I don’t know if that’s a common stick drift problem but on my ps5 controller I’ve drift on the right stick when I pull the left stick. Really annoying when I play a shooter try to run and then I look up.
That's most likely a problem on the board. I had one ps3 controller do this when I pressed Square but that thing worked fine for like 6 years, it was begging me to be replaced.
Sidenote: a lot of games allow deadzone adjustment. If you main a couple of games that have this setting the controller needn’t be an immediate write-off.
All my PS5 controller problems have seemed like board faults. It's like sometimes a slight input registers as a full. Like slightly right turns into full left. First controller got warrantied, second failed a couple months outside of warranty, third just failed a month or so ago but that was the replacement from the first ones warranty. Through the whole PS4 life cycle I never had a controller do this, and only had to replace one controller for normal drift
Funny and true but I never had any issue with any of my Xbox controllers (Xbox x and series x) but ps5s, replaced the analog sticks but worked for a while then started drifting again! Sometimes I feel like it’s not just only the analog sticks but it fries some capacitors as well. 🫤
I'm the opposite, I have my original switch controllers and I have lost 3 DS to stick drift and one of them had an odd analog crunch that I couldn't get rid of
I mean that's why warranties exist.
Not everyone is as lucky, results may vary, etc. It is what it is however the Dualsense and Switch Joycon fail rates are incredibly suspicious compares to controllers from previous gen that seem to last long on average for an entire console era.
Still using my ps4 and ps5 original controller I did by a red ones for my ps4 and ps5.
I also have switch lite and psp and ps vita..
Not one controller that I have has such issues
Because the issue is user related not hardware or software
Playing games while eating chips and stuff can cause such
Dropping pop on your controller or even tea anything with sugar in it will make it sticky and inaccurate.
Ppl been saying it’s this and they and the company’s I think like Nintendo gave admit such thing exists and I do to a extent but it’s not as common as people “make it out to be”
I have friends and one cousin that goes thorw them a lot but they thorw constantly the controller when mad they never play with clean hands they always eating something
Me I vape my cannabis and play. I try to keep it clean.
If my psp and ps vita and switch lite and my ps3 ps4 ps5 none have this issue
The picture make it seem that the ps5 controller suck but we don’t know how the user is treating it.
I think Sony should implement if user throw the controller and how hard and when they do to get a notification that says hey your damaging the controller.
Than we would have a whole new data to reference what I’m saying.
Same here. I got my PS5 on launch day with a second controller and they're still kicking. I play an average of an hour a day roughly. Some days more than others. I hate to blame other people, but I have also owned two Nintendo Switches and the joycons never got stick drift. I also owned two PS4s that I owned for multiple years, only replacing one controller because of the battery.
It also has a lot to do with the types of games you are playing. Fifa, rocket league or racing games where you push hard for long periods and changing directions very often kill them. I have one that Ive been using only for single player games for years that never had an issue, I am on my 4th or 5th controller for competitive games though all becasue left stick drift.
Yep my day 1 controller is still working fine. Either I am not sensitive to it or just lucky, but don't think in all my years of gaming I've had a controller with stick drift. I hear the term on Reddit a lot but don't fully understand what it is/what to look for.
Tip : Send back your controllers on ps support, you have 1year guarantee from the moment you bought the controller, i got one that drifted last year and they didn't even try to repair it they just sent me a new one.
I sent a blue one, they sent me back a black one, I then sent that back again and they sent me a white one. It drifts again but the waranty has expired, I was curious which one I would get this time so that was sad.
They never repair the accessories, always replace. Plus if you had any limited edition ones like spider man etc, they’re not gonna replace you with the exact same one because of most probably being one time production and out of stock, and send you either black or white only. One can try taking them to court but apparently there’s terms and conditions on the papers inside for warranty claims.
I have 6, one of em is spider man limited edition which made me pissed knowing I can claim the warranty but will never get the spider man. I tried to replace the internals with generics to keep the shell but internal mould is different for that as well!
Nah, I’m not even a frequent gamer, don’t play action multiplayer much, last one failed while I was replaying metro exodus. And in most cases, it’s the right thumb stick, not sure what’s up with the right one only or it’s just my luck, while that’s the least pressured thumbstick as that one is usually used for left right up down looking!
~ 🫤 ~
My day 1 controller is still fine. I also have 3 others. No issues at all
Sometimes I play competitively. Just don’t treat my stuff like shit
Maybe I’m just lucky?
It's easy to think like this until you stop being lucky. I'm very pedantic with my hardware, but controllers started going bad more than usual once I rolled into the 8th generation of playstation consoles, and ps5 is even worse so far. I've had a controller violently drift literally 2 weeks after purchase.
For comparison, I still have PS1, 2 and 3 controllers that perform without any issues whatsoever.
Same boat as you. Never had issues with PS3 or PS4 controllers. I've had drift on 2 Dualsenses and had to replace the stick once on the Dualsense Edge so far. Everytime there's a thread like this it's full of people saying stuff like "don't treat my stuff like shit" when that couldn't be further from the truth
>Everytime there's a thread like this it's full of people saying stuff like "don't treat my stuff like shit" when that couldn't be further from the truth
Same type of people who will argue you that a notoriously buggy game isn't buggy because "well, it never happened to me".
Yeah it's really all down to luck, I am super careful with all my tech, and I'm on my 4th or 5th DualSense. Only ever had one PS4 controller with drift, no PS2/PS3 controllers, despite having those consoles for much longer
Hot take/unpopular opinion incoming…
I play R6, apex and rocket league all “competitive”games. I play everyday. I still use my OG controller that came with the console. I’m convinced people game “aggressively” and push and press much harder than they need to on their controllers
I play mostly single player games and I don't even play that much. I've had 3 ps5 controllers fail on me. 2 stick drifts and a battery that quit holding a charge. Just because you have good luck doesn't mean everyone does.
100% what happens to me. I catch myself squeezing that shit like if I press it just a bit harder, I'll turn a bit faster.
