Switch 2 Already Facing Joy-Con Drift? Here’s What Gamers Need to Know
Is the new Switch 2 already haunted by the infamous Joy-Con drift? Fans are buzzing, and Nintendo’s reputation is on the line once again. With rumors flying about stick drift right out of the box, many are wondering if the Switch 2 really solved the problem, or if it’s déjà vu for gamers everywhere. Let’s break down what’s true, what’s hype, and whether you should worry about your next-gen Joy-Con controllers.
- First reports of Switch 2 Joy-Con drift already appeared online
- Drift is a common issue for PS5, Xbox, and Switch controllers
- Nintendo claims Joy-Con 2 are improved, but teardowns suggest similar internals
- Warranty, repairs, and user experiences—what you need to know
Joy-Con Drift: Still a Thing?
Stick drift, where your joystick starts acting on its own, is nothing new. It’s annoying and can mess up your gameplay. While all platforms—PS5, Xbox, and Switch—have had drift issues, the phrase “Joy-Con drift” has become almost legendary. This is partly because the Switch’s controllers are detachable, colorful, and a bit pricier than the competition.
Recently, a Reddit user reported drift right out of the box on their brand-new Switch 2. That’s got people worried, but so far, these stories are rare. You’ll have to dig deep to find more than a handful of similar experiences. Some users say they were able to fix the issue just by recalibrating the controller manually. There are also scattered reports on social media, but nothing that looks like a widespread epidemic—at least not yet.
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Numbers and Reality Check
Statistics can sound scary, like the claim that 40% of Joy-Cons eventually suffer drift. But that number comes from a survey of barely 900 people—not exactly the most scientific. Considering Nintendo has sold over 150 million Switch consoles, the odds are still pretty good for most users.
The bottom line? Most drift issues show up after months (or years) of use. Since the Switch 2 is brand new, it’s too early to say if it’ll be better or worse than the OG. Still, Nintendo says they’ve updated and improved the Joy-Con design for durability this time around.
What’s New in Joy-Con 2?
Nintendo claims, “The control sticks for Joy-Con 2 controllers have been redesigned and have improved in areas such as durability,” as a spokesperson told VGC (source). However, tech experts who’ve already cracked open the new controllers say the insides look a lot like the original Joy-Con (see the teardown here).
So what does that mean? It’s possible the Switch 2 will be just as prone to drift after long-term use. Still, Nintendo has promised free Joy-Con replacements for the Switch 2 while under warranty (usually one year). In most cases, repair experiences are positive—users say they just had to live without a controller for a couple of weeks, and many have had multiple repairs without paying a dime.
DIY Fixes and Nintendo’s Response
If you’re handy, you can try fixing Joy-Con drift yourself with simple tools (and yes, even cardboard), but beware: DIY repairs void your warranty and can end badly. As always, your best bet is to go through Nintendo if you’re still covered.
The controversy around Joy-Con drift even led to lawsuits and a public apology from Nintendo. According to the company, they’ve “continually been improving Joy-Con durability” during the Switch’s life. They also say future-proofing was a priority for Switch 2 (Nintendo Life interview).
Still, with the new magnetic strips and mouse controls, Joy-Con 2 might face new forms of wear and tear. It’s too early to tell if these changes will help or hurt in the long run.
Should You Worry?
For now, if you’re one of the millions grabbing a Switch 2, there’s no hard evidence that Joy-Con drift will be a huge problem—at least, not any more than on PS5 or Xbox. As always, your mileage may vary. Some gamers have never had a problem, while others have seen every controller go rogue. If drift does strike, at least Nintendo’s repair policy is one of the better ones out there.
Stay tuned for more updates as we see how the new Joy-Cons hold up over time!
