A class action lawsuit has begun against Nintendo for the “drifting” issue on the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con.
Law offices Chimicles, Schwartz Kriner, & Donaldson-Smith have begun looking into consumer complaints over the controller’s drift issue. For those unfamiliar with the issue, it is when the joystick remains untouched, yet input is still registered. In addition this can also cause some input to be inaccurate (i.e. if the “drift” is to the left, it may result in inputs fully to the right only being half-way).
Considering the Joy-Con’s typical $70 retail price, buying a replacement may be of quite some annoyance. Especially if the issue occurs on multiple joy-cons. The issue has been prevalent enough that third party repair kits have been sold online on websites such as Amazon, along with YouTube videos detailing how to replace the analog-stick with these third-party ones.
Editor’s Note: We would like to remind our readers that most modifications to game consoles and their controllers will typically void any warranty. We also highly encourage our readers to take the up-most caution when attempting repairs- especially on electronic equipment. Please use trusted guides, and use caution to avoid damage to your property and yourself.
One user on Reddit’s r/Nintendo Switch board, “LocusAin’tBad”, reported the issue began only after four months. Judging by the 27.6 thousand upvotes as of this time of writing, it seems many share the user’s concerns.
LocusAin’tBad stated they took exceptional care of their Nintendo Switch. Including screen protectors, dusting the console “constantly,” scrubbing their hands before use, not using the Joy-Cons on games that were intensive on the left analog stick such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 2, and being “gentler than handling my own newborn child.”
“And before someone says “Contact Nintendo and have them repair it” I shouldn’t have to spend $4 and two weeks without my Joycons for them to just come back and break again in 4 months. And before someone says “Then buy a do it yourself repair kit for $10” Again there is absolutely zero reason for me to do that on a luxury controller. And yes I consider $80 a luxury controller because my PS4s DualShock4 doesn’t drift for years for me and my Pro controller which has had all of my extensive “rough” playtime on it is also perfectly fine.”
Chimicles, Schwartz Kriner, & Donaldson-Smith offer this webpage for those who have been affected with the Joy-Con drift (within the United States) to submit their credentials, and detail the issues they came across.
Have you suffered from Joy-Con Drift? Sound off in the comments below!
