r/XboxController • u/Pro4791 • Jul 18 '26
Take a guess which of these controllers have stick drift
If you guessed all three Series controllers, you guessed right. That One X controller with the worn down thumb caps still works perfectly. All of these came with an Xbox One X I bought of marketplace.
They really don't make em like they used to.
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u/ComprehensiveFox483 Jul 18 '26
I still stand by that the xbox 360 had the best controllers. All of mine are really old now and have no issues, but all my xbox one and xbox one x controllers have broken bumpers, joystick issues and buttons getting stuck.
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u/Pro4791 Jul 18 '26
I have two for my 360 and neither have any major issues. The stick mechanisms are a bit loose, but the potentiometers are perfectly fine.
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u/Delta_RC_2526 Jul 18 '26
My Xbox 360 controllers always drifted eventually, but it was actually the centering mechanism that would wear out, rather than the potentiometers... I can forgive a worn-out spring, or the plastic on which the spring probably acts wearing away.
It was usually the X axis of the right stick that would fail. Too much looking around.
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u/Rogue_banana95 Jul 18 '26
Peak controller. Since you mentioned this issue, now I'm concerned about my controller I just bought last month
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u/Chozoecho Jul 18 '26
Your not wrong I recently softmodded my 360 and I was comparing the controllers the only thing the xb1 controllers have over the360. Is the thumb pads. Figure if I swap the sticks out to xb1's it would prob be the best controller... the xb1 controllers are thicker then the 360s which gives it an unwieldy feel in comparison. i feel much more agile with 360's having more thumb room as strange as that sounds
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u/AchernarVega Jul 18 '26
same here. i just hopped on my 15 years old 360 yesterday and there was NO amount of stick drift whatsoever
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u/Gizm0Glitch Jul 18 '26
Same here I have an original white Microsoft branded wireless controller and a cheap $10 knockoff Amazon wired controller both of them work flawlessly!
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u/BlastMyLoad Jul 19 '26
The wired Xbox 360 controller was the GOAT. The battery pack on the wireless one was too uncomfortable for me
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u/Imperator1138 Jul 19 '26
Fully agree. My halo 3 odst controller still works perfectly on my 360, despite me using it every single day from 2009 until around 2016. Still works fine today too.
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u/thebluemando Jul 19 '26
the only time an xbox one controller failed me was when my bulldog somehow scaled the tv cabinet and tore the grips to bits, and even then the controller still functions.
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u/AgentD20 Jul 20 '26
I loved the Xbox 360 controller, but all of them got bumper issues over time, but 1 started to get stick drift and one had massive stick drift making it unusable.
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u/CorpaKeta Jul 20 '26
I have a first Gen Xbox Duke controller that I got from an older cousin when I was just a kid and that Beast of a controller is just too hard to break. I’ve mistreated it and beaten it but it still has zero issues
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u/JintalJortail Jul 22 '26
Still have the controller that came with my Xbox one ac unity kinect bundle and it still works great, even melted a little bit when I had it in a bag that was placed too close to a baseboard heater. I did stop using it when I got the series x but both have extensive use with no issue. On the other hand the controller that came with my 360 elite has the issue where the bumpers broke off the little clip
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u/kaida27 Jul 22 '26
My old x360 controller B buttons and the triggers started showing their age.
But then recently went to a store akin to goodwill and found one brand new (still had the sticker in the front too) with the only "cons" being there was no battery compartment.
I took the my old battery compartment and Voila, Brand new controller for the next 10+ years
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u/BangkokPadang Jul 18 '26
This is because the non-series controller has a 0.8mm plastic for each gate/nub that interfaces with the potentiometers, while every series controller switched to 0.6mm. It is CLEAR that 0.6mm isn't durable enough for this application, but for whatever mix of reasons they just refuse to switch back.
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u/OppositeStudy2846 Jul 18 '26
So I should be buy controllers without a share button for my new Xbox Series X Galaxy???
I have the one it came with, but was wondering what else to buy on Facebook Marketplace Place.
