great pride in creating quality products, and we are continuously making improvements to them," a representative from Nintendo told Kotaku in response to questions most Joy-Con migrate. "Nosotros are enlightened of recent reports that some Joy-Con controllers are non responding correctly. We want our consumers to have fun with Nintendo Switch, and if anything falls brusque of this goal, we always encourage them to visit http://support.nintendo.com and then we can help."

Co-ordinate to Vice, Nintendo's customer back up reps have been instructed to aid anyone who contacts them near Joy-Con drift by commencement going through troubleshooting steps. If that doesn't fix the problem, Nintendo volition make repairs at no accuse without requiring proof of purchase. What's more, anyone who contacted Nintendo previously and paid to get their Joy-Cons stock-still volition exist issued a refund.

Of course, some people find this process too time-consuming and prefer to purchase a new pair of Joy-Cons. It's more expensive, but that'southward another route larger Switch owners can take. Unfortunately, Switch Lites don't take removable controllers, and so you won't be able to disengage the problematic joysticks easily.

Cleansing blast

WD-40

WD-40 Contact Cleaner Spray

Blast debris away from joysticks

This can contains a special spray specifically meant for cleaning electric components. Information technology's quick-drying and helps remove oils, dirt, and condensation from metals and plastics. It's the platonic cleaner for spraying your Switch joysticks.

The replacement

Veanic replacement joystick

Veanic Replacement Joystick

A replacement joystick for your Nintendo Switch Joy-Con

This replacement joystick comes with a "Y" Tri-fly screwdriver, a cantankerous screwdriver, tweezers, and pry tools to aid you brand replacing the role easier. It besides comes with two analog caps that you tin can place on your joysticks to make them respond faster during gaming sessions.

New controllers

Neon Pink and Neon Green Joy-Cons

Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons: Neon Pink/Neon Green

Brand new Joy-Cons for the Nintendo Switch

This bundle contains both the right and left Joy-Con controllers. It also features two Joy-Con straps for undocked play. The battery life lasts upwardly to 20 hours, so yous'll have plenty of time during gaming sessions. They feature rumble, amiibo support, and motion controls to enhance your gaming feel.

Additional products to help with controller issues

If you lot need more than one replacement joystick or if you'd adopt a new controller altogether, here are the products we recommend nigh.

2 replacement joysticks

Veanic 2-Pack Replacement Joysticks ($13 at Amazon)

If you lot need to supplant both of your joysticks or if you lot'd prefer to have an extra joystick handy, consider purchasing this 2-pack. It comes with 4 thumbstick caps, a cross screwdriver, a "Y" screwdriver, a prying tool, and tweezers to make the replacement process easier.

PowerA controller

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller ($46 at Amazon)

This wireless controller is a perfect replacement for defective Joy-Cons. It features movement controls and additional buttons on the backside to enhance your gaming sessions. Choose from one of 6 different colors and themes to get the look you like all-time.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Pro Controller ($lxx at Amazon)

This is the female parent of all Nintendo Switch controllers. In add-on to having a battery that lasts upwardly to 40 hours, information technology features motion controls, HD rumble, and built-in amiibo functionality. Should the battery get low, you can plug in a USB cable and keep playing. Its joysticks and buttons are larger than the ones on the Joy-Cons, making them easier to use.

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Rebecca Spear

Rebecca Spear is the Games Editor for iMore. She loves playing Nintendo Switch games and is a Zelda nut through and through. On whatsoever given day you'll notice her drawing, playing video games, or reading a skilful book. Follow her on Twitter @rrspear.

Christine Chan

Lover of coffee, Disney, food, video games, writing, mechanical keyboards, and photography. I've been writing nearly Apple and video games for almost a decade. If I'one thousand not writing, you can probably find me over at Disneyland. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram equally @christyxcore.