How the PlayStation Portal makes it easy to fix stick drift on your controller

 

Stick drift is a common problem that affects many controllers, especially after prolonged use. It occurs when the analog sticks register movement without being touched, causing unwanted camera or character movement in games. Stick drift can ruin the gaming experience and make some games unplayable.

One of the main causes of stick drift is the wear and tear of the potentiometers inside the analog sticks. Potentiometers are devices that measure the change in voltage based on the position of the stick. Over time, the contact points inside the potentiometers can become dirty or damaged, resulting in inaccurate voltage readings and false inputs.

Many controllers use potentiometers for their analog sticks, including the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One controller, and the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and Pro Controller. Fixing stick drift on these controllers can be challenging, as it often requires opening the controller, cleaning the potentiometers with isopropyl alcohol, or replacing the joystick modules entirely. These methods can be risky, as they may void the warranty, damage the controller, or require soldering skills.

However, there is one device that makes stick drift easier to repair: the PlayStation Portal. The PlayStation Portal is a handheld gaming accessory for the PlayStation 5 that was released on November 15, 2023. It allows users to stream compatible PS5 games over their home Wi-Fi network, without the need for a TV. The PlayStation Portal has a 8-inch LCD HD screen and all the buttons and features of a DualSense controller, including the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.

The PlayStation Portal also uses potentiometers for its analog sticks, which means it is not immune to stick drift. However, unlike other controllers, the PlayStation Portal has a modular design that makes it easy to replace the analog sticks. Users can simply unscrew the back cover of the device, detach the battery, and swap the analog sticks with new ones. The analog sticks are connected to the motherboard with ribbon cables, so no soldering is required. The replacement process takes only a few minutes and does not affect the warranty.

The PlayStation Portal comes with a set of spare analog sticks in the box, so users can fix stick drift without having to buy new parts. Users can also purchase additional analog sticks from Sony or third-party vendors, as they are compatible with the DualSense controller. The PlayStation Portal’s analog sticks are also cheaper than the ones for other controllers, as they do not have any extra features like rumble motors or sensors.

The PlayStation Portal is not only a convenient way to play PS5 games on the go, but also a device that makes stick drift easier to repair. Users can enjoy the benefits of the DualSense controller without worrying about the drawbacks of potentiometers. The PlayStation Portal may not be the ultimate solution to stick drift, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.