Nintendo skirts Joy-Con drift issue following launch of OLED model in official statement

Nintendo’s Switch hybrid gaming console has been a smash hit for the company. In particular, sales of the device went through the roof during the peak of the global pandemic as people sought ways to keep themselves entertained while in lockdown. The device has been on the market for around four years and the Japanese company has just launched its latest variant which features a large 7-inch OLED display and other design tweaks.

While the new OLED Switch brings a number of much-needed improvements including a better kickstand, Nintendo does not appear to have addressed the long-standing Joy-Con controller drift issue that has affected the original Switch through to the Switch Lite. In fact, not long after the Switch Lite went on sale, controller drift issues quickly began to surface and it was added to an ongoing class-action lawsuit. The Verge sought an answer from Nintendo about whether any improvements had been made to the OLED Switch Joy-Cons and was provided this statement in response:

The Joy-Con controller configuration and functionality did not change with [the] Nintendo Switch (OLED model). The configuration and functionally is the same as that of the Joy-con controllers for the Nintendo Switch console. At Nintendo, we take great pride in creating quality products and we are continuously making improvements to them. We are aware of reports that some Joy-Con controllers have not responded correctly. We want our consumers to have fun with Nintendo Switch, and if anything falls short of this goal we always encourage them to visit http://support.nintendo.com so we can help.

The statement seems to want to have it both ways with regard to the issue, but it certainly doesn’t fill us with confidence that the drift issue has been properly addressed -- even if the company acknowledges the issue exists. Nintendo is, of course, not alone when it comes to controller drift issues with similar problems reported with Sony PS5 DualSense controller too. Naturally, we will be keeping an ear to the ground following the availability of the OLED Switch in October to listen out for any emerging Joy-Con drift issues with the new variant.

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