Buzz
The Nintendo Switch is undeniably one of the most beloved gaming consoles of all time. Its game library is exceptional, and its portability is a major advantage, but its controllers...not so much. The issue known as “Joy-Con drift,” where the controller registers unintended movements, has plagued the system for years. However, GuliKit, a manufacturer of controllers and accessories, claims to have a solution that could eliminate Joy-Con drift permanently.
This isn’t the first time GuliKit has made such promises. The company is known for its KingKong Pro 2 Switch controller, which was also marketed as drift-proof. The key difference this time, as highlighted by Gizmodo, is that GuliKit isn’t releasing a new controller but rather offering a fix for existing Joy-Cons.
What Causes Joy-Con Drift?
Several factors can lead to Joy-Con drift, but the primary issue appears to stem from the potentiometers used in many controllers, including the PS5's DualSense controller. These components can degrade over time and use, causing the system to misinterpret the joystick's position. This is why you might start up Breath of the Wild and see Link moving left without any input from you.
If your Joy-Cons are still under warranty, Nintendo offers free repairs. However, this process can be time-consuming and is only a temporary fix. Since the problem is hardware-related and Nintendo doesn’t alter the design during repairs, the drift issue may resurface in the same controllers over time.
Many have resorted to DIY solutions in such situations. We’ve previously discussed one such method, but GuliKit believes their Hall Joystick for Joy-Con is a superior alternative.
How Hall Joysticks Eliminate Drifting
Hall Joysticks are complete replacements for the original Joy-Con sticks. By swapping out Nintendo’s joysticks with Hall Joysticks, you can eliminate drift entirely. GuliKit’s design uses “Hall effect sensing” magnets, the same technology found in their KingKong Pro 2 sticks, to track joystick movements. Without potentiometers or other wear-prone components, the risk of drift is theoretically eliminated. The company also offers a similar solution for the Steam Deck on Amazon.
GuliKit’s Hall Joysticks are usually priced at $30 for a pair or $53 for four, but they are currently out of stock on Amazon at the moment. When they’re available again, iFixit provides an excellent step-by-step video guide for installing them on your Joy-Cons. Keep in mind that this repair will void your Joy-Cons’ warranty, so proceed only if your warranty has expired or if you’re comfortable taking the risk.
After installing the Hall Joysticks, you might need to recalibrate your Joy-Cons. This can be done in Settings > Controllers and Sensors.
