How do I know if my controller has Stick Drift?

There are several ways to detect stick drift on your device. The easiest method is during gameplay, if your character or camera moves on its own, that’s a clear sign!

A more reliable test is to use a gamepad tester. Several excellent online tools allow you to diagnose controller issues. We like this one:

https://hardwaretester.com/gamepad

This is one of the most popular gamepad testers online, lightweight, easy to use, and packed with useful data. Pay close attention to the “Joystick” section, which clearly shows if your sticks are functioning properly. Any significant off-center movement indicates stick wear and potential drift.

It’s important to note that all joysticks have some natural “shake” or “jitter”; this is entirely normal and does not impact gameplay, as games filter out these tiny movements. What you want to look for are significant shifts in joystick position.

Some gamers mistake D‑Pad issues for stick drift, but stick drift also affects menus and home screens. If the menu selection keeps moving nonstop in one direction, even when you're not touching anything. You most likely have stick drift!