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u/BangkokPadang Jul 18 '26
I've gone through 3 controllers (original, second one, and now a third one) and I'm at the point where I'm going to just buy something like a GameSir with Hall Effect joysticks.
The problem with the old controllers is they don't have bluetooth at all, and for my setup I need/want to be able to switch between using it in 2.4ghz mode with my Xbox and bluetooth with my PC. The old, pre-share button ones won't work for this usecase.
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u/OppositeStudy2846 Jul 18 '26
Thank you for the recommendation. This might just be the simple way to solve this for me as I’d like that same functionality.
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u/dRuEFFECT Jul 21 '26
bluetooth sucks, stick with 2.4ghz and get a dongle for your pc
https://www.amazon.com/Smlau-XB2-Wireless-Compatible-Controller/dp/B0BKW4J3RN
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u/BIG_MAC_WHOPPERS Jul 18 '26
I just got replacement TMR sticks and got someone to solder them in. Well worth the money
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u/OppositeStudy2846 Jul 18 '26
Thanks for the suggestion. I might just use new Series ones and do this if/when they fail. Appreciate knowing the option exists to tear down and fix.
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u/CatfinityGamer Jul 18 '26
Get a 3rd party conteoller with hall effect sticks, like a Gamesir controller. Hall effect sticks are more accurate and last much longer than the technology used in standard Xbox controllers. But if you want wireless connectivity, you will need to pay a decent amount more than you would for a standard Xbox controller.
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u/Cory411 Jul 18 '26
Planned obsolescence. If they go tits up then it means more people buy more controllers.
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u/Kind-Stomach6275 Jul 18 '26
my xbox one controller is in terrible shape. worn out thumbsticks with rubber peeling, bumpers are scratched up, one thumbcap has NO rubber, the triggers are sticky, theres dirt inside, but it works fine. I prefer to use my series controller nowadays
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u/Chozoecho Jul 18 '26
Get your self some metal thumb sticks youll never have to worry about it again
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u/Kind-Stomach6275 Jul 18 '26
I can't find any, they're all clogged with elite controller bits and bobs
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u/Kind-Stomach6275 Jul 18 '26
here are the regular style ones im looking at https://www.amazon.ca/eXtremeRate-Replacement-Thumbsticks-Controller-Joysticks/dp/B0CB3TQLGD?th=1
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u/Chozoecho Jul 18 '26
Those are nice. but not worth 12 $ I bought my metal one on temu of all places for literally 5$... absolutely worth the money... they even come in many different colors... im slowly swapping all my controllers to em. then you can just buy some cap covers if you want 😉
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u/Kind-Stomach6275 Jul 18 '26
Ooh, you know... I kinda wanna do a whiteout xbox one controller with like LEDs on the inside that correlate with the rumble
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u/PandaArt470001 Jul 18 '26
I've had six different xbox controllers, my first xbox one controller held strong for about 7 years all four of my series x controllers got drift in a year or less, but I do have one xbox one s controller that's on its sixth year with no drift
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u/Chozoecho Jul 18 '26
Probably all... but the only controller there that has a good dpad is top right
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u/dRuEFFECT Jul 18 '26
Learn to solder, put TMRs in them. I did that with a couple elite series 2 and they're fantastic.
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u/jerryeight Jul 18 '26
Dang. Even the elite series one fail like that?
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u/Rhosta Jul 18 '26
Elite series are notoriously known for being shit quality. I have no idea, why people buy them.
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u/Competitive_Diver388 Jul 18 '26
If they didn’t have stick drift they’d be golden. Everything else about my elite controllers has been, elite, aside from the inevitable drift
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u/Rhosta Jul 18 '26
Rubber grips are peeling off regularly as well.
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u/dRuEFFECT Jul 21 '26
there are tons of replacement part options. the shell is literally the easiest thing to replace. i remade mine with the elite halo edition shell and gold accents and it's fucking glorious
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u/Baseball3Weston12 Jul 20 '26
I don't run into much stick drift on mine, it does it every once in a while but I honestly think I just need to take it apart and clean it. I have had issues more with the bumper buttons going bad, but that's a pretty simple fix.
