this post was submitted on 09 Jan 2024
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I can't speak to any third party alternatives, but if you're at all comfortable with opening up you joycons, for about $20 you can replace the sticks with Gulikit hall effect joysticks. They use magnets instead of conductive pads, so theoretically they will never develop drift. I did the upgrade on mine and they're great.
https://www.amazon.com/Switch-Joystick-Replacement-Switch-Controller-Thumbstick-Nintendo/dp/B0BQ2FCQ9N/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=TFX6CPYG2T5C&keywords=gulikit+switch+joystick&qid=1704824605&sprefix=guli%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-4
Hmm... I am pretty good with opening stuff up, but I generally have trouble closing them back together, at least in a working condition. But I guess if I am ready to give up on my JoyCon, it can be worth a try...
How easy is it to replace them?
Mine took about 15-20 minutes each, just because I was trying to be really careful. There are great kits with hall effect sensors you can get on Amazon, and great videos to watch (also read through comments to learn from people's mistakes.)
The biggest thing to watch for is the three point screws on the outside case, they strip easily. My kit came with replacement screws FYI.
I used a toothpick to help me lift the locks/stays for the ribbon cables, and to gently ensure they were seated.
I looked up the ifixit video, I think I am going to try to get the pack that has everything builtin. Kinda like what ifixit sells, but for these hall effect ones.
I'm glad you're deciding to check it out. It's not too difficult, just a good opportunity to learn and DIY. Good luck with the fix! I would stills echo what I said before, read some comments in the various fix videos out there, there are some real valuable insights there that people document in their own experiences that are good hindsight things to know going in.
Yeah, looking at them. Thanks!
@Entropy, do they also feel good? I heard conflicting reports on that part. @slimerancher
I've done this swap a lot. So hopefully this helps.
They do feel good. Definitely a little bit different than the original sticks, when they are new they feel tighter / stiffer than even a brand new joycon, but not overly so, they do loosen up a bit over time but are still stiffer overall. The rubber caps feel pretty much indistinguishable to me vs original.
Like the other commenter said, they're a little stiffer than stock, but they do seem to have a little bit of a break in period. I suppose it's personal preference, but it isn't significant enough to bother me at all. Besides, the trade off of never having to worry about drift again is 100% worth it imo.
@Entropy, @MetricIsRight, awesome, thank you both.
I still have a set of spares, but once I’m through those, I’ll get the hall effect ones.
My current gripe is to get the right rail to fit tighter so the right joycon does not lose connection. I’m thinking of adding some teflon. (One of the screws’ heads is too worn out to disassemble fully)
I replaced mine with Hall sensors and then beat Super Mario Bros. Wonder's final-final level. I had been playing the entire game with pretty severe drift until that, but it began seriously interfering with the precision I needed.
I'm happy with them and may even proactively swap the analog sticks in my pro controller.