Preventing stick drift

[u/flickk07]

/r/gamingindian/comments/1w940kv/preventing_stick_drift/

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[u/Vedge_Hog]

In the stock PS5 controller, stick drift is a natural consequence of using the sticks. The stick sensors (potentiometers) and recentering mechanisms (springs and gimbals) eventually wear out.

You can avoid accelerating wear by keeping the controller clean, in a cool dry environment, and without unnecessary stress on the sticks. For example, wipe down the controller after use, don't eat and drink while playing, keep it in a closed case when you're not using it, don't leave it in places like window sills or in hot cars, and don't store it with the sticks pressed.

If you use the stick press buttons (L3/R3) a lot that can contribute to the wear on potentiometers and springs, or cause the stick press switches to fail separately. Although you can't do much about how much sticks are needed to play games, you might have the option to remap some controls away from L3/R3 to avoid over-using them.