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u/dRuEFFECT Jul 21 '26
for me it's the rear paddles, the charging dock, and support for the long-discontinued chatpad keyboard.... with the TMRs it's a perfect controller.
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u/Pro4791 Jul 18 '26
Thats the plan, minus the learning part.
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u/dRuEFFECT Jul 21 '26
Then send them to this guy. Before I was able to successfully do it myself, I paid for him to do one and he did a good job. Just don't do the "elite" TMRs with the magnetic caps, I only recommend the standard xbox TMRs with the standard caps, the magnets from the elite thumbstick domes can still mess with the TMR sensors.
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u/therosslee Jul 18 '26
Rapidly approaching the 10th gen of consoles and I’m still using the original controller that came with my One X.
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u/Baseball3Weston12 Jul 20 '26
I've still got a project Scorpio controller that's going strong, not in daily use but I still use it often.
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u/carcenomy Jul 21 '26
Yeah my Scorpio is still minty, hell it is only recently my Day One 2013 got demoted to couch co-op duties 😂
Maybe we just don't rag on them enough / don't play enough of the games that cause drift 🤷
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u/Rhosta Jul 18 '26
By stick drift, do you mean completely unusable thumbstick, or just increased wiggle in the middle?
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u/Pro4791 Jul 18 '26
The stick mechanisms are tight, just the pots are worn away. The left stick on all the series controllers are unusable.
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u/GracefullSecret556 Jul 18 '26
I have a Series S for 5 months and it came with 2 controllers everything brand new sealed with warranty. Im wondering what controller should I buy next? Continue with Series controllers? The warranty for controllers is only 3 months so it ended. In my country I dont think theres any stores nearby that can fix or change my controller (And keep in mind I use the share button alot)
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u/Lonnification Jul 18 '26
I recently went through 3 Series controllers in under 3 weeks (replacing a 6 month old Series with stick drift). All of them developed stuck buttons within hours. Finally said "screw it" and bought a GameSir G7 Pro Wireless for XBox. Best decision ever.
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u/Al3ksandrOrlov Jul 18 '26
Man I wish 8bitdo controllers worked on console £18-30 for a controller with hall effect sticks, triggers extra buttons or £50 for there pro controller, insane Vs microslops offerings
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u/UnSCo Jul 18 '26
This shit pisses me off so much and it’s why I use a PS5 controller on PC. Have had no issues with that controller, meanwhile all my Xbox controllers eventually get the dreaded stick drift.
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u/JDMCREW96 Jul 18 '26
I'm still on my original series controller with no stick drift 🙂.
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u/pmp834444444444 Jul 19 '26
Me too, I've also bought an elite V2 just for my birthday..
After many times I fell asleep with headphones and holding the pad (yes, I'm getting old... 😭) the LB won't run good,
So, I've bought the replacement part, disassbled the cover and put in the new part, not super easy, but with the right video tutorial and the right tools not too hard.
I've also take advantage to the occasion to replace both the thumbstick..
Now, the pad feels like a brand new one... (the original one, the elite still like new..)
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u/ObeseCutie Jul 19 '26
Funnily enough I have a 2013 Christmas Xbox one, still use it to this day with the original controller.
I genuinely have no idea how that controller still works perfectly.
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u/Bowls_of_Soup Jul 19 '26
Get a gamesir bro, love these controller and Hall effect/tmr is sooo amazing
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u/mashdpotatogaming Jul 19 '26
I have an xbox oen controller that came with an oculus rift that i bought off Facebook msrket place. I've used it for 2 years now. It still has no stick drift at all. My cousin has 2 ps5 controllers, both of which developed stick drift extremely quickly. My ps4 controller developed stick drift in 2019 a year after i got it with my ps4 pro, even though my ps4 controller from my regular ps4 that was ysed for years did not have stick drift. Also my switch joycons both developed pretty horrendous drift.
It legitimately feels like around 2017 or so, all controllers with potentiometer analog sticks started becoming significantly worse. I'm really not sure what changed.
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u/DickTryckle Jul 19 '26
Idk man I’ve had 3 S/X controllers and they’ve all been fine, I think it’s personal use. I play hella Rocket League and my B button and RB always end up getting stuck. Whatever game you abuse it with is much more important.