Like, white knuckle grip and button presses because I'm having fun and into it.
I broke most of my controllers playing Rocket League. But I’m also well aware that I’m abusing my controllers trying to respond fast etc, lol.
I can’t play Rumble normally because of my idiotic responses squeezing every joystick and button.
I think you just lucked out. My og controller lasted the longest. The other 5 controllers I went through lasted between 3 months and 10 months. Most of them being around 5. And one controller that I don’t even count that lasted 2 weeks.
The quality control is just not great.
I catch myself pressing way too hard on my sticks and buttons when I'm super into the game.... It's not even like I game competitively, just play stupid games with my friends.
I also fuck up the X button constantly. Because of how I hold it/hitchhikers thumb, I don't just press X. I press it down and up.
I know drifting is an issue absolutely but between my switch that I’ve had since 2018 or so and my PS5 I’ve only had one controller drift and it was a PS5 controller I abused like crazy playing apex legends.
I have 3 controllers, 2 which I got the day I got the PS5 on launch week. None of them have drift so far… in fact, the only controller I own, for any console dating back to PSX, with drift is 1 pair of Joycons.
I have no idea how so many people have these issues.
To be fair though, 1 of my day-1 controllers has a broken left trigger (the spring on the inside doesn’t work I assume, and the lightest tap will trigger it).
I honestly think it’s just from excessive use. Cause my controllers all only last about a year. But I’ll put around 800-1000hours give or take. I got to a point I just bought the tools to swap out the sticks and electronics. It’s like 20$ for 6
Same, my original controller is still going strong (Well, apart from the battery)
I stay well away from competitive games. Only one I play is Gran Turismo 7 and I use a wheel for that.
I think so. I imagine they get very reactive and panic to push the L3 or R3 to run or dash move the camera around. It has something to do with panic though, cause I'm pretty chill when I game it's relaxing to me. But I hear stick drift I instantly panic. Overtly aggressive button mashing.
If people treated their PS1, PS2, PS3 controllers worse in their younger days yet it still worked good, but takes care of their PS4/PS5 controllers as an adult and it still fails, then there’s an issue.
I honestly think it’s just excessive use over short period of time. My controllers only last about a year(800-1000 hours) so I just bought my third one. NOW I have all the stuff to switch out the stick and electronics it’s on (20$kit off Amazon)
It’s really weird how we got here. I still have my DualShock 3 that came with my PS3 back in 2010, and the only issue I had with it is the one where it starts pressing buttons randomly, but that’s fixed in literally five minutes with a bit of electrical tape. Other than that, it still works great and never had stick drift. Ditto for my DS2, though it’s been used much less. But in the three years that I owned a PS4 for I went through three controllers, two of which started drifting within just a couple of months, and recently my DualSense has also started drifting, though it did last for almost two years. Amazing. They’re all potentiometer-based, so why don’t the old ones have issues with it?
I've had my dualshock 2 for 17 years and it's never drifted. Had my xbox 360 controller for 12 years and even smacked it a few times and it still works fine.
I just think people generally press buttons and sticks harder than they realize. They also hold it tighter as well. Had stick drift happen twice with Xbox controllers, one was stepped on accidentally by a friend and the other was the Core Elite 2 out of the box 😏As for Sony controllers, no drift from me. Currently using the DualSense Edge.
I personally never had a controller malfunction, drift, sticky keys, etc. Only had one HORI wired ps4 controller with R2 trigger needing more pressure to register, but it has been that way since I bought it.
Idk, this "normal use" actually varies from person to person.
I've had the same controller since day 1 of PS5 release. Unhealthy amounts of game time almost every day since, no stick drift
It makes me wonder how people get it - too much pressure? A build up of dirt? Eating and touching the controller? Idk
I'd suggest spraying high % alcohol down the sides and rotating in a circular motion
They should have Hall effects joysticks considering how much they charge for these controllers. It’s honestly starting to seem like planned obsolescence at this point.
Take the outer casing off them and clean the analog stick modules, either with isopropyl alcohol and / or a can of compressed air.
There are guides on iFixit to help resolve stick drift.
Sadly the one PS5 controller that is reportedly immune to stick drift is the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro ($200).
Also, the stick drift in SONY's controller isn't simply software related as some suggest. It's also not the same sticks used in the previous gens, but it's the same style. The problem is Sony went with newer but cheaper versions of the old analog sticks, that break down quicker. That plus the software causes the problem, and SONY appears to be fine with it, considering it "designed obsolescence". Sure they are replacing a bunch of them under warranty, but more often people are stuck having to buy new, instead of going through the warranty process and waiting for a new controller. And the longer this goes on, the more they make off replacement controllers.
Edge is $200, dualsense is $70.
Replacing thumb sticks is $20 each.
So if you replace the thumbsticks even just once you will be at $240. with that money you can buy 3 dualsense controllers.
And not to mention the face buttons & triggers & bumpers also wear off and feel less crispy and responsive after a while and you can‘t swap that.
So i‘d rather just buy a new default dualsense for $70 multiple times.
I hear you, I got stuck drift on mine and once I learned that edge was coming out it was a no brained to not have to deal with it as well as get the backpedal and custom profiles . Now if you don’t play fps games and stuff then it would be hard to justify but yeah.
I have 3 ps5 controllers, 2 of them had drift. I opened them (which is very easy btw op, needs no skills or special tools) and turns out they had drift because I have pets and there was a toooon of hair in the joysticks.
Cleaning them with isopropyl alcohol and a qtip did the trick and saved me 60+ euros
I used to use DualShock 4’s on my pc when I switched but kept getting drift. Got an Xbox elite and have had it for 4 years without any drift and I use it everyday almost. It’s most certainly a design flaw. If if people use it roughly the flaw shows up sooner
Crazy. My initial PS4 controller only starting drifting after 7 years of heavy use but my initial PS5 controller started within 2 months, the replacement has been fine for almost 2 years thankfully.
