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.
You can read more about joystick drift in our blog post on iFixit.com:
www.ifixit.com/News/48944/heres-why-ps5-joysticks-drift-and-why-theyll-only-get-worse
Links to other videos we reference in this video:
XQGaming: How to Repair Xbox One Analog Stick Input
itworlds.info/round/fqGoh5eJrc95gmM/video
My Mate VINCE: Xbox One Controller - Trying different ways to FIX Stick Drift
itworlds.info/round/iqWQlN2HfZprq6I/video
SOSS GAMING: How to Replace Xbox One Controller Analog Joystick - Fix Stick Drift & More
itworlds.info/round/pImQj5araaV9qqY/video
SOSS GAMING: How to Replace Xbox One Controller Analog Joystick - NEW METHOD [...]
itworlds.info/round/hqGvqpSogLxui3g/video
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
itworlds.info/round/dYKiZMWDoJWDn3Q/video
#PS5, #PS5Drift, #iFixitTeardown
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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
@jub8891 They're just focusing on Sony so internet nerds can direct their irrational rage at someone.
@Etrigan Slaves to be fair. 1st generation xbox (im talking xbox classic) always had a broken right trigger problem
What kind of dog is Margot at the end?
@Michael Ownage It depends on if the air manages to reach the sensor and if the reason for the drift was dirt on the sensor. If the air cannot reach the sensor and if the reason for the drift was not dirt then it won't work.
I've had mine since it came out and there just starting the Drift so if I clean it with a can of air will that work
See here, all joysticks can have this issue. Sadly the video only notes how to repair it not how to fix it. Because repairing it only works until it starts drifting again.
People in the comments with revisionist history thinking old tech controllers were immaculate as if we all didn’t go through multiple controllers with previous generations.
The People that paid twice as much for a PS5 from a scalper? LOL!
yet another reason why PC is better. If your current controller is bad just buy different type. Do not want to be stuck with one faulty controller type.
Oh it's broken? BUY A NEW ONE MOOOORRRRTTTTYYYYYY!!!!!! Just another sign that they don't actually care about their customers...
The DualShock was and is a perfect controller. Why do think everyone is trying to buy a DualShock now? Go into any department store and see if any of them are available. If the DualSense controller is so amazing, why are gamers scrambling to buy the DualShock controllers?
Ooooorrrrr they can make a better controller. We should also demand to see the interiors of the console and controller theyre showing off the tits of these new systems. I'm looking at this video and the board of the controller looks pathetic and fragile.
Bruh just an excellent video.
Mine is just fine
I guess its easier to wait for them to release a 'revision' than to have it replaced or buy a new one. I don't know if I read it correctly, I think I read an article saying you can still use the ps4 controller for ps4 games on the ps5 so theres that. Theres not that many ps5 games yet anyways.
Glad to know they took a problem with the PS4 and made it even worse
I have an Xbox series x, and I already have really bad controller drift on my left stick
I always thought it was my nintendo switch joy on that was off.. apparently, it isn't just me.
Guys, just in case if Sony manages to Take the video Down, DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO AND REUPLOAD.
3:07
I have over 400hrs on my current dualsense, I haven't had any problems, maybe just chill on your joystick pressing.
Genshin impact, Sfv netcode and now this I think I am done with gaming. Companies are only disappointing me. I don’t want to support any of them.
You're lucky though. If Apple made the controller, it would be difficult to impossible to get the parts to repair with, and everything would be assembled with proprietary screws, adhesives, or melted plastic joins.
I'm mad this trash costs 60 dolars now should be five or ten doalrs tops
Breakdown of the controller seen first time feels like science proving how magic is impossible. It hurts my heart Put it together !!! Put it together !!
The easiest fix is just replace the bad pot .... For instance I have a two year old Xbox controller with a bad horizontal pot on the left joystick the the other on the left and the two on the right were still good so when my year old Xbox controller I bought to replace is started drifting on the right stick vertical I just unsoldered the pot, just 3 connections and replaced it with one of the good ones I scavenged off the two year controller ..... Now I've been solder and desoldering for 40+ year so I can do it in my sleep but the entire process of tearing the controller apart, desoldering just the bad pot and soldering in the replacement and putting is all back together took about 15-20 minutes and I haven't had any drift problems in over 2 months ..... In my experience it is the pots that go bad not the mechanical part and they pretty much self calibrate if you take them apart and put them back together right ...... Some pots just wear out faster than others because the quality control just isn't that good because it's a 50 cent part ..... A premium Alps pot like in professional mixing boards, and I'm talking about the ones Alps actually makes and not just contracts from some plant in China, will cost you upwards of 50 bucks and I'm not sure they are available anymore ..... Most likely someone in China just bought the Alps name like so many other companies
Planned Obsolescence
I’ll keep this is mind when the ps5 actually comes out
Moving parts wear down over time, big shock. This isn't a new problem and it has nothing to do with Sony. Just about every controller I've owned developed some kind of drift. I only noticed it after years of use. Once again this is just people on the internet with too much time on their hands looking for something to be angry about.
