Nintendo Switch dedicated controller 'Joy-Con' reports drift phenomenon due to product design flaw

Photo: Chris Barraclough

in 2017Nintendo SwitchSince the dedicated controller “Joy-Con” was released, many users have been annoyed by the drift phenomenon that occurs in Joy-Con, but it is highly likely that the cause is a product design flaw. It is clear.

British consumer group “Witch (Which?)” has announced the latest survey results, and the “drift phenomenon” in which analog sticks move on their own when playing games using Joy-Con is a flaw in the design of the product. It is pointed out that it is occurring because of A new Joy-Con costs about 62 pounds (8,228 yen including tax in Japan), so the drift phenomenon has become a source of trouble for Nintendo Switch users.

“Witch” has sent a Joy-Con5 set that causes the drift phenomenon to a research institute and has requested an investigation. As a result of dismantling and investigating the Joy-Con, it was found that there was a high possibility that a design flaw in the product was causing the drift phenomenon.

Until now, the prevailing theory was that the Joy-Con drift phenomenon was caused by dust accumulating inside the controller. According to the investigative report of “Witch”, a dustproof sheet is used for the parts inside the Joy-Con, but the dustproof function of this sheet is insufficient, and dust and ” Other impurities were detected.

Also, although the Joy-Con 5 set was only used for a few months, the plastic (analog stick part) substrate in each case was significantly worn. The lab that conducted the investigation concluded that the design of the product was flawed and caused the drift phenomenon as the substrate wore out.

“Witch” should ask Nintendo to “respond to the drift problem”, and if users in the UK can prove that they bought the product again because the drift phenomenon occurred with Joy-Con, they should compensate or refund. claims. In addition, all affected users should be aware of the refund policy and should be notified so that they can receive support, compensation, and refunds. It added that all Joy-Cons sold in the UK after 2017 that were found to be drifting should be offered a free repair or replacement service.

Nintendo commented on the matter, stating that the number of Joy-Cons affected was “low” and that “we have been continuously improving our Joy-Con analog sticks since their launch in 2017.”

“All hardware is designed to work properly,” Nintendo said in a statement. “Even if your Joy-Con analog stick does not work properly, and even if you do not use the repair warranty service (WideCare), Nintendo Support will always be available to answer your questions so that you can solve the problem. We are preparing a system.” Nintendo’s official website accepts repairs for Joy-Cons that have drifted.

https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/repair/index.html

This isn’t the first time Nintendo has been criticized for the Joy-Con drift phenomenon. Last year, a European consumer group called on Nintendo to investigate the Joy-Con drift issue. In addition, multiple class action lawsuits have been filed against the company, including a lawsuit filed in 2019 by Thymicrus, Schwartz, Kleiner & Donaldson Smith LLP, followed by a second lawsuit in 2020. ing.

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