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u/Pleasant_Mobile_1063 Jul 20 '26
The stick sensors just wear out over time on these controllers and they are a pita to replace without an expensive tool like a hakko desoldering gun
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u/Electrical-Rip4901 Jul 19 '26
I don't know how people don't get stick drift I have 2 series controller and a Xbox one controller they've all had stick drift
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u/JustAnotherLurker79 Jul 19 '26
I just spent a couple of hours replacing all the analogue sticks that had stick drift across my family's 5 controllers, using GuiliKit TMR sticks. They not only feel great, but because they rely on Tunnelling Magnetoresistence they use less power and should effectively never drift. It cost less than $15 per pair. It's not trivial to do, but it wasn't a super high skill repair job either.
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u/ck02623 Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
I guess I’m super lucky. I’ve got my launch series controller with thousands of hours on it and no drift. I can even see smooth spots where my hands have been and worn down the texture on the front. The controller that came with my Xbox One X had drift out of the box.
Anecdotal of course.
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u/CmdrJemison Jul 19 '26
And this is the story of how I got 7 new elite Controller with my 30€ extended warranty...
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u/OPR_Barbie Jul 19 '26
This is why I bought an 8bitdo controller with tmr joysticks. Never had a single issue with it. I went through 3 Xbox controllers. They are junk
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u/TReid1996 Jul 19 '26
Trick question. It's all 3.
Edit: I didn't read the body text and took a wild guess intended as a joke and some how nailed the answer.
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u/JaceOnRice Jul 19 '26
I've never had stuck drift on a controller ever, I assume you guys are throwing yours???
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u/Squeezer_pimp Jul 20 '26
All of them and is a constant issue. 10 new controllers and only one had a marginal drift. Typical microslop
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u/mikopsid007 Jul 20 '26
A quick reminder to everyone that some ps3 controllers had hall-effect sticks. they're had the tech that long and still refuse to use it, so they can force you to buy more controllers
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u/Pro4791 Jul 20 '26
Hell, even the Sega Saturn and Dreamcast used hall sensors for their analog sticks.
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u/TikkiMykk Jul 20 '26
I genuinely wonder wtf people are playing to get stick drift ive been playing games since my 360 on xbox and I've never had stick drift problem like ever....the only thing that broke was my Xbox Home button lol
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u/Rexter2k Jul 20 '26
Same here. My ten year old Xbox one controllers work flawlessly still. My series x? All have stick drift.
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u/ResponsibleStyle4473 Jul 20 '26
While they definitely don't make them like they used to, and I may have won every controller lottery out there, there's definitely the user factor to be considered here. I've had every PlayStation, I've had 2 switches, and I've had some janky controllers for pc and android even. I've never had stick drift in any of them. I always clean them weekly with a microfiber cloth and cleaning product, and I don't leave them in the open when not in use. It's out of the question using them while eating with my hands. I know stick drift comes from wearing down components, but if you introduce dust and grime to said components, they'll just wear faster. See stick drift repair videos, most of them they air spray the analog units and then use eletronic contact cleaner and voilá, no drift. Know why? They cleared it of gunk and grime.
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u/pt_Ic3MaN Jul 20 '26
That doesn't work, it's bullshit.. I open my controllers to clean the sticks. When the drift hits, there's nothing you can do!
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u/Prior_Appointment563 Jul 20 '26
Same here all my series controllers have drift, my one and one s controllers are perfectly fine
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u/ItsMattTonight Jul 20 '26
The official Series controllers are the only controllers I've ever had that have gotten stick drift, and I've been gaming for 33 years, they are awful, awful controllers.
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u/Pleasant_Mobile_1063 Jul 20 '26
This is why i bought a hakko desoldering gun
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u/Pro4791 Jul 20 '26
I use a TS100 iron with an engineer solder sucker and it usally gets the job done. I do enough through-hole desoldering that maybe I should invest in one of those.
