Nintendo Is Finally Offering Free Switch Joy-Con Repairs; All We Know

The Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con has long reported drift issues from across the world. In a recent announcement, Nintendo acknowledged the issue and has offered to provide free repairs for people willing to send the console in. However, the service is not yet applicable globally. Here’s everything you need to know.

Nintendo is offering free repairs for Joy-Cons

The Nintendo Switch controllers, or the Joy-Con control sticks have faced innumerable complaints of “drifting” from across the world. Drifting means that the controllers having much reduced sensitivity, do not respond correctly. It causes the analog sticks to register false inputs or not take inputs at all. Naturally this hampers the gameplay to a huge extent, often making it impossible to play.

Drift or “responsiveness syndrome” is usually caused by some undetected wear or damage. Therefore, it cannot be solved by a recalibration of the control sticks and needs repairing. Nintendo has now offered to repair the responsiveness syndrome issue of the control sticks if they book a slot. The service will be free and it will be applicable even if the device has expired its 24-month warranty since purchase. However, the service is currently being offered to residents of EEA, UK and Switzerland.

Terms and conditions

Additionally, Nintendo also warns that they won’t be obliged to provide the free repair service specific to treat the responsiveness syndrome if the damage is found to have been caused by devices not manufactured by Nintendo. This includes the scenario where the controller “has been opened, modified or repaired by any person or company other than Nintendo or its authorized partners,” unless it is not related to the damage.

If you too are facing issues with the analog sticks on your Nintendo Switch, then you will first need to follow the steps as recommended on the Nintendo support website. If it doesn’t solve your problem, it is recommended you send your console to get it repaired.