Summary
- The Nintendo Switch 2 is facing the return of the Joy-Con drift issue.
- Multiple new Switch 2 owners report stick drift problems straight out of the box.
- Fans are disappointed to see the drifting issue resurface on the updated console, but hope the Switch 2's hypothetical OLED model fixes the issue.
Nintendo Switch 2 owners are sadly reporting the return of a glaring hardware issue that previously plagued the original Switch console’s longevity, and it’s a disappointing recurrence that many fans hoped would never return. The first Switch console was released worldwide back in 2017, offering an innovative evolution in Nintendo’s portfolio following the discontinuation of the Wii U, and the Switch 2 has significant improvements over the predecessor.
After months of excitement and relentless rumors, the Nintendo Switch 2 was finally announced in January 2025, followed by its full specification reveal in April. The new console boasts a larger display and considerably more internal storage, alongside updated graphics, social features, and magnetic controllers. The Nintendo Switch 2 recently broke a company record for the Japanese publisher, as the successor console has expectedly outperformed the original Switch.
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Posted on Reddit by NearlyCrossing, a short video was uploaded to the Switch subreddit, seemingly reporting one of the first cases of stick drift in the Switch 2. The user noted the console was fresh out of the box, and they managed to play Mario Kart World successfully, despite the left Joy-Con underperforming, before the stick got worse and started pushing right. Unlike Mario Kart World’s drift feature that helps players win races, the Switch 2’s Joy-Con drift is sadly on track to repeat the previous console’s issue on a widespread scale.
Nintendo Switch 2's First Joy-Con Drift Cases Surface
Another initial case of Switch 2 Joy-Con drift came from Redditor whoatemyteeth, who also reported their stick was loose and suffered from drift after unpackaging the item as well. Nintendo fans were understandably disheartened by the returning issue, and Redditors noted it was a very disappointing start to the Switch 2’s run. Additionally, part of the community remained hopeful that Nintendo would fix the issue once and for all when the presumed OLED version of the Switch 2 comes out. The successor console’s drift doesn’t come as a major shock, however, as a Nintendo developer previously remained tight-lipped on whether the Switch 2 would address the drift issue.
Nintendo fans were given a sliver of hope back in 2023, when a new Switch 2 Joy-Con technology patent was filed, as many hoped this new design would abolish the return of stick drift. Unfortunately, this hasn’t come to fruition, since so many new Switch 2 owners are already reporting widespread drift issues, even on consoles without wear and tear. Nintendo has yet to address the growing concern, but presumably, the same repair procedure will be in place.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Original Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Original MSRP (USD)
- $449.99
- Operating System
- Proprietary
- Resolution
- 1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- HDR Support
- Yes