Is My Controller Still Under Warranty?
Before paying for a repair or buying a new controller, check whether it's still covered. Many people don't realise their controller is still under warranty, or that consumer law in their country may give them extra protection.
Choose the brand, where you bought it and when, and this tool tells you whether it's likely still covered and where to make a claim.
Controller Warranty Checker
Check manufacturer and statutory consumer warranty coverage for Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo controllers.
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How to use it
- Choose the brand: Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo or other.
- Choose the country or region you bought it in.
- Enter the purchase date, or roughly how long ago you bought it.
- Read the result and follow the link to the official claim page.
What your results mean
Possible results:
| Result | What to do |
|---|---|
| Likely covered | Contact the manufacturer or the shop with your receipt |
| Possibly covered | Your country's consumer law may still protect you. Contact the shop first. |
| Likely not covered | See the Repair or Replace calculator for your options |
Before you claim
| Have ready | Why |
|---|---|
| Proof of purchase | Most claims need a receipt or order confirmation |
| Serial number | Usually inside the controller or on the box |
| A short description of the fault | e.g. "left stick drifts upwards" |
| Test results | A Controller Health Check report shows the fault clearly |
This tool gives guidance only. Warranty terms change and differ by country, so the manufacturer's official page is final.
Warranty and consumer law
A manufacturer's warranty is a promise from the company that made the controller. Separately, many countries give buyers legal rights against the shop that sold it, which can last longer than the warranty.
If the warranty has run out, it's still worth asking the shop, especially for faults like stick drift that a controller shouldn't develop quickly.
Typical manufacturer warranties
Warranty length depends on the maker and on the country you bought the controller in. The figures below are typical starting points, but they change from region to region and over time, so always check the warranty page for your country before making a claim.
The warranty usually starts on the date of purchase, not the date the controller was made. That's why your receipt is the most important thing to keep.
| Maker | Typical warranty | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Sony (PlayStation) | Often 12 months; varies by region | PlayStation support site for your country |
| Microsoft (Xbox) | Varies by region; can be shorter in some countries | Xbox support site, Devices section |
| Nintendo | Often 12 months; varies by region | Nintendo support site for your country |
| Third-party brands | Varies widely | The maker's website or the box |
What warranties usually cover
Manufacturer warranties normally cover faults in materials and workmanship that appear during normal use. That includes buttons that stop working, triggers that fail, charging problems and, in many cases, stick drift.
They usually don't cover accidental damage, such as drops or liquid spills, normal cosmetic wear, or damage caused by opening the controller or using unofficial parts. Each maker's terms set out the details.
If you're not sure whether your fault is covered, contact support and describe what's happening. Our Controller Health Check report gives you clear evidence to include.
Is stick drift covered?
Stick drift is usually treated as a fault rather than wear, especially when it appears within the warranty period. Many players have had drifting controllers repaired or replaced under warranty.
Describe the drift clearly when you claim: which stick, which direction and how it affects games. Attaching a test result showing the stick moving at rest makes the problem easy to understand.
Your rights beyond the warranty
In many countries, consumer law gives you rights against the shop that sold you the controller, separate from the manufacturer's warranty. These can last longer than the warranty and can apply to faults that shouldn't appear so soon in a product's life.
For example, the UK and the European Union both have consumer laws that let buyers ask the seller for a repair, replacement or refund for faulty goods, even after the manufacturer's warranty has ended in some cases. The rules and time limits differ by country, so check your local consumer advice service.
This page gives general information, not legal advice. If a shop refuses a reasonable claim, a consumer advice organisation in your country can tell you where you stand.
How to make a claim
Start with the manufacturer's support website. Most have an online form or chat where you describe the fault, give the serial number and upload proof of purchase. If the claim is accepted, you'll usually be asked to send the controller in, and you'll receive a repaired or replacement unit.
If you bought recently, the shop may be quicker. Many shops will swap a faulty controller on the spot within their returns period.
Finding your serial number
The serial number is usually printed on a label or etched inside the controller. On many controllers it's under a cover, near the charging port, or on the back. Some consoles can also show it in their accessory settings.
Take a photo of the serial number and keep it with a copy of your receipt. That makes any future claim much easier.
No receipt?
Without a receipt, a claim is harder but not always impossible. Check your email for an order confirmation, look in your account on the shop's website, or check your bank statement for the payment. Many makers will accept these as proof of purchase.
If the controller came with a console, the console's receipt usually covers it.
Second-hand controllers
Manufacturer warranties often transfer with the controller, but some require proof of the original purchase. If you're buying a used controller that's still under warranty, ask the seller for the receipt.
Consumer law rights against a shop usually only apply to the original buyer, and don't usually apply to private sales in the same way.
Before you send it in
Remove any custom parts, such as replacement sticks, shells or back paddles, and refit the originals if you have them. Unofficial parts can lead to a claim being refused.
Charge the controller if possible, and note any accessories the maker asks you to include or keep. Keep tracking information for the parcel until the claim is finished.
Extended warranties and protection plans
Some shops sell extended warranties or protection plans. These can cover accidental damage that a normal warranty doesn't, but they add to the cost. Read what's covered before buying.
Card providers and home insurance sometimes cover gadgets too. Check before paying for extra cover you may already have.
How the checker works
Enter your controller's maker, model, country and purchase date. The checker uses typical warranty lengths to estimate whether you're still covered. Always confirm with the maker before relying on the result, since terms can change.
Keeping your receipt
Take a photo of your receipt as soon as you buy a controller, and save it somewhere safe, like a cloud folder or your email. Paper receipts fade over time, so a photo makes sure you still have proof when you need it.
Note the serial number too. Some makers ask for it when you register or claim.
Registering your controller
Some makers let you register your controller online. Registration isn't always needed for warranty, but it can make claims easier and help with proof of purchase.
What happens after a claim
If your claim is accepted, the maker will usually repair the controller or send a replacement. Replacements may be refurbished rather than brand new. A repaired or replaced controller sometimes has its own shorter warranty, so keep the paperwork.
Test the returned controller as soon as it arrives, using our Controller Health Check.
If your claim is refused
If a claim is refused, ask for the reason in writing. If you believe the fault should be covered, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed, or contact the shop that sold you the controller under your consumer rights. A consumer advice service in your country can help.
Common problems
Check your email or online store account. Some manufacturers can also check by serial number.
Warranty may not transfer. Check the manufacturer's terms.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a controller warranty?
Often 12 months from purchase for a manufacturer's warranty, but it varies by brand and country. Consumer law in some countries, such as the UK and EU, can give longer protection.
Is stick drift covered?
Drift is usually treated as a fault and covered while the warranty is active. Check the manufacturer's terms.
Does opening the controller void the warranty?
It can. Claim before attempting a repair.
Does the warranty cover drops?
Usually not. Accidental damage is normally excluded unless you have extra cover.
Can I claim if I opened the controller?
Often not. Opening it can end the warranty, so claim first.
How long does a claim take?
It varies by maker and region. Their support page usually gives an estimate.
Can I claim for a controller bought abroad?
Sometimes. Warranties are usually regional, so check with the maker.
Is this legal advice?
No. It's general information. Check your country's consumer advice service for your rights.
Does registering extend my warranty?
Usually not, but check the maker's terms for your region.