Nintendo Switch 2: The dreaded Joy-Con drift returns with no solution

On June 5, the Nintendo Switch 2 arrived in the hands of millions of fans around the world. What was supposed to be a day of celebration turned into confusion for many: early reports confirmed that the original console's longtime enemy, the infamous Joy-Con drift, might have returned... and stronger than ever.

This problem, characterized by phantom joystick movements that the user didn't even touch, ruined games, sparked class-action lawsuits, and forced Nintendo to offer free replacements. The launch of the new console promised to put these ghosts behind it, but time seems to have stopped for some players.

The most puzzling thing wasn't the return of drift, but the reason for it. A detailed teardown by the specialized site iFixit revealed that the Joy-Con 2 controllers don't use Hall Effect sensors, a technology that prevents mechanical wear. Instead, Nintendo decided to stick with traditional, albeit redesigned, potentiometers.

Why avoid more precise and durable technology? According to the engineers we consulted, it could be because the Hall Effect sensors would interfere with the Joy-Con's magnetic attachment system to the console, a distinctive design feature.

Nintendo has reportedly prioritized structural integrity over a definitive solution to the most criticized problem of its previous console.

The reaction was swift. On social media, forums like Reddit, and YouTube channels specializing in gaming, the comments multiplied: disappointment, annoyance, and resignation. Many users had hoped that, after years of complaints, Nintendo would finally implement a substantial technological change.

But what arrived was an "improved" version of the same controller, with the same fragile heart. Tech-savvy fans were quick to point out that, although the materials are more durable, wear and tear will be inevitable with intensive use.

So far, Nintendo has only stated that it will offer free replacements for defective Joy-Con , just as it did with the previous generation. But that's not a solution; it's a band-aid. Users are waiting for an innovation that will eliminate the problem at its root.

Is there hope? Technically, yes. Third-party solutions with Hall Effect sensors are already available on the market. But that forces gamers to invest more money to enjoy an experience that should supposedly be guaranteed by the manufacturer.

There's no doubt about it: the Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a successful start in terms of sales. Its eShop already features top-selling games, including heavyweights like Mario Kart 9 Deluxe and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Time . However, the disappointment with the Joy-Con 2 could dampen the experience for those hoping for a console with no technical compromises.

And so, the story of “drift” repeats itself, once again, under new colors… but with the same malfunction.