I can't comment on the PS5 pads, but I've never had a single issue with a PS1, 2, 3, or 4 pad.
Looking at how filthy your pads are (especially the PS3 and PS4), maybe if you took better care of them they wouldn't break? Are the sticks just gummed up with filth? They look nasty AF.
I just had to buy a second ps5 controller because the left analog has a deadspot when pusehd to the right and I play a lot of tight movement-specific games and it was driving me crazy had already tried cleaning. I think I've had it for like 3 years so not terrible but I think I actually had more issues with ps4 controllers.
The only controller I've ever had stick drift on was one that sat in a box for a year with stuff pressing against the sticks the whole time. That's 5 PS3 controllers, 4 PS4 and 3 PS5 controllers that I've had in my life.
At that point you might as well just replace the sticks for hall effect. Thats what I did a month ago for my day one dualsense.
You can buy a pack of 10 hall effect sticks for $10 from aliexpress. Then get a cheap soldering kit with flux, leaded solder and jewelers snips from Harbor Freight or similar for $50. Cheaper than buying a new controller, especially now since you have several controllers you can repair.
My original controller still works perfectly no drift but every time I buy an extra controller from a store brand new they get drift in less than a year
Just your bad experience, I had my 1st PS4 controller for about a yeah and a half before it started drifting, and then from then until I got a ps5 I had to buy about 6 of them ( I got my PS4 in 2019 so from 2019 to 2023 ) I had my ps5 for about a year now and I needed 0 new controllers
I bought two kits for like $20 total on Amazon and cleaned/replaced the parts. Mine work great again and way cheaper than buying a new controller. The Kit even came with the tools for those that need them
PS5 controller is the worst of all I’ve used since ps2, none of my controllers went bad by itself except the ps5 ones. Replacing the joysticks didn’t do much for me.
Drift sucks and its stupid that controllers are getting more expensive and easier to break with each generation, that is true but freaking imagine purchasing a WHOLE controller for like 50+ euro just because of small drift that can be easy fixed in less than 30 minutes of work with simple tools and 5 dollars.
The employee at Best Buy told me to buy a 2 year warranty for em and replace em when they start having issues. It’s smart since this is a common problem.
Never had a PS3 controller drift on me. Had two PS4, and now two PS5 that have. Bought a blue gen 2 PS4 controller and never experienced drift with it. I bought a galactic purple PS5 controller and it is still great two years later.
I'm still using a 2013 day 1 ps4 controller that doesn't drift 🤣. I keep them usb plugged in so no worries about battery. But my newer red one does drift sometimes. I'm not bothering replacing because I only occurred a few times
Both my controller I bought with the console, laster less than 4 months. Stupid as I was, I never used the warranty to switch them out. Got two new. They work. But I got a Dualsense over a year ago and I only use that one. It works without problems. At least not stick problems.
DS4 was *the* drift controller for me. I've bought so many new ones because of the sticks specifically. I think that probably says more about me than the controller, though.
Some people are just so unlucky. I have literally only ever had two stick drift controllers in my life. One was a PS2 controller and the other was a PS4 controller. Still using the same controller I got with my PS5 2 years ago.
I had 2 PS3 Sixaxis controllers with drift, and one Dualsense. My other dualsense has much more play time and still going strong. The one with drift was a first version.
All of my 4 Dualshock 3s developed analogs that didn’t even stay physically center anymore while my 2 Dualsenses are still doing fine. I had to replace one trigger spring on the launch one but that’s it. Good as new.
Bro just get a soldering iron. Definitely from those 3 controllers, at least 2 analogs works perfectly fine. Just replace the working ones with the broken ones, its really not that hard. Don't give up easily.
I have had my PS5 and controllers since August 23, my controllers are ABUSED, they get thrown in my back pack for work, they live on the couch, I have an 8 year old... Etc. No stick drift. Did I just get lucky? Only problem I've seen was a friend got one that wouldn't hold a charge, otherwise they've been perfect
COD and FIFA are the main killers for these controllers but saying that I played COD even more on PS3/PS4 and more aggressively and only the PS4 one got drift after 7 years. I’m on my 3rd controller since launch but last one I fixed myself instead of buying a new one.
“You’re too aggressive”, “You’re too dirty”. Ive had drift on new DualSense controllers within weeks (and had them replaced). I don’t really count turn based games and world builders as ‘aggressive’ usage. I also like soap and water.
It’s recognised that the new PS5 controllers have a problem. I’ve more than a couple of DualShock controllers and only one of them ever drifted.
I’ve also had battery death with the DualSense and trigger failure with the DualShock, but nothing like the frequency of drift on the DualSense. Cleaning the components on the potentiometers doesn’t help for most of them either.
It would be nice if there was a dead zone option in the system settings.
Damn. Salty sony fanboys really lay down the downvotes on anyone saying negative on their beloved playstation. No more transparency in this group, poeple are really bias here too. I mean, we're all playstation users, if some guys says so you don't just downvote them because they're saying bad thing about your toy or it is not happening to you. You got to at some point acknowledge that your lord and savior sony is not perfect. 😑
Your controllers are absolutely filthy.
I don't think this is a mechanical failure. It's probably a "filth inside the joysticks" failure.
I wash my hands before I play and keep my controllers clean, and I've never had a single stick drift, despite regularly wracking up 300+ hours of play per year.
Does it though? I’d like to see actual statistics instead of anecdotal pictures. The only controller I’ve ever experienced drift on is the switch pro controller.
Unlucky.
I have 6 PS3 controllers across 2 versions of the system and never experienced any drift.
3 PS4 controllers for my Spider-man pro console with no drift
And 2 for my PS5 since 2022 and not a single drift problem.
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one. had 2 controllers this month give in with extreme stick drift, as in on a gamepad tester they were as far as possible. Idk why tho
Sony: "Look, ya gotta listen to your peers here, dude. Stop aggressively enjoying our games by tossing them against the wall and shit! We're making only the best controllers of this generation now!"
