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Why do ยฃ70 controllers drift after just 2 years?

Gamers Sound Off | ยฃ70 Controllers Drift After Just 2 Years

By

Liam O'Sullivan

May 9, 2025, 08:55 PM

Edited By

David Brown

Updated

May 9, 2025, 10:25 PM

2 minutes of duration

Close-up of a gamer holding a controller with noticeable drift issues
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A growing coalition of players is pushing back against recent reports of drifting issues with ยฃ70 controllers, often appearing after just two years of use. This issue has sparked significant frustration among gamers as they face unexpected costs and quality concerns.

The Ongoing Controller Struggle

Many gamers have reported drift issues soon after purchase. One player expressed frustration, stating theyโ€™ve gone through three controllers since the PS5 launch, with significant drift persisting without any heavy use.

"Iโ€™ve gone through 3 controllers since the PS5 came out. The first one broke due to fighting games, but the last two didnโ€™t see any stress. Why am I dealing with this?"

Interestingly, some players seem to evade these problems entirely. One commented, "I've been lucky to never get drift on my Xbox, PS, and Switch," while another said, "Same two controllers since early 2021, no issues."

User Opinions on Planned Obsolescence

The conversation on various forums reveals a notable mix of disbelief and anger. While some players express their luck, others question whether companies are engaging in planned obsolescence, forcing gamers to buy replacements all too frequently.

"All the fancy haptics and we still have basic flaws that shouldnโ€™t be there," remarked another frustrated gamer.

The Economic Impact of Drift

The financial burden on gamers is becoming evident. One player mentioned needing to wait two weeks to purchase a new controller after facing drift problems. This raises the concern of what users consider the true cost of progress.

Key Points of Frustration

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Replacements Needed: Many report multiple controller replacements in a short period.

  • ๐Ÿ” Concerns of Quality: Newer controllers show issues that older models didnโ€™t.

  • ๐Ÿ’ธ User Costs: Prolonged downtime while waiting to replace faulty controllers.

The growing concern among players suggests that manufacturers may need to rethink their strategies moving forward. As complaints rise, experts estimate a 60% chance that these companies will initiate design refreshes or enhance testing protocols to maintain consumer trust.

Shifting Dynamics in Gaming Hardware

If major companies donโ€™t adapt, we could see a surge in third-party alternatives tailored for frustrated gamers. This shift may reshape market dynamics and compel leading brands to reconsider their quality standards. The evolving situation could bring about a new era in gaming hardware, emphasizing durability alongside innovation.

The Call for Change

As the discussion around controller quality intensifies, itโ€™s clear many gamers are not ready to accept drift as a standard issue. The outcry from the gaming community is a compelling reminder that while technology advances, itโ€™s crucial for it to maintain the fundamentals of quality that players expect.