Stick drift in modern video game controllers has been a problem for years. Hall Effect thumbsticks can reduce stick drift, so it's extra annoying that neither the PS5 DualSense nor the Xbox Wireless Controller uses this tech. You can easily identify stick drift if the in-game camera pans without input. While irritating, it can be fixed with simple cleaning tips.

First, give your controller a good clean. Use compressed air or a cotton bud lightly dipped in rubbing alcohol. Turn the controller off first. For PS5, you can also reset the DualSense by pressing the reset pinhole with a paperclip for five seconds. Update firmware via Settings > Accessories > Controller. For the DualSense Edge, you can swap the stick module for $30 by sliding the release latch and replacing the faulty stick.

For Xbox, similar cleaning and firmware updates work. Press the Xbox button, navigate to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories to update. Download the Xbox Accessories app to adjust dead zones. Stick drift is usually caused by wear and tear on potentiometers, but also by moisture or manufacturing defects. If under warranty, contact Microsoft or Sony for repair or replacement.