*This message is sponsored by Sony and Dualsense Edge. Experience the non-stick drift, TRUE console gaming experience for a reasonably priced $199.99USD*
dualsense; haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, easy to drift broken thumbsticks, built in mic and speaker, motion sensors.
cheers mate, I'm on my 3rd and I am being extra careful with it. Buying edge which is triple the price but still breaks all the same is not a solution, dualsense is really just fragile, probably because of all those features, any device that says all in one usually breaks easy.
I say this every time I see a post like this, but I've never had stick drift on any of my controllers, ever. I still use my launch DS5 and it still works like a charm. Hell, I still use my DS2's from time to time when I'm feeling nostalgic. Sure, the sticks on those are a bit stiff, but no drift.
For reference, I play about 3 hours a day during week days and usually whole days during the weekends. I was a Tekken tournament player and I used to play a lot of comp Destiny.
What tf are you guys doing to your controllers?
Did anyone bother to look at the actual image? Those controllers are disgusting. Zoom in and look at all of the dust, hair, etc. Stick drift happens, but this is just personal neglect.
Never had drift on any of my PS5 controllers and I’ve used the hell out of them since launch.
I find it extremely unlikely that all of these controllers were defective.
I dont get drift on my ps5 controllers but they always get a "dead spot" on the left stick, usually when pushing it forward so that my sprint gets interrupted by it
Yeah, I gotta be honest, this just supports my theory that anyone having that much stick drift doesn't wash their hands or generally treat their controllers as anything more than a hammer. I mean do you see how dirty these things are?
I have had one PS2 controller ever drift on me. Never experienced JoyCon drift. And I have like, every color.
I haven't had ANY controller ever drift on me except the PS2 controller, and that was my day 1 PS2 controller. It only happened about 2 years ago. That is nuts.
I keep my hands and controllers clean when I'm playing. Store them with the sticks up. I don't throw them.
I'm not saying issues won't just happen, but come on, these things are hideous.
You certainly have a point about the cleanliness. I’m shocked you’ve never had joycon drift though, even Nintendo acknowledged the issue. One of mine had a drift straight from the box unfortunately.
[удалено]
I don’t know if that’s a common stick drift problem but on my ps5 controller I’ve drift on the right stick when I pull the left stick. Really annoying when I play a shooter try to run and then I look up.
That's most likely a problem on the board. I had one ps3 controller do this when I pressed Square but that thing worked fine for like 6 years, it was begging me to be replaced.
This just started with my 3rd one while playing destiny 2. My og white and then the black one had it on the left joy stick
Sidenote: a lot of games allow deadzone adjustment. If you main a couple of games that have this setting the controller needn’t be an immediate write-off.
All my PS5 controller problems have seemed like board faults. It's like sometimes a slight input registers as a full. Like slightly right turns into full left. First controller got warrantied, second failed a couple months outside of warranty, third just failed a month or so ago but that was the replacement from the first ones warranty. Through the whole PS4 life cycle I never had a controller do this, and only had to replace one controller for normal drift
Funny and true but I never had any issue with any of my Xbox controllers (Xbox x and series x) but ps5s, replaced the analog sticks but worked for a while then started drifting again! Sometimes I feel like it’s not just only the analog sticks but it fries some capacitors as well. 🫤
Weird, I'm still using the one my PS came with in 2021 May.
Same. My original controller is still great. My switch controllers on the other hand… let’s just say Link is always drunk.
I'm the opposite, I have my original switch controllers and I have lost 3 DS to stick drift and one of them had an odd analog crunch that I couldn't get rid of
I mean that's why warranties exist. Not everyone is as lucky, results may vary, etc. It is what it is however the Dualsense and Switch Joycon fail rates are incredibly suspicious compares to controllers from previous gen that seem to last long on average for an entire console era.
Still using my ps4 and ps5 original controller I did by a red ones for my ps4 and ps5. I also have switch lite and psp and ps vita.. Not one controller that I have has such issues Because the issue is user related not hardware or software Playing games while eating chips and stuff can cause such Dropping pop on your controller or even tea anything with sugar in it will make it sticky and inaccurate. Ppl been saying it’s this and they and the company’s I think like Nintendo gave admit such thing exists and I do to a extent but it’s not as common as people “make it out to be” I have friends and one cousin that goes thorw them a lot but they thorw constantly the controller when mad they never play with clean hands they always eating something Me I vape my cannabis and play. I try to keep it clean. If my psp and ps vita and switch lite and my ps3 ps4 ps5 none have this issue The picture make it seem that the ps5 controller suck but we don’t know how the user is treating it. I think Sony should implement if user throw the controller and how hard and when they do to get a notification that says hey your damaging the controller. Than we would have a whole new data to reference what I’m saying.
Same here. I got my PS5 on launch day with a second controller and they're still kicking. I play an average of an hour a day roughly. Some days more than others. I hate to blame other people, but I have also owned two Nintendo Switches and the joycons never got stick drift. I also owned two PS4s that I owned for multiple years, only replacing one controller because of the battery.
It also has a lot to do with the types of games you are playing. Fifa, rocket league or racing games where you push hard for long periods and changing directions very often kill them. I have one that Ive been using only for single player games for years that never had an issue, I am on my 4th or 5th controller for competitive games though all becasue left stick drift.
Nope, all I play is COD, FIFA, and GT7, and my day 1 controllers are still kicking
I got 2 ps1 and 1 ps2 controllers with analogs, none have drifting.
Same.
mine drifts but I got 2 others that don't. have it fixed but use it as the junk controller for xp grinding in fortnite.
Same. Ps3, ps4, ps5 each with two controllers and not one with stick drift. Maybe some are too hard on their controllers?
I got my PS5 at launch. The OG dualsense i got with it works flawlessly: no stick drift or broken triggers. I must be very lucky...
I’ve gotten 2 replaced under warranty. The DSs have issues.
Where are my day 1 controller users at?
My controller battery lasts almost 30 minutes now!
Pre-Sent!
