Is Stick Drift Covered by Warranty?
Sometimes. It depends on the controller and how old it is. Here's what Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo cover in Canada, and what to do when you're past it.
PlayStation (DualSense, DualShock 4)
Sony's controller warranty in Canada is one year from purchase, and drift is generally treated as a defect within that year. You'll usually pay to ship the controller to Sony. Once the year is up, a repair is on you.
Xbox (Series X/S, One, Elite)
Standard Xbox controllers have a 90-day warranty in Canada, so most drift shows up after it ends. The Elite Series 2's warranty was extended to one year after drift complaints.
Nintendo (Joy-Con)
Nintendo's standard warranty is 12 months from purchase. Joy-Con drift is common enough that many controllers start drifting after that window closes.
Out of warranty? Your options
- Buy new: a DualSense or Xbox controller costs around $80 or more, and an Elite Series 2 well over $200. A new controller has the same kind of sticks, so it can drift again.
- Repair: drift repair here is $20 for one stick or $35 for both, with magnetic TMR or Hall Effect sticks included on PS5, PS4 and Xbox Series. Edge, Portal and Elite are $25 per stick.
Our repairs come with their own 3-month warranty on the installed sticks if one fails on its own. Physical damage isn't covered.
Common questions
Is PS5 controller drift covered by warranty?
Generally yes, within Sony's one-year warranty in Canada. After a year, it's out of warranty.
How long is the Xbox controller warranty in Canada?
Standard Xbox controllers have 90 days. The Elite Series 2 has one year.
How long is the Nintendo Joy-Con warranty?
Nintendo's standard warranty is 12 months from purchase.
Does a third-party repair void my warranty?
Opening a controller can void the manufacturer's warranty, so use the warranty first if you still have it.
Out of warranty and still drifting?
Get it fixed with magnetic sticks for less than a new controller. Book a drop-off or mail it in.