Switch Joy Con Drifting Issue

I haven't done it myself, but both of my JoyCons have the same issue, my Wii U pad as well, it is definitely a quality control issue that makes Nintendo look really bad. I really want a solution, but I still don't know what is the best approach to fixing it.

Haven't had it myself. I did have the issue early on with my left joycon where the wireless connection would intermittently cut out, but it was fixed and sent back to me under warranty.

I had bought a second set of used blue joycons where the sliders we're broken (wouldn't stay locked in place) and Nintendo fixed that under warranty as well

I guess Nintendo is replacing/fixing them for free now, regardless or warranty and no proof of purchase needed. I use the joycons very little and haven't noticed any problems though. Only use them for Mario Party.


nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-no-longer-charging-for-switch-joy-con-repairs-will-issue-refunds-for-prior-repairs/

Sent in one of my left joy-cons this morning, as this particular one would behave as if the analog was being held up intermittently.

I'm glad it is an easy do-it-yourself fix, but my logic here is that the more Joy-Cons get sent in over this, the more likely Nintendo is to resolve the underlying issue. Since the problem is with the parts used (and will likely occur again), a newer Joy-Con model as a long-term fix would be nice.

This particular Joy-Con had been sent in once before. I had purchased it used, but the nub that holds it in place when locked into the Switch or the grip had been worn down. That one was a free repair as well.

I wanted to send mine, all 4 were having problems, but after I poured them with contact fluid they are working fine. If they break again I'll send them for sure.

So just a follow up on this. Pretty good turnaround time.

I reported the problem on Wednesday July 24th, got a reply back with shipping instructions from Nintendo on July 25th (sent by Purolator air freight on Nintendo's dime). They received it Monday July 29th, I received an email that it was repaired on July 31st and being shipped back, and I got it today.

So, 9 days turnaround, no charge for out of warranty repair. Pretty happy.

That said, the note I got back with it said they weren't able to duplicate the drift issue. This makes sense as it was an intermittent problem. But it indicated they'd replaced the analog stick assembly anyway.


Edit:  Further to this, I'd just like to say that this was pretty similar to my experience with with two-other joy-con repairs, except that they covered ground freight in those cases, so turnaround time was a bit longer.  The same joy-con was purchased used and had the plastic nub on it won down so it wouldn't lock in place. Because I had bought that one used, I couldn't verify the warranty, but the customer service rep I spoke to had some discretion there and didn't require proof of purchase.  I had also shipped my original left joy-con in shortly after the Switch launch due to the known issue with its wireless connection to the console.

So, I've been watching a few channels on You Tube about fixing various electronics, and I've watched a few breakdowns of the new models. It would seem that there has been a few changes in the Joy Cons. Apparently the design for the stick was solid, but the flaw was where dirt could possibly enter the base of the flexible shaft under the rubber tube. Hopefully the new design fixes that issue.