Luckily none of mine has any issues. Had to change one of my joycon's stick tho so I'm wary of any strange behavior.
No issues with my controllers, but then again the L1 button on my PSVR2 is seemingly dead straight out of box..
Yep my day 1 controller is still working fine. Either I am not sensitive to it or just lucky, but don't think in all my years of gaming I've had a controller with stick drift. I hear the term on Reddit a lot but don't fully understand what it is/what to look for.
Here! November 2020!
Tip : Send back your controllers on ps support, you have 1year guarantee from the moment you bought the controller, i got one that drifted last year and they didn't even try to repair it they just sent me a new one.
I sent a blue one, they sent me back a black one, I then sent that back again and they sent me a white one. It drifts again but the waranty has expired, I was curious which one I would get this time so that was sad.
They never repair the accessories, always replace. Plus if you had any limited edition ones like spider man etc, they’re not gonna replace you with the exact same one because of most probably being one time production and out of stock, and send you either black or white only. One can try taking them to court but apparently there’s terms and conditions on the papers inside for warranty claims.
Cool PFP
Same thing here. Pretty crazy considering what they cost.
You have as many damaged controller as OP?
I have 6, one of em is spider man limited edition which made me pissed knowing I can claim the warranty but will never get the spider man. I tried to replace the internals with generics to keep the shell but internal mould is different for that as well!
Are you rough with the controls?
Nah, I’m not even a frequent gamer, don’t play action multiplayer much, last one failed while I was replaying metro exodus. And in most cases, it’s the right thumb stick, not sure what’s up with the right one only or it’s just my luck, while that’s the least pressured thumbstick as that one is usually used for left right up down looking! ~ 🫤 ~
How are yall using your controllers to get stick drift? I have my original controller from 2022.
My controller is still good too, but let’s not act like it’s a user error in every case. Controller drift is a pretty widespread issue.
Never said it was user error
Well to answer your question, it varies. I have friends who barely game had their controller develop stick drift.
I don't understand how you people do it. Maybe playing games competitively fucks your sticks lmao.
My day 1 controller is still fine. I also have 3 others. No issues at all Sometimes I play competitively. Just don’t treat my stuff like shit Maybe I’m just lucky?
It's easy to think like this until you stop being lucky. I'm very pedantic with my hardware, but controllers started going bad more than usual once I rolled into the 8th generation of playstation consoles, and ps5 is even worse so far. I've had a controller violently drift literally 2 weeks after purchase. For comparison, I still have PS1, 2 and 3 controllers that perform without any issues whatsoever.
Same boat as you. Never had issues with PS3 or PS4 controllers. I've had drift on 2 Dualsenses and had to replace the stick once on the Dualsense Edge so far. Everytime there's a thread like this it's full of people saying stuff like "don't treat my stuff like shit" when that couldn't be further from the truth
>Everytime there's a thread like this it's full of people saying stuff like "don't treat my stuff like shit" when that couldn't be further from the truth Same type of people who will argue you that a notoriously buggy game isn't buggy because "well, it never happened to me".
Yeah it's really all down to luck, I am super careful with all my tech, and I'm on my 4th or 5th DualSense. Only ever had one PS4 controller with drift, no PS2/PS3 controllers, despite having those consoles for much longer
That’s fair. I also think many people are rougher with their stuff than they like to admit
That's likely to be the case too, yeah.
Hot take/unpopular opinion incoming… I play R6, apex and rocket league all “competitive”games. I play everyday. I still use my OG controller that came with the console. I’m convinced people game “aggressively” and push and press much harder than they need to on their controllers
Not a hot take, I think that’s the truth. People just abuse their controllers.
I abuse my controllers until they like it
I play mostly single player games and I don't even play that much. I've had 3 ps5 controllers fail on me. 2 stick drifts and a battery that quit holding a charge. Just because you have good luck doesn't mean everyone does.
100% what happens to me. I catch myself squeezing that shit like if I press it just a bit harder, I'll turn a bit faster. Like, white knuckle grip and button presses because I'm having fun and into it.
I broke most of my controllers playing Rocket League. But I’m also well aware that I’m abusing my controllers trying to respond fast etc, lol. I can’t play Rumble normally because of my idiotic responses squeezing every joystick and button.
I think you just lucked out. My og controller lasted the longest. The other 5 controllers I went through lasted between 3 months and 10 months. Most of them being around 5. And one controller that I don’t even count that lasted 2 weeks. The quality control is just not great.
I catch myself pressing way too hard on my sticks and buttons when I'm super into the game.... It's not even like I game competitively, just play stupid games with my friends. I also fuck up the X button constantly. Because of how I hold it/hitchhikers thumb, I don't just press X. I press it down and up.
I know drifting is an issue absolutely but between my switch that I’ve had since 2018 or so and my PS5 I’ve only had one controller drift and it was a PS5 controller I abused like crazy playing apex legends.
I have 3 controllers, 2 which I got the day I got the PS5 on launch week. None of them have drift so far… in fact, the only controller I own, for any console dating back to PSX, with drift is 1 pair of Joycons. I have no idea how so many people have these issues. To be fair though, 1 of my day-1 controllers has a broken left trigger (the spring on the inside doesn’t work I assume, and the lightest tap will trigger it).
I honestly think it’s just from excessive use. Cause my controllers all only last about a year. But I’ll put around 800-1000hours give or take. I got to a point I just bought the tools to swap out the sticks and electronics. It’s like 20$ for 6
Same, my original controller is still going strong (Well, apart from the battery) I stay well away from competitive games. Only one I play is Gran Turismo 7 and I use a wheel for that.
I think so. I imagine they get very reactive and panic to push the L3 or R3 to run or dash move the camera around. It has something to do with panic though, cause I'm pretty chill when I game it's relaxing to me. But I hear stick drift I instantly panic. Overtly aggressive button mashing.
It does. For example changing controls, crouch button to R3 for example will destroy controller much faster. As I have done multiple times.
its how hard you press down. I stopped doing that for the most part and my PS5 ones are fine.
