IFixit gained fame among tech YouTubers as the manufacturers of precision tools. Their specific brand of equipment makes hardware teardowns and maintenance a breeze. The same tool developers produced a video looking into the inner workings of the new DualSense for the PlayStation 5. What they found inside may spell danger for current and future PS5 owners but only if Sony doesn't make any changes in the near future.
CATCH MY DRIFT?
IFixit's teardown led them to the conclusion that the DualSense utilizes “off-the-shelf joystick hardware with a long history of predictable, preventable issues.” Sony utilized the same hardware in its controllers for the PlayStation 4. Nintendo and Microsoft also utilized the same modules for their Nintendo Switch Pro and Xbox One controllers.
Article Continues BelowSeveral lawsuits against Sony have already appeared due to DualSense drift problems. Recently, Nintendo made news when an EU investigative body started its inquiry on the Nintendo Joy-Con drift problems. Controller drift causes problems for nearly every video game console developer but it's surprising to see the issues present in next-generation hardware.
IFixit identified the controller potentiometers as the potential main cause of controller drifting. They also pointed towards key parts in the hardware that could cause problems for console gamers. IFixit offered tips and solutions to fix the drifting problems but strongly recommended consumers take advantage of the warranty system instead.
It's entirely unclear if game developers intentionally skimp on the construction of video game controllers. It looks like controller drift won't be going away any time soon. Save your receipts in the unlikely event that your precious DualSense controller is one of the unlucky ones.