Nintendo Will Fix Your Joy-Con Drift Issue For Free

Nintendo is Fixing the Joy-Con Drift Issue For Free

Many of you are aware of the issues with some of the Joy-Con controllers for the Nintendo Switch, including Joy-Con drift. It seems that Nintendo is aware of this issue as well. Even if they weren't before, a Joy-Con drift class action lawsuit filed by Chimicles Shwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith made it clear to them. A few days after the lawsuit was filed, Nintendo released this statement;

"At Nintendo, we take great pride in creating quality products and we are continuously making improvements to them. We are aware of recent reports that some Joy-Con controllers are not responding correctly. We want our customers to have fun with Nintendo Switch, and if anything falls short of this goal we always encourage them to visit http://support.nintendo.com so we can help." 

This issue, known as the "Joy-Con Drift" problem has been a topic of discussion for some time. With new controllers costing $50 a piece or $80 for the pair, this is a huge hit to the consumer. The lawsuit claims that Nintendo knew about the issues, but went ahead with marketing and sales regardless.

Nintendo’s Official Response to the Joy-Con Drift Lawsuit

Nintendo has yet to own up to the fact that the controllers have an issue. They have said that they are aware of rising reports of the issues, including Joy-Con drift, however, leading them to be reactive amid the Joy-Con drift class action lawsuit. They are now repairing the Joy-Con controllers for free through their Joy-Con drift free repair program, and refunding the customers who have already paid for repairs. A leaked memo also states that the company told the customer service department to disregard procedure for requesting proof of purchase.

It sounds like this lawsuit turned a small fire into a blaze in the eyes of Nintendo. Now they are doing what they can to contain the blaze before it burns them. I guess we will have to wait and see if anything comes to light of the Joy-Con drift class action lawsuit. In the meantime, get those controllers fixed through Nintendo’s Joy-Con drift free repair program while the offer is on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies for a free Joy-Con drift repair?
If your Joy-Con is experiencing input issues—like the analog stick moving on its own—Nintendo may repair it for free, even if the warranty has expired. Proof of purchase is typically not required in most regions.

How do I send my Joy-Cons in for repair?
Visit Nintendo’s official support site, navigate to the Joy-Con repair page, and follow the instructions to submit a repair request. You’ll receive a prepaid shipping label to send in your controller.

Can I get a refund if I already paid to fix Joy-Con drift?
Yes. If you previously paid out of pocket for a Joy-Con drift repair, you may be eligible for a reimbursement. Submit your request through Nintendo’s support system, referencing your past repair.

How long does the Joy-Con repair process take?
Repair times vary by location, but most users receive their fixed controllers within 1 to 4 weeks after mailing them in.

Is it possible to fix Joy-Con drift at home?
Some users attempt to resolve drift by updating the console firmware, recalibrating the stick, or cleaning around the joystick with compressed air. If these steps don’t help, a professional repair is recommended.

Will future Joy-Cons have drift issues?
Nintendo is rumored to be using improved joystick components, such as Hall-effect sensors, in future controllers. These are designed to reduce or eliminate drift problems permanently.