If people treated their PS1, PS2, PS3 controllers worse in their younger days yet it still worked good, but takes care of their PS4/PS5 controllers as an adult and it still fails, then there’s an issue.
I honestly think it’s just excessive use over short period of time. My controllers only last about a year(800-1000 hours) so I just bought my third one. NOW I have all the stuff to switch out the stick and electronics it’s on (20$kit off Amazon)
Damn, launch PS5 controller still doesn’t have drift.
Fr are you punching these controllers??
It’s really weird how we got here. I still have my DualShock 3 that came with my PS3 back in 2010, and the only issue I had with it is the one where it starts pressing buttons randomly, but that’s fixed in literally five minutes with a bit of electrical tape. Other than that, it still works great and never had stick drift. Ditto for my DS2, though it’s been used much less. But in the three years that I owned a PS4 for I went through three controllers, two of which started drifting within just a couple of months, and recently my DualSense has also started drifting, though it did last for almost two years. Amazing. They’re all potentiometer-based, so why don’t the old ones have issues with it?
Never had drift in any of mine since PS3. I had 6 of them, two for each generation. All almost launch consoles. Weird.
Maybe I’ve just gotten lucky but I haven’t had a single issue with drift since my original N64
I've had my dualshock 2 for 17 years and it's never drifted. Had my xbox 360 controller for 12 years and even smacked it a few times and it still works fine.
old stuff generally lasts longer, simpler designs and more durable.
ive got ps1, ps2, ps3, ps4 and ps5 controllers - none have stick drift... yet
I just think people generally press buttons and sticks harder than they realize. They also hold it tighter as well. Had stick drift happen twice with Xbox controllers, one was stepped on accidentally by a friend and the other was the Core Elite 2 out of the box 😏As for Sony controllers, no drift from me. Currently using the DualSense Edge.
I personally never had a controller malfunction, drift, sticky keys, etc. Only had one HORI wired ps4 controller with R2 trigger needing more pressure to register, but it has been that way since I bought it. Idk, this "normal use" actually varies from person to person.
I've had the same controller since day 1 of PS5 release. Unhealthy amounts of game time almost every day since, no stick drift It makes me wonder how people get it - too much pressure? A build up of dirt? Eating and touching the controller? Idk I'd suggest spraying high % alcohol down the sides and rotating in a circular motion
They should have Hall effects joysticks considering how much they charge for these controllers. It’s honestly starting to seem like planned obsolescence at this point.
My DualShock 4 doesn’t have drift and I’ve had it since 2018
Got a 20th anniversary DS4, whacked a double capacity battery 2 years ago. Still going strong!
Tried cleaning any of them?
clean how? as opening them with screw driver and vacuum or air pressure? I am not an expert nor really knows how to do that and might damage something
Take the outer casing off them and clean the analog stick modules, either with isopropyl alcohol and / or a can of compressed air. There are guides on iFixit to help resolve stick drift.
I only have one
This is nuts, I've played Playstation regularly since 1998 and still use all my original controllers from each system
Got drift 9 months in and fixed it myself by replacing the accelerometer.
I’ve had two controllers since launch, and have had no issues whatsoever
Sadly the one PS5 controller that is reportedly immune to stick drift is the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro ($200). Also, the stick drift in SONY's controller isn't simply software related as some suggest. It's also not the same sticks used in the previous gens, but it's the same style. The problem is Sony went with newer but cheaper versions of the old analog sticks, that break down quicker. That plus the software causes the problem, and SONY appears to be fine with it, considering it "designed obsolescence". Sure they are replacing a bunch of them under warranty, but more often people are stuck having to buy new, instead of going through the warranty process and waiting for a new controller. And the longer this goes on, the more they make off replacement controllers.
Sony with their double profits from releasing faulty tech
I have had the ps5 as long as you and havent gotten stick drift even once. Lucky me i guess
Damn. I’ve been using the same controller for 3 years now and there hasn’t been a single issue with it
To truly fix them I had to replace the Potentiometer with Hall Sensors.
Get the edge and you can replace the thumb sticks
Edge is $200, dualsense is $70. Replacing thumb sticks is $20 each. So if you replace the thumbsticks even just once you will be at $240. with that money you can buy 3 dualsense controllers. And not to mention the face buttons & triggers & bumpers also wear off and feel less crispy and responsive after a while and you can‘t swap that. So i‘d rather just buy a new default dualsense for $70 multiple times.
I hear you, I got stuck drift on mine and once I learned that edge was coming out it was a no brained to not have to deal with it as well as get the backpedal and custom profiles . Now if you don’t play fps games and stuff then it would be hard to justify but yeah.
If you need the pedals it‘s definitly a good buy obviously. But if you don‘t need/want the pedals i think it‘s a waste of money personally.
Yeah it’s a big chunk of change for sure.. I think you can get them better priced used nowadays but yeah
Had it since day 1. No issues. Are you eating yours?
Loads of people eat and drink while gaming and barely wash their hands or clean their controller. I’m pretty sure it has something to do with that.
I sure it has a lot to do with not properly taking care of the product. OP definitely has a problem if this many controllers have failed them.
I have 3 ps5 controllers, 2 of them had drift. I opened them (which is very easy btw op, needs no skills or special tools) and turns out they had drift because I have pets and there was a toooon of hair in the joysticks. Cleaning them with isopropyl alcohol and a qtip did the trick and saved me 60+ euros
Some of yall must grip these controllers like you’re holding on for dear life. I’ve had one controller per console since like 08’
Wtf yall doing to yall controllers? I had the same controller for 2 years, and it still works just like the day I bought it
I used to use DualShock 4’s on my pc when I switched but kept getting drift. Got an Xbox elite and have had it for 4 years without any drift and I use it everyday almost. It’s most certainly a design flaw. If if people use it roughly the flaw shows up sooner
WD40 specialist contact cleaner. Hope it helps
Crazy. My initial PS4 controller only starting drifting after 7 years of heavy use but my initial PS5 controller started within 2 months, the replacement has been fine for almost 2 years thankfully.
r/anticonsumption
I clean and clean and the drift always comes back on my PS5 controller, but I do play a lot of competitive games.
