The long-standing problem with Nintendo’s “drifting” analog sticks on the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons has finally delivered a victory to British consumers, just in time for Easter gaming.
This week, Nintendo quietly announced its Joy-Con support page to explain that the company will repair defective controllers even after the 24-month warranty period has expired.
“Until further notice, Nintendo is offering consumers who purchased the respective product in the (European Economic Area) EEA, UK and Switzerland the opportunity to have repairs for control stick-related reaction syndrome carried out free of charge by official Nintendo repair centers,” an update on the site states.
“This also applies if the syndrome is due to wear and tear and even if the 24-month manufacturer’s warranty provided by Nintendo has expired.”
This has long been common practice in the US and there are reports of numerous users being able to obtain an out-of-warranty repair.
But formalising the process doesn’t go far enough for some people. Consumer group Which? believes Nintendo should consider compensating affected users as the issue has “plagued gamers for years” without any obvious improvements in hardware design.
“Nintendo Switch ‘drift’ has plagued gamers for years, with many consumers having to pay expensive replacement controllers, so it’s positive that the video game giant has committed to free repairs for life,” said Rochio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?.
“Which? Tests found that these chronic problems with the Nintendo Switch controller are likely due to a mechanical failure and points out design flaws that Nintendo needs to fix to prevent faulty controllers from ending up in people’s homes in the first place.
“In addition to free repairs, Nintendo must also offer compensation, refunds or replacements to any consumers affected by this issue since the console’s launch and promote this program so consumers know support is available.”
So far, this seems unlikely, but free out-of-warranty repairs are still a big step in the right direction. Affected users can Book a repair via the official website.
