Although we are big fans of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, no hardware is completely flawless. Despite all its sophisticated features, such as tactile feedback and adaptive triggers, it is a highly technical kit and therefore one or two problems are likely to arise. As far as we know, there has been nothing widespread, but the number of people reporting deviation from the analog stick in DualSense is growing.
If you have never heard the term “drift” in relation to controllers before, this refers to an issue where the pad detects an entry in the levers when there is not one. For example, the camera spinning in a first-person shooter without you touching the right stick. Here is a video that sums it up perfectly:
As discovered by Kotaku, users have been calling attention to the DualSense diversion as early as 10 days after the launch of the PS5. Apparently, this is a failure covered by the controller’s warranty, which means that Sony will repair or replace its dubious keyboard. However, depending on where you live, you may need to pay the postage to send your DualSense to the company. It is not ideal.
That said, our experience with PlayStation customer service in the UK has been very positive. One of this author’s DualSense controllers suffered a different problem in which one of the triggers lost its resistance. After explaining the situation over the phone, an email was sent containing a printable postage tag, which allowed us to send the pad for free. A few weeks later, a new controller arrived in the mail. We can only imagine that this quite painless process would be the same for a drifted DualSense or any other hardware problem.
Obviously, the PS5 controller is not the only one dealing with drift. Any controller with an analog stick is potentially sensitive to this, the most notorious example being the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons. Still, it is a frustrating failure if it happens to you, and not what you expect from your new console. Have you ever had any problems with your DualSense? Take our poll and discuss it in the comments section below.