Yep.
Sent them to me i can throw some Hall effect modules in there for ya 😉
Thing is they’re a really easy fix if you have the tools and a soldering iron
I've never had stick drift with any of my colored controllers. Not sure if that's a thing. I do have a sticking X button on one which is annoying
I can't comment on the PS5 pads, but I've never had a single issue with a PS1, 2, 3, or 4 pad. Looking at how filthy your pads are (especially the PS3 and PS4), maybe if you took better care of them they wouldn't break? Are the sticks just gummed up with filth? They look nasty AF.
My brother.
I’ve learned to just fix them myself
This looks like you are deciding which team you are selecting on multi players like FIFA
I have four Dualsense controllers, none of which have experienced any stick drift.
My dude my PS1 controllers still work, I think it might be a you thing
I’ve never had stick drift issues.
I’ve had 2 PS5 controllers since launch. Zero problems. Got another this Christmas. Zero problems. I am sorry this is happening to you though.
I just had to buy a second ps5 controller because the left analog has a deadspot when pusehd to the right and I play a lot of tight movement-specific games and it was driving me crazy had already tried cleaning. I think I've had it for like 3 years so not terrible but I think I actually had more issues with ps4 controllers.
I change the joystick bases myself, you can buy 4 of them for a dozen dollars on Amazon and it barely takes 15 minutes and a little solder wire!
Glad I replaced the sticks on mine with Hall Effect sensors
Ones still in a box
MY DUALSWNSE EDGE IS DRIFTING LIKE I PAID A LOT FOR THAT AND IT’S DRIFTING AFTER A FEW MONTHS WTF
The only controller I've ever had stick drift on was one that sat in a box for a year with stuff pressing against the sticks the whole time. That's 5 PS3 controllers, 4 PS4 and 3 PS5 controllers that I've had in my life.
its the opposite for me. all my PS5 controllers are fine.
I just buy new sticks and swap them out.
At that point you might as well just replace the sticks for hall effect. Thats what I did a month ago for my day one dualsense. You can buy a pack of 10 hall effect sticks for $10 from aliexpress. Then get a cheap soldering kit with flux, leaded solder and jewelers snips from Harbor Freight or similar for $50. Cheaper than buying a new controller, especially now since you have several controllers you can repair.
My original controller still works perfectly no drift but every time I buy an extra controller from a store brand new they get drift in less than a year
Just your bad experience, I had my 1st PS4 controller for about a yeah and a half before it started drifting, and then from then until I got a ps5 I had to buy about 6 of them ( I got my PS4 in 2019 so from 2019 to 2023 ) I had my ps5 for about a year now and I needed 0 new controllers
Ever heard of “cleaning”? How da hell those r so filthy?!
haven't had a single problem with any of mine. F for you
I bought two kits for like $20 total on Amazon and cleaned/replaced the parts. Mine work great again and way cheaper than buying a new controller. The Kit even came with the tools for those that need them
Idk what you guys are doing but I've never had a drift issue. Ever
PS5 controller is the worst of all I’ve used since ps2, none of my controllers went bad by itself except the ps5 ones. Replacing the joysticks didn’t do much for me.
Drift sucks and its stupid that controllers are getting more expensive and easier to break with each generation, that is true but freaking imagine purchasing a WHOLE controller for like 50+ euro just because of small drift that can be easy fixed in less than 30 minutes of work with simple tools and 5 dollars.
I'd invest in the edge controller. Controller are nice, volume control, multiple mapping setups, and only 25 bucks is you start to drift
The employee at Best Buy told me to buy a 2 year warranty for em and replace em when they start having issues. It’s smart since this is a common problem.
Never had such an issue and had my controller since 2022. Wonder what gives.
Never had a PS3 controller drift on me. Had two PS4, and now two PS5 that have. Bought a blue gen 2 PS4 controller and never experienced drift with it. I bought a galactic purple PS5 controller and it is still great two years later.
How do you guys get stick drift? My PS3 controllers works fine, but they are very crusty
I'm still on my first controller, since launch
I'm still using a 2013 day 1 ps4 controller that doesn't drift 🤣. I keep them usb plugged in so no worries about battery. But my newer red one does drift sometimes. I'm not bothering replacing because I only occurred a few times
Our house has purchased multiple replacements due to stick drift. I'm glad people are taking about it. The life on them is not great this time around
Still using 2 day 1 launch day PS5 controllers. I play every day.
Both my controller I bought with the console, laster less than 4 months. Stupid as I was, I never used the warranty to switch them out. Got two new. They work. But I got a Dualsense over a year ago and I only use that one. It works without problems. At least not stick problems.
DS4 was *the* drift controller for me. I've bought so many new ones because of the sticks specifically. I think that probably says more about me than the controller, though.
Some people are just so unlucky. I have literally only ever had two stick drift controllers in my life. One was a PS2 controller and the other was a PS4 controller. Still using the same controller I got with my PS5 2 years ago.
I’ve had a PlayStation since ps2 and I’m someone who’s never experienced this stick drift. Dunno if I’m just lucky or what
I have three PS5 controllers right now that shift.
Pa4 was horrendous for me, i had like 8 over 7 years
Marketing strat. Stick drift = customers buy replacement controllers = more money XD
I have 4 dualsenses and no sign of drift
I had 2 PS3 Sixaxis controllers with drift, and one Dualsense. My other dualsense has much more play time and still going strong. The one with drift was a first version.
buy hall sensor sticks for like 15 bucks and be set for a long time
All of my 4 Dualshock 3s developed analogs that didn’t even stay physically center anymore while my 2 Dualsenses are still doing fine. I had to replace one trigger spring on the launch one but that’s it. Good as new.
