PlayStation PS5 controller drift

[TrueBias]

Welp, this is making gaming impossible. The left analog stick drifts to the right and even the sony ps5 replacement controller is dead in arrival.

Looked this up and see millions are affected. Did all the fixes on youtube, but willing to try more.

Never thought this would be an option, but ps5 controllers are expensive. If I'm paying that much, I'm expecting quality, but so many have this issue. Makes me wonder if 3rd party controllers are actually the right idea. Dont know if they actually are an improvement, but since they're cheaper (I think), perhaps they're the solution.

Anyone have experience with this? Fixes and purchase recommendations are welcomed!

 

[method115]

I just buy a new one. I drop mine on a tile floor all the time. Just give them to my son at that point.

 

[Cole train]

Yea its a common thing

Theres a controller where you can change sticks easily but of course they cost like a mofo lol

 

[Madmick]

Welp, this is making gaming impossible. The left analog stick drifts to the right and even the sony ps5 replacement controller is dead in arrival.

Looked this up and see millions are affected. Did all the fixes on youtube, but willing to try more.

Never thought this would be an option, but ps5 controllers are expensive. If I'm paying that much, I'm expecting quality, but so many have this issue. Makes me wonder if 3rd party controllers are actually the right idea. Dont know if they actually are an improvement, but since they're cheaper (I think), perhaps they're the solution.

Anyone have experience with this? Fixes and purchase recommendations are welcomed!

Yep. Unfortunately, with the PS5, a big drawback to 3rd party controllers is that almost none have the haptic feedback support feature, maybe none, I think there might be one, and Sony supports fewer third party options.

However, you can buy a Dualsense controller, buy a pair of hall effect joysticks separately, and install them yourself, but that's not easy, it requires soldering, so...yikes. There are even websites that sell them with these pre-installed, or other upgrades, but that comes at a huge premium, it would be cheaper to learn how to DIY. Furthermore, these modifications void the warranty of the controller:

Ps5 | TonkaModz

www.tonkamodz.com

PlayStation 5 (PS5) Controller w/ Hall Effect Joystick Modules — StickFix Repair - Stick Drift Repair Services

Enhanced PlayStation 5 (PS5) Controller with Upgraded Ginfull Hall Effect Modules Installed. Experience peak performance with our Enhanced PS5 controller featuring newly installed Ginfull Hall Effect modules.

www.stickfixrepair.com

The third party market also isn't without caveats because some of the most highly recommended brands (ex. Flydigi) are Chinese, and good luck with any sort of customer support service (like warranty claims) for any companies selling direct-to-consumer that are based in China. On the other hand, the most highly touted options (shown below) are...pricey.

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro

HYPR PS5 Signature Series (customized Dualsense controllers)
The cheapest would be the "Bare Bones Hall Effect" option for $140, but the more expensive Signature series customizations offer the choice of not just Hall Effect joysticks, but the latest and greatest Tunnel Magneto Resistance joysticks which supposedly are even more resilient against stick drift, more accurate in the precision of controls, and lower latency. They even offer options for which brand of third-party hall effect joystick you want to install if you want to get into researching that because apparently not all modules are equal. You can also opt for quick triggers. All this stuff is expensive af, though.

 

[iNoScopedJFK]

Fucking Madmick. I pretty much had everything he had typed out only for him to beat me to the punch. I'll just add i use a Victrix Pro BFG controller as my main PS5 controller for games were the haptic feedback doesn't really come into play. I much prefer it over the Dualsense as i have had 2 Dualsenses with drift issues. It's pretty pricey and the hall effect stick modules are sold separately so you are probably better off going with one of his suggestions.

 

[Madmick]

Fucking Madmick. I pretty much had everything he had typed out only for him to beat me to the punch. I'll just add i use a Victrix Pro BFG controller as my main PS5 controller for games were the haptic feedback doesn't really come into play. I much prefer it over the Dualsense as i have had 2 Dualsenses with drift issues. It's pretty pricey and the hall effect stick modules are sold separately so you are probably better off going with one of his suggestions.

I didn't know the Victrix Pro BFG were hall effect, nice. I had that controller in my PC controller thread, too. One of my gamer friends uses that.

 

[TrueBias]

Well this is a pile of good news...

Sounds like, I'm kinda fucked. I should not have to pay MORE for a controller that sony doesnt make, but it's not guaranteed?

I got my 3rd in the mail today and charging it. Didnt realize it's a refurbished one...I think. Well see how it does.

I'm currently replaying resident evil 8, but this time on the ps5 since the computer is out of date. I set the game at the lowest difficulty and man does this suck. I'm not a person that likes hard games so I'm at the last level, rdy to beat it and start again with a harder level, but this drift....

I wasnt one of the kids that got the ps5 at launch. I got it as an xmas present last year so...jesus, that's 1 year before this shit.

Ive not taken it apart yet but seeing as how these suggestions go and I'm on a 3rd controller, I can experiment.

This is bullshit. I shoudnt have to do this.

 

[SaiWa]

Well this is a pile of good news...

Sounds like, I'm kinda fucked. I should not have to pay MORE for a controller that sony doesnt make, but it's not guaranteed?

I got my 3rd in the mail today and charging it. Didnt realize it's a refurbished one...I think. Well see how it does.

