Here's Why PS5 Joysticks Drift (and Why They'll Only Get Worse)

Mere months have passed since the PS5's hotly anticipated launch, and already there's a class-action lawsuit brewing over joystick drift on Sony's high-tech DualSense controllers. Who could have seen this coming? Well, as it turns out, everyone. Everyone should have seen this coming. Because for all its exciting new tech, the DualSense uses off-the-shelf joystick hardware with a long history of predictable, preventable issues. And now we've investigated those issues in excruciating detail.

Sony isn't the only company to use off-the-shelf joystick modules, but, like Microsoft, they've made it difficult to repair this consumable component. Joysticks have a known life expectancy-it's listed right in a product sheet from the manufacturer. In this video, we head back inside a DualSense controller to see what is failing, and how.

Links to other videos we reference in this video:

XQGaming: How to Repair Xbox One Analog Stick Input

My Mate VINCE: Xbox One Controller - Trying different ways to FIX Stick Drift

SOSS GAMING: How to Replace Xbox One Controller Analog Joystick - Fix Stick Drift & More

SOSS GAMING: How to Replace Xbox One Controller Analog Joystick - NEW METHOD [...]

CYBER DIVER: 【SCUF/PS4コントローラー】【修理/分解】 勝手に動くスティックを新品に交換して修理する方法

#PS5, #PS5Drift, #iFixitTeardown
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[iFixitYourself]

A few notes:
We started this investigation due to reports of PS5 DualSense controllers drifting, but as we mention at 0:58, these findings apply to most modern joysticks!
3:14 that carbon pad has been scratched with a dental pick. The actual wear to the pads will look different, this was a demonstration since we didn't have a drifting DualSense.
3:50 sprinkling goldfish crackers into your joystick will not fix drift. Don't try this at home.
Don't miss Margot the puppy desperately trying to eat Cheez-Its at 5:47

[RejiXCore]

I remember playing ps2 and when the joystick started drifting I just smacked it, now it's fine

[SolidNeodark]

FINALLY someone that doesn't explain drift as "it's just dust and grime".

[grimstars]

I’ve never experienced stick drift with my PS4. Got the PS5 a year ago and I’m now on controller #3 in need of a fix. This is ridiculous.

[Luna-ooru]

It’s crazy how far technology has come, yet we can’t make a joystick that lasts more than 400 hours???

[electrofreak]

Can't understand how something that will break after finite use is not easily replaceable. *Takes huge long look at smartphone manufacturers and their non-replaceable, wasteful, anti-consumer model that has been mainstream for a decade now*

[ProtoMario]

Im not a fool who claims old tech is better, but this is crazy people sped 60 dollars on controllers for this bs.

[kopexgaming]

this is my problem too, just buy ps5 6month ago, rarely playing, but still drifting, only play 3 game on ps5

[marfg]

Issues like this were almost unheard of 15-20+ years ago with the PS1 and PS2. Those controllers had incredibly durable and smooth analog sticks.

[Ragesauce]

So basically this is an issue that these companies know about and don't take steps to prevent or remedy.

[royceaxle]

400 hours of playtime, meanwhile professional Melee players are using GameCube controllers from 2001.

[psychodisco]

I've had my ps4 controller for years now, I played 1 game using that controller for over 4600 hours and still no drift, my ps5 controller however got a drift after 5 hours of game time.

[ShermanBMason]

I couldn’t imagine having to be the engineer who creates these controllers. But from a consumer standpoint, it’s frustrating that there isn’t a resolution to this without the steps in the video. Makes me think of all the issues with all potential futuristic tech.

[hollydillion]

Hopefully these issues will eventually... drift away.

[kresimircosic]

Meanwhile, 20 year old PS2 joystick works after being murdered thousands of times by Budokai 3 beam clashes.

[starwarized]

I replaced the rotating wiper in one of my switch pro's joysticks with one from an old xbox360 controller, and it has been working perfectly since. I recommend that as one of the first things to try, that doesn't require any soldering, only having a replacement for that part. It's weird though that old controllers were much less prone to these problems, to the point that i'm using an already heavily used part for replacement, and it has still lasted longer than the actual pro controller original part.

[ohsoverytired]

I’ve gone through 3 ps5 controllers already. First one started having different sensitivities depending on what way you moved the stick (super fast if left and crazy slow if right, ) second one buttons started sticking constantly, then stick drift, third custom controller from a company that adds paddles, different sensitivity issue same as the first controller within a week. Longest lasted 2 months

[MarkMcDaniel]

Given how much they charge for console controllers nowadays, there is no excuse for this glaring quality flaw.

[sheeshkbobs]

Well they COULD increase the build quality to make them last longer, but then you wouldn't be forced to keep buying new ones!

[hawkeyestiguy]

Thank you! Subbed! This is EXACTLY the video I was looking for. I'm in the market for a PS5 & have heard of stick drift. I simply wanted to know what it was, what causes it, & potential fixes. This is the first video that explained that. Bonus points for doing it in a concise, easy to follow, yet thorough manner.