After years of coping with Pleasure-Con drift and no passable solutions from Nintendo, we could lastly have our repair. An organization referred to as Gulikit has created a set of Swap joystick replacements that promise to get rid of stick drift as soon as and for all (by Gizmodo).
In contrast to Nintendo’s commonplace Pleasure-Cons, Gulikit’s joystick replacements use one thing referred to as Corridor impact sensors to make them basically drift-proof – the identical expertise utilized by the Saturn 3D and Dreamcast controllers from at Sega for the reason that 90s. As iFixit factors out, the sensors use magnets to detect joystick motion, which means not one of the elements rub in opposition to one another and put on out just like the sensors used on the Pleasure-Cons do.
One of many causes the Pleasure-Cons transfer within the first place is as a result of they use potentiometers. This expertise degrades over time, leading to incorrect readings that make the controller seem possessed. In 2021, Nintendo govt Ko Shiota in contrast the issue to automobile tires that “put on out because the automobile strikes as a result of they’re in fixed friction with the bottom to spin”.
That is the place Gulikit’s joysticks are available in. The sticks, which can be found for $29.70 on Amazon, will seemingly put an finish to frequent Pleasure-Con replacements and restore orders (which should not be the case). You may want to put in the alternative joysticks your self, after all, however this video from iFixit ought to level you in the proper route in the case of disassembling the Pleasure-Cons. Gulikit’s joysticks additionally include a screwdriver, alternative screws, tweezers and a plastic pry software that can assist you get began.
Whereas we have not had an opportunity to strive them ourselves, customers on Amazon have left largely optimistic opinions. Nonetheless, some say it leaves a small hole between the ring that ought to forestall mud and different particles from getting contained in the Swap, although it is unclear how or if this may have an effect on the sticks (or Pleasure-Cons in self). Gulikit additionally has alternative joysticks for the Steam Deck, in addition to a KingKong 2 Professional controller full with Corridor impact sensors.
Be aware that including third-party sticks may void your Swap and Pleasure-Cons guarantee, however it’s nonetheless a possible answer in case you’re sick of stick drift. It is simply unhappy that – within the 12 months 2023 – we now have to undergo all this simply to get issues working correctly when the expertise is already there and I used to be there for many years.