i just got my dualsense. 😨
Lol noobs buying day one releases
I never used to have any drift problems but in the last few years my controllers break after about a year
Don't have a PS5 yet... still rocking my trusty PS4, but this inherent weakness and the universal use of the same potentiometers in most mainstream brands is off putting, especially if this wasn't a thing in earlier machines, why was it not determined during testing and QA? Good video and loved the almost subliminal advertising of iFixit driver sets as the illustration props. Must buy iFixit driver set now!... ha ha
PS3 and Skyrim. I'm good.
I’m on my 4th PS4 controller with joystick drift now. It’s infuriating. I never drop them. I wash my hands even before using them and regularly inspect my controller. Yet it happens anyway. Never had the issue with my Xbox one controller. Only PS.
xbox is still worse
My ps4 controller thinks it’s a 19 year old Honda Civic driver in a public parking lot
I think it’s a thing where console makers know about it it’s just they don’t wanna make them replaceable because they then lose out on controller sales 👀
I’ve used my PS4 controller for 5 years and it still works perfectly
*Laughs in PC Master Race*
just buy cheap 3rd-party gamepads
So that's why my character keeps looking around
As a labradoodle owner 5:27 made me laugh, they can never leave you alone lmao
I don't understand how fixing these is even worth it. I bought two ps4 controller from aliexpress *expecting* to get counterfits. Instead I got real PS4 controllers for 14 euro's a piece! This basically means that the cost of producing these controllers has probably always been below this price. It just seems like this is one of the places they make the most money off their users.
Wait, I’ve never even owned a PlayStation and I never intend to. Why am I watching this?
Console peasants
Dont you know. Controlled obsolescence, they want you to have to buy a new controller
I have a xbox and the new pads are great.
They drift? Doesn't even have a Ps5 yet
Good luck trying to get a hold of anyone at sony, their phone line just tells you they are too busy to take your call and hangs up on you.
Tbh to avoid all of this you should just buy protective controller skins. There are a number of them that are about $10 and they look way better then the default PS5 skin anyway. They will also prevent them from getting discolored overtime. I bought some WITH my controllers at launch and haven't regretted it. They feel great, look great, and insure that my controller doesn't end up getting drift. The only way that could happen is if they wear out. But it never happened with previous controllers, so I don't see it happening now. The people reporting drift are more likely filthy handed cheeto dusters who have no concept of ownership and probably blame everyone else for there own mistakes.
Imagine owning a console.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 My XP machine was more powerful than current consoles.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Sounds like to me we need a new potentiometer break through
Honest question: If the DualSense is using the exact same joystick hardware, why is this "drift" suddenly being made into a major issue (class action lawsuit??) for Sony's new controller, when there was never a similar panic/over-reaction for the DualShock4, Xbox controller, Xbox Elite controller, or Nintendo Pro controller? It all just smacks of an effort to whip up some controversy over the PS5 when there really isn't one.
Made in china.
This is why i won't buy a ps5, brand new system and they are using parts from Ps4 controllers which obviously had stick drift issues. This shows that they don't care and will use crappy underrated components with prior issues. Knowing full well that people will experience problems with controllers. Forget buying a ps5, join the master race and buy a PC!
Can you imagine paying $1000 just to get a controller that drifts? Let those consoles rot in the hands of scalpers!!!!
I found out the hard way on a nintendo switch pro controller they are such a pig to remove
Can we just get freaking optical joysticks or hall effect ones? It's 2021 ffs.
I always find it weird that I’ve never had problems with any controller even though I play a lot. Only one that I’ve ever got rid of was because a friend spilled coca-cola all over it
I feel like the thrustmaster eswap controller has the right idea with the modular design. Price point is a little high though.
because sony lol but awesome video super helpful
i just want a 3rd party ps5 controller . i never use the controllers sony provides and having to use it for the ps5 is just till i can get one from Nacon or Razer
I wonder if this is a result of controllers using less voltage. I know with the Omron switches in mouses, they have a double click issue because of the lower voltage to increase battery life
Why would they want to fix something that’s making them tons of money? Each controller is $70.
Junk
this is why I hate sony. my right adaptive trigger slightly broke it feels lose and not stirdy like my left one and it's a matter of time when are the joysticks gonna start drifting. FFS.
*4 options: use mouse and keyboard
Sony taking a cue from Apple eh.
I bought 4 different ps4 controllers within about 3 years.... oh sweet. ps5 is going to be the same......