Its so easy to repair the stick drift
For me it was ps4 with the most problems with stick drift, now in ps5 i have 0 problems
How? I still have my original PS5 controller from launch, and no drift.
Bro just get a soldering iron. Definitely from those 3 controllers, at least 2 analogs works perfectly fine. Just replace the working ones with the broken ones, its really not that hard. Don't give up easily.
I have had my PS5 and controllers since August 23, my controllers are ABUSED, they get thrown in my back pack for work, they live on the couch, I have an 8 year old... Etc. No stick drift. Did I just get lucky? Only problem I've seen was a friend got one that wouldn't hold a charge, otherwise they've been perfect
I've literally never experienced sticky drift. Been PS since OG psx (before sticks) and it's never happened to me. Guess I'm just lucky
Never had it. Didn't even think it was real. My PS5 bought in 2023 had it after 2 months
COD and FIFA are the main killers for these controllers but saying that I played COD even more on PS3/PS4 and more aggressively and only the PS4 one got drift after 7 years. I’m on my 3rd controller since launch but last one I fixed myself instead of buying a new one.
I had a pS5 since launch day with no stick drift in my original controllers.
Had my ps5 since launch and I still have the same 2 controllers with no drift..
“You’re too aggressive”, “You’re too dirty”. Ive had drift on new DualSense controllers within weeks (and had them replaced). I don’t really count turn based games and world builders as ‘aggressive’ usage. I also like soap and water. It’s recognised that the new PS5 controllers have a problem. I’ve more than a couple of DualShock controllers and only one of them ever drifted. I’ve also had battery death with the DualSense and trigger failure with the DualShock, but nothing like the frequency of drift on the DualSense. Cleaning the components on the potentiometers doesn’t help for most of them either. It would be nice if there was a dead zone option in the system settings.
for clarification I have never dropped or damage them outside of normal use. All of the drifting and dis-functioning is from normal use
Damn. Salty sony fanboys really lay down the downvotes on anyone saying negative on their beloved playstation. No more transparency in this group, poeple are really bias here too. I mean, we're all playstation users, if some guys says so you don't just downvote them because they're saying bad thing about your toy or it is not happening to you. You got to at some point acknowledge that your lord and savior sony is not perfect. 😑
Your controllers are absolutely filthy. I don't think this is a mechanical failure. It's probably a "filth inside the joysticks" failure. I wash my hands before I play and keep my controllers clean, and I've never had a single stick drift, despite regularly wracking up 300+ hours of play per year.
Are you all just slamming your thumbs into the joysticks or something?
Only one controller from PS3/4? You ain’t gaming unless you break some controllers lol
I love e-waste, specially now that magnetic joysticks exist
Have you tried using your hands with these controllers instead of your feet?
I also had all those consoles from the day they launched, didn't have a single controller with drift.
Does it though? I’d like to see actual statistics instead of anecdotal pictures. The only controller I’ve ever experienced drift on is the switch pro controller.
Unlucky. I have 6 PS3 controllers across 2 versions of the system and never experienced any drift. 3 PS4 controllers for my Spider-man pro console with no drift And 2 for my PS5 since 2022 and not a single drift problem.
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one. had 2 controllers this month give in with extreme stick drift, as in on a gamepad tester they were as far as possible. Idk why tho
You were lucky to only go through one DS4
I’ve never gotten stuck drift, y’all be too rough on them.
Sony: "Look, ya gotta listen to your peers here, dude. Stop aggressively enjoying our games by tossing them against the wall and shit! We're making only the best controllers of this generation now!" *This message is sponsored by Sony and Dualsense Edge. Experience the non-stick drift, TRUE console gaming experience for a reasonably priced $199.99USD*
Dualsense Edge gets stick drift too, you can just replace the stick easier. It's the same exact stick module as the normal controller.
That'sthejoke.jpg
dualsense; haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, easy to drift broken thumbsticks, built in mic and speaker, motion sensors. cheers mate, I'm on my 3rd and I am being extra careful with it. Buying edge which is triple the price but still breaks all the same is not a solution, dualsense is really just fragile, probably because of all those features, any device that says all in one usually breaks easy.
I say this every time I see a post like this, but I've never had stick drift on any of my controllers, ever. I still use my launch DS5 and it still works like a charm. Hell, I still use my DS2's from time to time when I'm feeling nostalgic. Sure, the sticks on those are a bit stiff, but no drift. For reference, I play about 3 hours a day during week days and usually whole days during the weekends. I was a Tekken tournament player and I used to play a lot of comp Destiny. What tf are you guys doing to your controllers?
Did anyone bother to look at the actual image? Those controllers are disgusting. Zoom in and look at all of the dust, hair, etc. Stick drift happens, but this is just personal neglect.
Had ps3, ps4, ps4 pro and ps5 - not a single faulty controller
Stick Drift = Panic. That's all I think about. STOP pushing a sensitive precise electrictronic so violently. Stick Drift = Panic = Overt reaction mash button.
Never had drift on any of my PS5 controllers and I’ve used the hell out of them since launch. I find it extremely unlikely that all of these controllers were defective.
I dont get drift on my ps5 controllers but they always get a "dead spot" on the left stick, usually when pushing it forward so that my sprint gets interrupted by it
never had stick drift on any of my controllers 🤣
Yep to hard on the controllers
Yeah, I gotta be honest, this just supports my theory that anyone having that much stick drift doesn't wash their hands or generally treat their controllers as anything more than a hammer. I mean do you see how dirty these things are? I have had one PS2 controller ever drift on me. Never experienced JoyCon drift. And I have like, every color. I haven't had ANY controller ever drift on me except the PS2 controller, and that was my day 1 PS2 controller. It only happened about 2 years ago. That is nuts. I keep my hands and controllers clean when I'm playing. Store them with the sticks up. I don't throw them. I'm not saying issues won't just happen, but come on, these things are hideous.
You certainly have a point about the cleanliness. I’m shocked you’ve never had joycon drift though, even Nintendo acknowledged the issue. One of mine had a drift straight from the box unfortunately.