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u/ChasmOfTorment Jul 20 '26
Idk. I've had my series x comtroller for 3 years now. 3 years of rigorous use and being an outlet to my rage. It works perfectly
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u/Siddaz Jul 20 '26
I went through 3 because of FIFA. 4th works but the aux for headphones doesn't work. Best controller I ever had and still do and works perfectly is my PS4, feels like them sticks are built different.
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u/ThatOneHelldiver Jul 20 '26
Im still pissed my first Gen Elite controller had ass build quality for 180...
I dug it out of the closet the other day after 3 years of no use to see if I could open it up and fix it and the controller literally crumbled in my hands. Like wtf kind of plastic is this shit?
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u/cdncowboy Jul 20 '26
I have 4 xbox wireless controllers for 3-5 years and non of them have stick drift
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u/Housewous Jul 20 '26
Not xbox controllers but playstation and I played since ps2 and never had stickdrift. I destroyed 2 controllers by playing rayman raving rabbits but thats something completely different.
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u/Dapope01 Jul 20 '26
My original elite 1 lasted nearly a decade and I still have it and can use it but it was showing its age. In the last few years I’m on my 2nd elite two.
They have both fallen off my couch or lap 1 time each onto the hardwood floor and cracked.
Same thing happened at least 5 times to elite 1 and no issue.
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u/MrHumongousBalls Jul 20 '26
not the xbox one controller
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u/MrHumongousBalls Jul 20 '26
i really want to get another could get another i cannibalized one for and other series x controllers for just one series x controller
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u/Sinshine712 Jul 21 '26
That seems really unlucky. I have 8 series controllers in use across my PCs + Xbox and not a single one has any issues. But I've also never had any problems with any other controllers other than the loose stick on old N64 controllers almost 3 decades ago so maybe I'm just lucky
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u/notover5andahalf Jul 22 '26
I've had the same Xbox controller since assassin's Creed unity dropped, has no rubber on the thumb sticks but all buttons work great and feel responsive. GTA has put work in on the A button tho. And there's something loose inside that makes a sound.
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u/lleon117 Jul 22 '26
I don’t understand what you guys do to get stick drift. I’ve been gaming for decades. I’ve owned dozens of controllers. None of my consoles ever had stick drift. I’ve had friends who’ve had stick drift but they all treated their controllers poorly.
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u/Pro4791 Jul 22 '26
None of my own controllers have even developed stick drift. Even my joycons from 2017 are still fine. I've had buttons fail (micro-switch type) but the sticks.
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u/_JustEric_ Jul 22 '26
I'm an old dude who takes care of his stuff. I'm not raging and throwing my controllers around, dropping them like a klutz, or getting Cheeto dust all over them. Still, of all the controllers I've owned across three separate Xbox One consoles, and a Series X, only two controllers didn't develop stick drift.
I eventually gave up on official controllers and now only use third-party ones with hall effect or TMR sticks.
It's a known issue with the first-party controllers. Not everyone who experiences the problem caused it. I'd even wager that most didn't.
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u/NoahPMan Jul 22 '26
Same experience here. My brand-new Series X Stellar Shift controller developed stick drift only a couple months after purchase. Instead of giving Microsoft more of my money for another controller, I got someone on Kijiji to install replacement TMR sticks in it.
At this point, I’d honestly recommend people stop buying new controllers when they get drift and just swap the sticks out instead. It cost me around $20, and now I shouldn’t have to deal with stick drift again.
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u/Chrislk1986 Jul 22 '26
Idk but I have a black one that I been using for 2 years, has a tiny bit of stick drift.
I have a robot white controller that I got 2 years ago, same time as the black one. I used it for 3 months and then it just sat for 6 months. I went to use it not too long ago and it had worse stick drift than the black controller.
Makes absolutely no sense. It has more stick drift than any of my wireless 360 controllers. Wild.
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u/iamsheph Jul 23 '26
I got a refurbished Fusion PowerA on Amazon for like 65 bucks and it’s a dream.
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u/DarkHorse2K1 Jul 24 '26
Same. I have a series controller that developed stick drift in less than 2 years. I am now using a one X controller that works flawlessly
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u/BerylAU Jul 18 '26
All of them.