Remember: sony specifically designed the ps5 so you can only use the newest controller to play the newest games on ps5. No ps4 controllers will be allowed to work on the latest releases, despite the controller being almost exactly the same buttonwise. At least since the last time I read about it. They're charging $70 for just one of these. And they are far more likely to start deteriorating than most controllers released in the past. Sony is just ripping us off. This needs to stop.
I just like to thank the early buyers for being the beta testers, I'll wait for the updated version before getting one.
Yeah I replaced my joycons three times because all of them had drift, and also bought aftermarket controllers that had drift issues. I just refuse to use my switch anymore. Really defeating to spend all that money for essentially broken hardware, and i still am using the same Xbox 360 controller that I've had for literally 10 years, the only one. Travelled with me in my suitcase, backpack, generally abused over the years. Still works perfectly every single time.
planned obsolescence
Reminds of when I bought a brand new PS4 controller and it stick drifted in a week
I'd say that's encouraging. I have probably 1000 hours on my ps4 controllers and they still work fine. Even just 400 hours out of a $75 device I'd say is reasonable. Although, being able to replace the sticks like he suggested would be a nice feature.
It makes soo much sense now why these controllers are soo expensive. They know they're gonna fail over a period of time. It's almost like the ink cartridge scam... This is just sad~
Wow they made that complicated to fix. I was happy to replace the joy sticks on my n64 controller. But yikes 90 bucks for my ps5 controller and in no time it will be trash :(
If this isnt a reason to buy an xbox idk what is.
I think the whole reason why they don’t take that in ovation is cuz a broken controller most likely for a less knowledgeable consumer like e who didn’t know about this till now (and has had this happen to my own controller) is cuz they’ll mostly go but a new one
As a wise man once said :“ it's evolving, just backwards”
Its all a scheme to buy a new controller. I have been a long user of ps i had the ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 and i think im switching to xbox
So, Sony just used whatever was lying around the shop when they built these controllers? Makes you wonder what other shortcuts they took liberties with, doesn't it?
It's not til the end but... Pet the doggo and he won't go after your cheezits
why am I wathcing all these PS5 videos, I dont even own a game console
lol new analog keyboard switches are BETTER than the new ps5 controller
This is some universe level bullshit right here. He literally just said in his own video that PS4, Xbox one, Series X and PS5 all use the same joystick hardware. Then why only the PS5 has this issue huh? Did they throw common sense out the window?
I hope y’all know this is always done on purpose. It’s a ploy to make even more money lol. Slight business secret
I don't know what you people are doing with your controllers but i never had this problem. If its wonky within 2 years its still under warenty so you'll get a free replacement. After that just open it up and all i had to do is clean it. Airdust the mechanism under the sticks, some contact spray and finish off with a drup of wd40. Good as new. And ofcourse replace the silicone pads under the triggers. Hook up your controller to a read out program from time to time, see how little force it needs to go to 100% input. Manhandling your controller really isn't going to make you better at the game .
Wow. This was very well explained. As someone who is only recently getting into electronic repairs, you were able to help me understand complex subject matter in just a few minutes. Thank you.
"After this research, it's bizarre to us that console makers don't consider joysticks to be consumable parts and design them to be easily replaced." Is it really? Obviously they make more money by forcing people to drop $60 on a whole new controller rather than allowing customers to easily swap out a cheap component to make them last longer.
"The PS5 has been out for a few months now" Has it? Pretty sure only like two of those things exist
laughing in mouse and keyboard
you think they dont realize how fast they break? and why they are so hard for the average person to fix? They know console pesants will just go and buy a new controller when it gets bad enough. Pc Master Race
What do you mean by drifting
I always struggled to fully grasp how exactly drift happened. Usual explanations just mention occasional wear or dirt buildup. This was very informative!!!
So if all the controllers(ps4, xbox one, switch pro) are using the same exact joystick hardware why is this mostly happening to just the ps5's controller
Suddenly, I am not so sad about not having a PS5, yet. But I deel deeply sorry for anyone that got ripped off.
This will only end when our lawmakers have the balls to pass laws imposing a larger minimum guarantee (lets say 10 years) to any electronic products sold
They know they are consumable, they just act like they don’t to make more money
I will stick to my ps4 slim 1tb with pride.
This doesn't explain the problem with the PS5 controllers. My PS4 and XB1 controllers took years to develop these issues. Both of my PS5 controllers are have issues after 5 weeks. If they use the same joystick internals, maybe something else is wrong.
I had the same problem with my PS3 joystick. I never attempted the repair because of the labor and technical knowledge needed. Buying a replacement was the easiest fix but even after buying 2 replacement joysticks I still can't get the same feel and accuracy of my original joystick. I suspect this problem is a money cow for Sony thus they have no incentive to redesign the joystick.
Grow up and get a PC