Some users are complaining about problems with the PS5 controller. A company has now disassembled the DualSense controller and examined where the issues might be coming from.
Who looked into the errors? The company iFixit took a closer look at the PS5 controller and dismantled it. iFixit is known for disassembling devices and examining repair possibilities.
iFixit identified 4 problems that may be responsible for the issues. It is important to note that this is a company specializing in repairs and that Sony has nothing to do with this investigation. Sony has not yet commented on iFixit’s findings.
These problems of the DualSense controller are mentioned by iFixit
This is the first problem: The motion sensor in the thumbstick is responsible for ensuring that the movements are registered by the console. In technical terms, these parts are called “potentiometers.”
The wear of this component causes irregularities in the material, which in turn alters the values that are transmitted.
According to iFixit, the problem lies with this very component. It is manufactured by the company “Alps Alpine” and is rated for 2 million movements. This is basically a theoretical value, as components can function longer or shorter.
iFixit also calculates what this means in practice. If someone moves the stick 120 times a minute and plays for an average of 2 hours a day, they would reach a lifespan of 4 to 7 months.
This is the second problem: A spring mechanism ensures that the joystick always returns to the center of the controller. This means that every time you release the thumbstick, it returns to its starting position, putting stress on the small spring.
The problem is that with each movement you make, this spring is stressed and will eventually wear out. The spring wants to reposition the thumbstick back to the center.
The consequence is that a worn-out spring can no longer properly center the thumbstick. The system still registers this as movement, which you know and hate as “stick drift.” You move even though you actually want to stand still.
The problem is not an isolated incident, and controllers from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are affected.
This is the third problem: Here, iFixit primarily points to material wear, as the controller consists largely of plastic. Those who play a lot and actively will likely wear out the controller faster. Here, plastic rubs against plastic, which eventually strains the material.
Additionally, self-lubricating plastics are often used here, which also wear out over time. Self-lubricating means that during movements, some plastic is automatically lost to compensate for friction.
This is the fourth problem: Dirt is also listed by iFixit as a problem. Potentiometers are sensitive to fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
iFixit cleaned the controller with pressurized air and isopropyl alcohol and found that the problems were mitigated as a result.
How to (temporarily) fix stick drift on the PS5 controller
Available solutions: iFixit also suggests several problem solutions. While these cannot repair worn parts, they should at least help:
- A recalibration of the stick can help if the spring is worn out and the joystick does not return to its position.
- Dead zone calibration can also help. This ignores small movements of the joystick and prevents you from “drifting” around.
- In general, you should handle your devices carefully.
The lawsuit is the reason why iFixit looked into the controller
What happened? A law firm had filed a class action lawsuit against Sony in the USA over faulty PS5 controllers. The plaintiff complained about a so-called “stick drift” and suspected that Sony had intentionally used “defective” components that were already present in the DualShock4 of the PS4.
The plaintiff criticizes that repairing a controller is very cumbersome. Anyone wanting to send their controller in as a warranty case would also have to pay shipping costs.
The law firm and the plaintiff are now hoping that more users will join them in taking action against Sony. They have ruled out an out-of-court settlement from the start.
This is what’s inside the DualSense controller
The DualSense controller is Sony’s official PS5 controller for the PlayStation 5.
What functions does the DualSense controller offer? This controller offers several new features supported by new games. These include, among others:
- Haptic feedback, which allows the controller to generate vibrations to make the gameplay feel more realistic
- Adaptive triggers, which should give different feels to the trigger of weapons
- Built-in speakers and microphone, so you no longer necessarily need a headset on the PS5.
That’s why you need the DualSense controller: Sony has already made it clear that you need a DualSense controller for PS5 games. With your PS4 controller, you cannot play PS5 games, but you can navigate through the menus or watch movies.
What do you think about this? Have you experienced similar problems with the PS5 controller or do you think they are normal signs of wear?
If you are still looking for a PS5, you can check our ticker: The 4th wave is coming – Be mindful of these retailers
