Does this sound familiar?
- Your character or camera moves when you aren't touching the stick
- A button or trigger is sticky, mushy or doesn't register
- The controller won't charge, or the cable feels loose
- It disconnects from the console in the middle of a game
- The rubber on the thumbstick has worn through
What causes stick drift?
Inside each thumbstick is a small sensor that reports its position to the console. Over hundreds of hours of play, the contact surfaces wear down, and the sensor starts reporting movement when the stick is at rest. Dust and hand oils don't help. That's why you'll find it on the sticks you use the most, usually the left one that moves your character.
Replacing it means opening the controller and desoldering the worn stick module from the board, and then soldering a new one in place. That's more delicate than people expect, especially on a DualSense, which has several stacked boards and thin ribbon cables inside.
Other controller repairs
Charging ports. A USB-C or micro-USB port that's loose or damaged can be replaced. Often it's a simple job, but check your cable first.
Triggers and bumpers. Spilled soda is a frequent cause of sticky buttons. Opening the controller and cleaning the contacts might be all it needs. DualSense triggers have moving motor parts, and those can fail too.
Batteries. Controller batteries wear out just like phones, and a new one can make an old controller last through a full evening again.
Before you buy a new one
A drifting controller is worth a phone call, particularly if it's a pricier one or if you've got several in the house. Bring them all in at once, and we can look over the whole pile so you aren't making multiple trips.
Fast, friendly great service. Pleasant to work with, knowledgeable and efficient.
Questions we get a lot
Which controllers do you repair?
PS5 DualSense, PS4 DualShock and Xbox controllers are the most common. Bring in others and we'll look at them, though some are harder to find parts for.
Is it worth fixing a controller?
It depends on the fault and what you paid. A new stick on a pricey special edition or Pro controller often makes sense. A standard controller can be a closer call, and we'll say so if we think you should just buy a new one.
Can I fix drift by cleaning?
Sometimes. A little compressed air around the base of the stick may help, and it's worth trying. If that doesn't last, the stick sensor itself is probably worn.
My kid threw the controller, and now it rattles. Can you fix it?
Bring it in. Rattles usually mean a loose rumble motor or a broken shell piece, and these are often fixable. It's a common situation, so don't worry.