I'm currently replaying resident evil 8, but this time on the ps5 since the computer is out of date. I set the game at the lowest difficulty and man does this suck. I'm not a person that likes hard games so I'm at the last level, rdy to beat it and start again with a harder level, but this drift....

I wasnt one of the kids that got the ps5 at launch. I got it as an xmas present last year so...jesus, that's 1 year before this shit.

Ive not taken it apart yet but seeing as how these suggestions go and I'm on a 3rd controller, I can experiment.

This is bullshit. I shoudnt have to do this.

2 controller drifts in less than a year is REALLY bad luck. I’ve had 1 controller drift so far and bought two more so I have 3 working ones on rotation. There’s so much wonderful tech in these controllers but as soon the drift problem occurs the controller immediately becomes useless.

 

[Madmick]

Well this is a pile of good news...

Sounds like, I'm kinda fucked. I should not have to pay MORE for a controller that sony doesnt make, but it's not guaranteed?

I got my 3rd in the mail today and charging it. Didnt realize it's a refurbished one...I think. Well see how it does.

I'm currently replaying resident evil 8, but this time on the ps5 since the computer is out of date. I set the game at the lowest difficulty and man does this suck. I'm not a person that likes hard games so I'm at the last level, rdy to beat it and start again with a harder level, but this drift....

I wasnt one of the kids that got the ps5 at launch. I got it as an xmas present last year so...jesus, that's 1 year before this shit.

Ive not taken it apart yet but seeing as how these suggestions go and I'm on a 3rd controller, I can experiment.

This is bullshit. I shoudnt have to do this.

I believe Sony does make the HYPR. Like most of the custom controller sellers (ex. SCUF, Battle Beaver, Nagashock, Custom Controllerz) it appears to me their "PS5 Signature Series" custom controllers are base Dualsense controllers that they then modify according to whichever customizations you choose. So they handle acquisition of the third party parts, like the joystick modules, trigger modules, and paddles you may choose to add, plus any cosmetics, and then assemble these. Hopefully they also recalibrate the controller after they modify it. I hadn't checked, but since the modifications void Sony's warranty, one would hope they provide a warranty themselves, because otherwise your best bet is to buy an electronic warranty policy from a third party warranty merchant like Squaretrade.

 

[Valhoven]

Sorry about the bad luck, TS.

Only had drift myself once with my Edge (mid-2024) but I replaced the stick for some 20€. I'd logged thousands of hours on it at that point so couldn't in good faith knock device build whatnot. Sony does produce quality products. As an investment, Edge modularity is one thing to consider if each new Sense is 70€ because two-three quick fixes into life and Edge saves you money.

e/ I remember now getting drift in one DualShock during last gen, too. It happens.

 

[Ladder Master]

I had all 3 controllers drift to varying degrees. 2 of them made playing games and media impossible.
I opened up one of them multiple times to clean and the problem just comes back.
I finally ordered supplies and replacement potientiometers. I am a beginner at soldering but watched multiple repair videos on
how to do it. It was a pain in the ass due to me being a novice. I repaired the worst one and it no longer has
stick drift, but accidently damaged a cable at the bottom, so now it can only charge from the top but functions otherwise.
I put off repairing the other one for now due to it taking up so much time. Hopefully the next one go better.
I fault SONY for releasing such poor design, and not fixing it a very well known problem.
Planned obsolescence at its finest. I will try to post pics later.

 

[Dinkin_Flicka]

I haven't gotten any drift on my Xbox One and PS5 controllers yet, but I had so many drift issues in the last gen I have really babied them and rotated my use.

I ended up buying the Dual Sense Edge for PS5 and PC use. It was a premium price tag but he main thing that put it over the top for me was replaceable components. Have put in tons of hours on the thing and haven't had any issues, but knowing I can swap it out is a nice piece of mind.

 

[hsz]

Dropped my controller the other week and now the ps button is dead. Strangely enough, when I remove the back shell exposing the battery & ribbon cables the ps button starts to work again. But once the controller is reassembled the ps button ceases to function. Any idea of what's causing the issue?

I ended up buying the edge as a replacement and wow. Normally I don't care about product packaging and just tear the shit open, but Sony really made the unboxing experience special. Looking forward to many hours of high quality gaming.

 

[TrueBias]

My 3rd one is working great.

Still, shouldnt have to go through with this.

Happens again, I'll pay top.dollar.

 

[HereticBD]

I really hate how there is really no reason why it happens, and that there is no real solution for when it does happen, unless you're a licensed electrician. It's such a perfect flaw. It's just annoying enough to make you replace it. I'd wager it's the #1 issue with post 7th gen controllers.

 

[wh4tttt]

I dunno if it was coincidence or not but my original control after my dog knocked it off the ottoman developed the drift. Second from a brick and mortar Best Buy was a dud went back and exchanged.

Third one has been good.

 

[Zazen]

6 controllers and no drift yet. I wonder if it helps that I rotate them when one runs low on battery

 

[GSP_37]

Has anyone advocated Right to Repair for PS controllers? Pretty much every PS controller except PS1, PS2 had analog stick problems. I want them to be easier to fix and replace parts.

 

[TKing]

I have one controller that has it terribly to where I only use it for certain games while my other is charging (the other is working perfectly fine so far). It gets so bad that I can leave it on a menu and it's just going crazy on its own scrolling all over the place. I can't use it on any menu heavy based games.

I had the issue on every PS4 controller i owned, im not rough on my controllers either because I hate rebuying stuff lol.