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How to fix stick drift on PS5 and Xbox controllers
Stick drift, where a PS5 DualSense or Xbox controller registers phantom movement without user input, remains a persistent annoyance because neither controller uses drift-resistant Hall Effect thumbsticks. The issue stems mainly from hardware wear but can sometimes be fixed at home, saving users the cost or hassle of a warranty claim or replacement, provided the controller isn't opened up if still under warranty.
Fixes for both controllers follow similar steps: cleaning the sticks with compressed air or a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol, resetting the controller (on PS5, via the rear pinhole with a paperclip), and updating firmware through the console's accessory settings. Owners of Sony's £200 DualSense Edge have a further option if these fail: a replacement Stick Module costs $30 and can be swapped in by releasing a latch, removing the faulty stick and fitting the new one. If none of these methods work, users are advised to contact Microsoft or Sony for repair or replacement rather than attempting to open the controller themselves.
In short
- Stick drift affects PS5 and Xbox controllers due to lack of Hall Effect sticks
- Cleaning, resetting and firmware updates can often fix the problem
- DualSense Edge owners can buy a $30 replacement stick module
Explained simply
Stick drift happens when a controller’s thumbstick registers movement even though the player is not touching it. It can make a game character or camera move on its own, affecting both Sony’s PlayStation 5 DualSense and Microsoft’s Xbox controllers.
The problem is commonly linked to wear in the thumbstick hardware, which senses how far and in which direction the stick is moved. Dust or software issues can also contribute, so cleaning, resetting or updating a controller may help. Repair or replacement may be needed if the fault continues.
Sony’s DualSense Edge, a more expensive PS5 controller, has thumbstick modules that can be replaced separately. For other cases, owners may need to contact Sony or Microsoft about repair or replacement; opening a controller can affect its warranty.