The big N’s new Nintendo Switch model with a bigger and better display also includes improved Joy-Cons after what the base model and the Nintendo Switch Lite had.

Drifting is when our character in the game goes in the opposite direction as what we requested via the Joy-Con’s analogue stick. Alternatively, drifting is also the case if we stop using the stick, yet we still experience movement. The situation threatened Nintendo with a class-action lawsuit, but the big N immediately began offering free repairs. The company claims that they have improved the internals of the analogue sticks continuously since the 2017 launch. Drifting could happen due to dust or wear, but we are not sure: Nintendo never provided an official explanation.

“Joy-Con controllers have lots of different features, so we’ve been continuing to make improvements that may not always be visible. The analogue-stick parts have continuously been improved since launch, and we are still working on improvements. The analogue stick, at first release, cleared the Nintendo reliability test using the method of rotating the stick while continually applying a load to it, with the same criteria as the Wii U GamePad’s analogue stick. As we have always been trying to improve it as well, we have investigated the Joy-Con controllers used by the customers and repeatedly improved the wear resistance and durability,” Toru Yamashita, Nintendo’s Technology Development Department’s deputy general manager, said.

Parts of the Joy-Con’s sticks are specifically designed. Those cannot be bought off the shelf, which led Nintendo to consider improving them and changing the reliability test. “The degree of wear depends on factors like the combination of the materials and forms, so we continue to make improvements by researching which combinations are less likely to wear. The Joy-Con controller specifications hadn’t changed because we didn’t add new features such as new buttons. Still, the analogue sticks in the Joy-Con controllers included with Nintendo Switch – OLED Model are the latest version with all the improvements. Needless to say, so are the analogue sticks included in Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, separately sold Joy-Con controllers and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller that are currently being shipped,” Yamashita added.

Let’s hope the drifting is not an issue on the OLED model, then.

Source: VG247