Is Repairing Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Drift Free? A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re one of the many Nintendo Switch owners who has experienced “drifting” issues with the company’s Joy-Con controllers, you may be able to have your controller(s) repaired by Nintendo completely free of charge. Joy-Con drift is a common problem where the joystick registers movement even when you’re not touching it, causing your character or cursor to move on its own.

Fortunately, Nintendo has acknowledged this issue and offers free repairs for affected Joy-Cons, regardless of warranty status, in several regions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of getting your Joy-Cons repaired for free, including troubleshooting steps, submitting a repair request, and what to expect during the repair process.

Troubleshooting Common Joy-Con Problems

Before submitting a repair request, it’s important to ensure that your Joy-Cons are indeed experiencing drift or another hardware issue. Nintendo provides a list of troubleshooting steps on its website, but we’ll focus on addressing Joy-Con drift specifically.

To check for drift, open a game that is responsive to small joystick movements, such as Super Smash Bros. or The Legend of Zelda. If your in-game character moves on its own without any input from you, it’s likely that your Joy-Con is experiencing drift.

If you suspect drift, try recalibrating your Joy-Con joysticks. To do this, navigate to the “Controllers and Sensors” tab in your Switch’s settings and select “Calibrate Control Sticks.” Follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate your joysticks. If the issue persists after recalibration, it’s time to submit a repair request.

Submitting a Repair Request

To submit a repair request for your Joy-Cons, visit Nintendo’s customer support website and select your region. Choose the option to set up a repair for your Joy-Cons, and provide the necessary information about your console and controllers, such as the serial numbers and purchase date.

If you’re unsure about any of the required information, you can still submit a repair request, but you may not be able to take advantage of your warranty if applicable. Once you’ve filled out the form and provided your shipping address, Nintendo will arrange for your Joy-Cons to be picked up or provide you with a shipping label.

It’s important to note that Nintendo only offers free Joy-Con repairs in certain regions, including the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. If you live outside of these regions, you may need to provide proof of purchase or pay a fee for the repair.

The Repair Process

Once Nintendo receives your Joy-Cons, they will diagnose the issue and determine if the repair is covered under the free repair program. If the repair is covered, Nintendo will fix the issue or replace your Joy-Cons if they cannot be repaired.

If the repair is not covered, Nintendo will provide you with a quote for the cost of the repair. You can then decide whether to proceed with the repair or have your Joy-Cons returned to you at no additional cost.

The repair process can take several weeks, as Nintendo will need time to receive your Joy-Cons, diagnose the issue, and return the repaired or replaced controllers to you. However, the wait is often worth it, as you’ll be able to get your Joy-Cons fixed for free in most cases.

Alternative Repair Options

If you’re not comfortable sending your Joy-Cons to Nintendo for repair or if you live in a region where free repairs are not available, there are alternative options for fixing Joy-Con drift.

One option is to attempt a DIY repair at home. Several online tutorials and guides provide step-by-step instructions on how to open your Joy-Cons and clean or replace the joystick components. However, this approach requires some technical skill and carries the risk of damaging your controllers if not done properly.

Another option is to purchase a third-party replacement joystick or repair kit. These kits are widely available online and often come with detailed instructions on how to replace the faulty joystick. While this approach can be more affordable than sending your Joy-Cons to Nintendo, it’s important to ensure that you’re purchasing a high-quality kit from a reputable seller.

Ultimately, the best option for repairing your Joy-Cons will depend on your location, technical skills, and personal preferences. However, if you’re eligible for Nintendo’s free repair program, it’s generally the safest and most reliable option for addressing Joy-Con drift and other hardware issues.