Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

Xbox Controller Drift

Posted on 1/11/23 at 2:59 pm
Posted by Kracka
Lafayette, Louisiana
Member since Aug 2004
41631 posts
Posted on 1/11/23 at 2:59 pm
Anyone have this issue with XB controllers? I am really hard on controllers. I push on the thumbsticks really hard not really noticing that I am doing it. What it ends up causing after several months is bad drifting. I end up having to buy a new controller because the drift can't be fixed. I really don't want to buy a really expensive controller, because I am not sure if the problem isn't so much the controller, it's me. But if there are better controllers, I guess I'd pay it.
Posted by HogX
Madison, WI
Member since Dec 2012
5354 posts
Posted on 1/11/23 at 3:06 pm to
Yep, I have the same issue with one of mine. I've been playing a lot of MLB The Show online and it just totally fricked up my left stick.
Posted by GoCrazyAuburn
Member since Feb 2010
37460 posts
Posted on 1/11/23 at 3:14 pm to
Are you using the factory controller?

The Elite controllers will be better about it generally, but it is unavoidable if you are just hard on the sticks. It will happen no matter what controller you use.

Best buy + 2 year accidental warranty plan = profit.
This post was edited on 1/11/23 at 3:14 pm
Posted by Kracka
Lafayette, Louisiana
Member since Aug 2004
41631 posts
Posted on 1/11/23 at 6:59 pm to
quote:

Are you using the factory controller?


Yes and I am basically buying a new controller every year or sooner. I guess i need to try your theory of buying the replacement plan with the controller.
Posted by j1897
Member since Nov 2011
3922 posts
Posted on 1/11/23 at 7:57 pm to
quote:

I push on the thumbsticks really hard not really noticing that I am doing it.


You're physically limited, that shouldn't contribute to drift in any way. You just have bad luck i suppose.
Posted by Venelar
The AP
Member since Oct 2010
1166 posts
Posted on 1/11/23 at 8:08 pm to
quote:

The Elite controllers will be better about it generally, but it is unavoidable if you are just hard on the sticks. It will happen no matter what controller you use.

Best buy + 2 year accidental warranty plan = profit.


This. My Elite 1 lasted for a very long time. I warrantied my Elite 2 within 6 months. Buy it at best buy, get the warranty because you will use it.
Posted by GrammarKnotsi
Member since Feb 2013
9842 posts
Posted on 1/12/23 at 11:53 am to
as others have said, its essentially luck..i've been Xboxing for just over 20 years and have never really had issues..Ive even been stupid successful with the elite series controllers
Posted by rtr1985
Member since Jul 2011
738 posts
Posted on 1/14/23 at 5:48 pm to
If you're open to the idea of using a third party controller, there is this option:

Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro

The controller is modular and you can replace parts of the controller as you see fit or as needed. You have to purchase the replacement parts however and I'm not sure what they charge for new analog sticks. I would have to think it would be significantly cheaper than purchasing a new controller each time around. I found this while reading about the different controllers that Halo pros use, and a small handful use this model. The biggest downside to this controller is that it is a wired controller, and has no wireless support/version. The USB wire is ~10ft long if that's any help.

Purchasing an Elite 2 through best buy with the warranty is also a solid option. The Elite controllers feel fantastic but for whatever reason are prone to input malfunction. That's where the warranty will save you a ton of money if you go that route, but the controller will cost a bit more up front than you may want to pay. Sometimes you can find this controller on sale at various websites/locations. "Core" version is typically $129.99 and standard is typically $179.99.

The Elite 2 comes as either the "core" version which doesn't have the paddles (4 extra mappable buttons/paddles to use on the back of your controller), or the full version which includes said paddles. The paddles are a game changer if you're a competitive fps player, particularly for games with a large amount of in game controls like Halo Infinte etc.

ETA: There is an updated/more current version of this controller, the Thrustmaster eswap S Pro which is pared down from the X version, however comes with some improvements over the X based on customer feedback. Also significantly cheaper than the X version. The analog sticks/modules are still replaceable with the S version, however the d-pad module is no longer swappable. Also has better placed rear buttons on the back of the controller. And lastly comes with a USB-C wire vs USB mini.
This post was edited on 1/14/23 at 6:36 pm
Posted by OSoBad
Member since Nov 2016
2007 posts
Posted on 1/16/23 at 9:35 am to
Are you playing on console or PC? If PC, Hall Effect sensor controllers are the way to go. I went through 2 Elite controllers before finding this one, it uses magnets instead of mechanical potentiometers. In theory they will never get stick drift. One month in on mine, so far so good.

8BITDO
Posted by GoCrazyAuburn
Member since Feb 2010
37460 posts
Posted on 1/16/23 at 10:36 am to
quote:

I guess i need to try your theory of buying the replacement plan with the controller.


It has worked well for me. I generally don't have much issue with stick drift and the elites do let you do some re-calibrating and stuff which can help a little. I just set a reminder when the warranty period is about up and go in and get it replaced regardless. Usually just tell them the bumpers have stopped working or are sticking.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookXInstagram