Switch problem finally solved: 30-euro gadget fixes Joy-Con drift permanently

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con drift has always been a problem. Even if Nintendo is accommodating and replaces the Joy-Cons of the affected users free of charge, the hardware’s susceptibility to errors remains annoying. However, there is a gadget on Amazon for 30 euros that solves the problem once and for all.

Switch Gadget declares war on Joy-Con Drift

Many Switch players know the problem. Initially, the Joy-Cons still work perfectly. But after a few months, fate takes its course. The game character suddenly starts running, even though you don’t even touch the stick, or the camera suddenly turns constantly in one direction. The Joy-Con drift has struck.

So now it’s time for yourself deal with Nintendo customer support and request a free repair or replacement. But with a bit of bad luck, after a while you face the same problem again. Surely there has to be a solution for this?

And yes, there are: Hall effect joysticks. In contrast to the original from Nintendo, no classic potentiometer is used here, which wears out over time. Controllers with Hall effect technology rely on contactless functionality, which effectively ensures that there is no mechanical wear on the component.

And indeed experienced Switch players can convert their Joy-Cons with a suitable kit. On Amazon, a corresponding Hall effect package with two Joy-Con sticks costs 31.70 euros. The four-pack costs 56.70 euros (view at Amazon). You can see how much the conversion brings you in the video at the top of the article – because we simply installed the kit in a Nintendo Switch ourselves and describe our experiences to you.

In addition to the sticks, the package also includes the following to be able to exchange the Joy-Con sticks:

• two magnetic screwdrivers (1x Phillips, 1x Y-shape)
• a pair of tweezers
• a plastic pry tool
• 18 or 36 spare screws
• two or four replacement caps for the Joy-Con stick

At the moment, buyers are forgiving only 3.9 out of 5 possible stars. The explanation: Currently there seem to be problems with the quality assurance of the sticks. Two players report defects or an incorrectly enclosed screwdriver and have returned the goods. Others, on the other hand, are over the moon and award 5 stars.

Looking for more Switch accessories? We have a few recommendations for you:

Good to know: Joy-Con repair is tricky

What Switch players should know before buying: Replacing the Joy-Con sticks is not an easy task. On iFixit, hobbyists can find instructions for swapping out the left and right Joy-Cons (to the instructions for the left Joy-Con / to the instructions for the right Joy-Con). The Amazon seller also points out that potential buyers should only strike if they feel capable of repairing it.

While we’re on the subject of Switch problems – Nintendo should address these 6 criticisms slowly:

iFixit’s repair experts state that replacing each Joy-Con stick takes about 30 minutes. After the repair is complete, the sticks will need to be recalibrated in the Nintendo Switch settings menu to work properly. Finally, restarting the console is recommended.