Introduction
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched to considerable fanfare — a next-gen handheld with upgraded hardware, refined design, and high expectations. But even as the hardware review scores are strong, one legacy issue from the original Switch is already making headlines: Joy-Con drift. Despite assurances of improvement, early teardowns and user reports suggest the new Joy-Con 2 controllers may still be susceptible to stick drift and present repairability hurdles. In this article we’ll explore what drift is, what is (or isn’t) fixed in the Joy-Con 2, how repair-friendly the controller design is, and what this all means for owners.
What is “stick drift” & why does it matter?
Stick drift happens when an analog joystick (the thumbstick) registers movement or input even when the user is not touching it. This can happen because of wear-and-tear on internal components like potentiometers, debris ingress, or degraded contacts. With gaming, drift is highly frustrating — it causes unintended movement, aiming issues, menu problems, and reduced control precision.
The original Joy-Con controllers for the first Switch had widespread drift issues, spawning class-action lawsuits, free repairs, and lasting damage to Nintendo’s controller reputation. Many users expected the Switch 2 and its Joy-Con 2 to finally solve the problem.
What we know about the Joy-Con 2 design & drift risk
Design changes
The Joy-Con 2 controllers include a few notable upgrades compared to their predecessors:
- Larger size and button ergonomics (e.g., larger SL/SR buttons). Wikipedia+1
- Magnetic attachment mechanism instead of the traditional rail slide on the Switch 1. Wikipedia+1
- Nintendo claimed the analog sticks had improved durability and smoother feel. Polygon+1
The drift-related tech (what they did not upgrade)
Crucially: many teardown and reporting outlets found that the Joy-Con 2 still uses the same potentiometer-based joystick technology rather than moving to Hall effect or similar non-contact sensors which are much more resistant to drift. iFixit+2Nintendo Life+2
A summary from Notebookcheck after a teardown noted:
“The Joy-Con 2 controllers were found to be very similar internally to the original Joy-Con, meaning drift risk remains.” Notebookcheck
And iFixit’s teardown commentary reinforced the same:
“Unless Nintendo is using some miracle new material… we expect these joysticks remain drift-prone.” iFixit+1
Early user reports
Even very early in the Switch 2 lifecycle, users have reported drift or irregular joystick behavior:
- A user on Reddit reported a left Joy-Con that was “a little cattywampus” out of the box, later showing drift. TweakTown+1
- Many online threads express surprise that Nintendo did not adopt Hall-effect sticks, leading to concern that drift will repeat. Game Rant+1
Repairability: How easy is it to fix Joy-Con 2 issues?
Official stance & warranty
Nintendo has historically allowed free Joy-Con drift repairs under warranty (and often even outside warranty) for the original Switch. For the Switch 2, users report that a similar repair process is available, though with caveats. Polygon
Teardown & repairability scoring
Repair-advocate site iFixit gave the Switch 2 a 3 out of 10 repairability score, citing high adhesive use, soldered-in components, and in particular the persistence of drift-prone sticks. GamesRadar++1
Some of the key repairability challenges:
- The Joy-Con sticks remain non-Hall effect, meaning the same wear mechanisms persist and replacement may be required. iFixit
- Component replacement is harder: more glue, fewer modular parts, tamper-evident stickers, and fewer published service docs. WIRED
- While the controllers themselves are removable, repairing or replacing the sticks inside the Joy-Con requires significant disassembly and may void warranty.
What this means for owners
If you encounter drift in the Joy-Con 2, you have options:
- Use the built-in calibration and dead-zone adjustments in the Switch software.
- Request warranty repair from Nintendo (assuming you’re within warranty and region support).
- Consider third-party replacement sticks or controllers — but doing so may void warranty or reduce support.
Because drift remains possible and repairs are harder, the long-term maintenance cost or risk is somewhat higher than ideal.
What to do if your Joy-Con 2 starts drifting
- Calibrate the joystick: Go to System Settings → Controllers & Sensors → Calibrate Control Sticks. Sometimes simple recalibration resolves or reduces drift.
- Apply dead-zone adjustments: Many games allow you to set a minimum movement threshold to ignore minor unwanted stick movement.
- Check for firmware updates: Nintendo may release updates to improve joystick input handling.
- Contact Nintendo Support: If drift persists, request repair or replacement under warranty (or out-of-warranty if willing).
- Consider replacement controllers: For heavy gamers, owning spare Joy-Cons or a Pro controller ensures minimal downtime.
- Avoid DIY fixes unless confident: Opening Joy-Con 2, replacing sticks, or applying third-party solutions can void warranty and risk further damage.
What the Joy-Con 2 situation tells us about Nintendo’s priorities
- Cost vs durability trade-off: The decision not to adopt Hall-effect sticks suggests Nintendo prioritized cost and familiarity over maximum longevity. Some outlets interpret this as a missed opportunity. Polygon+1
- Customer expectation vs real-world: Even though Nintendo claimed improved durability, user reports and teardowns indicate only incremental change — meaning owners should still expect possible wear over time. resetera.com+1
- Repairability still a weak point: In an era when some devices prioritize modularity and ease of repair, the Switch 2’s low score suggests repair cost and effort remain pain points. This may affect the long-term value and ownership experience for some gamers.
- Early vigilance recommended: Given the history and current signs, owners should monitor their Joy-Cons from day one, keep receipts, register devices if possible, and consider usage habits to minimise drift risk.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2 delivers on many fronts — upgraded hardware, improved screen, thoughtful controller ergonomics — yet the Joy-Con 2 controllers still carry a shadow from the original Switch’s drift saga. While Nintendo claims better durability, the technological foundation (potentiometer-based sticks) remains largely the same, meaning drift remains a realistic possibility. Repairability has also worsened, making fixes more involved and potentially costlier.
If you’re buying the Switch 2, keep these tips in mind: use proper storage and care for your Joy-Cons, calibrate regularly, stay within warranty, and be prepared for the possibility of stick degradation over time. The console may be excellent, but the controller experience still demands vigilance.