Should You Repair or Replace Your Controller?
When a controller starts drifting or a button stops working, there are four options: fix it yourself, pay a repair shop, claim on the warranty, or buy a new one. The right choice depends on the controller, the fault, how old it is and how comfortable you are with a screwdriver.
Answer a few questions and this calculator recommends the option that makes most sense, and explains why.
Controller Repair or Replace Calculator
Calculate whether DIY repair, repair shop service, warranty claim or replacement makes the most sense.
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How to use it
- Choose your controller: PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch Pro, Joy-Con, Steam Deck or other.
- Choose the fault: stick drift, a button not working, triggers, battery, vibration or connection problems.
- Say roughly how old it is and whether you have the receipt.
- Say how comfortable you are opening a controller.
- Read the recommendation and the reasons behind it.
What your results mean
Possible recommendations:
Recommendation Usually when
Claim on warranty The controller is still within its warranty period
Quick fix first The fault often responds to cleaning, recalibrating or a firmware update
DIY repair Replacement parts are cheap and the repair is manageable
Repair shop The repair needs soldering and you don't have the tools
Replace Several parts are failing, or a repair costs close to a new controller
Rough cost guide
Option Cost
Quick fix (clean, recalibrate, update) Free
DIY repair kit Cheap
Repair shop Medium
New official controller Expensive
Drift-resistant third-party controller Cheap to medium
Prices vary by country and change often, so check current prices before deciding.
When repairing makes sense
Repairing is usually worth it when the fault is a single cheap part, such as a stick or a button, and the rest of the controller is in good shape. It also keeps a working controller out of landfill.
Replacing makes more sense when several parts are failing, when the repair needs soldering you can't do, or when a drift-resistant controller costs about the same as a repair and avoids the problem coming back.
Common faults and how hard they are to fix
Some faults are much easier to repair than others. Sticks and buttons are the most common problems, and the difficulty depends on whether the part is soldered in. Battery replacements are usually simple. Faults on the main board are the hardest.
The table gives a general idea. Your controller may be easier or harder, so check a guide for your exact model before starting.
Fault Usual difficulty Notes
Stick drift (modular stick) Easy Some controllers have swappable sticks
Stick drift (soldered stick) Hard Needs soldering and desoldering
Sticky or dead button Easy to medium Often cleaning is enough
Battery Easy to medium Usually connected with a plug
Trigger or adaptive trigger Medium Small gears and springs
Charging port Medium to hard May be soldered
Main board fault Hard Often replace instead
Trying a free fix first
Before spending anything, try a few free fixes. Recalibrate the sticks in the console or software settings. Update the controller's firmware. For drift, push the stick fully in every direction and rotate it a few times to move debris.
These don't always work, but they cost nothing and sometimes solve the problem completely. Use our Controller Health Check to see whether the fault has improved.
Cleaning without opening the controller
Compressed air around the base of the stick and buttons can remove dust that causes drift or stickiness. Some people use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab around the stick base, but take care and let it dry completely before use.
Never pour liquid into a controller. If cleaning doesn't help, the fault is probably wear rather than dirt.
Doing the repair yourself
If you're comfortable with small screws and delicate cables, many repairs can be done at home. You'll need the right screwdrivers, a plastic opening tool and the replacement part. For soldered parts, you'll also need a soldering iron and desoldering tools.
Follow a step-by-step guide for your exact model and take photos as you go, so you can see where everything goes back. Opening a controller usually ends any manufacturer warranty, so check that first.
Using a repair shop
Local repair shops can fix most controller faults, and many offer a warranty on their work. Ask for a quote first, including the part and labour, and compare it with the cost of a new controller.
Some manufacturers also offer repairs, sometimes at a fixed price for out-of-warranty controllers. Check their support site for your region.
When to replace instead
Replace when the repair would cost close to a new controller, when several things are failing at once, or when the controller has already been repaired for the same fault before. A controller that keeps developing drift may be better replaced with one that has Hall effect or TMR sticks.
If you replace, consider selling or recycling the old controller. Working parts are useful to people who repair controllers.
Upgrading during a repair
If you're replacing sticks anyway, Hall effect or TMR replacement sticks are available for some popular controllers. They cost more than standard sticks but are much less likely to drift again.
Check that the replacement sticks are made for your exact controller model. Some need extra steps, like calibration after fitting.
Thinking about the environment
Repairing keeps working parts in use and reduces electronic waste. Even if a repair costs a little more than a cheap replacement, it can be worth it if the controller is otherwise in good shape.
If you do replace a controller, recycle the old one at an electronics recycling point instead of throwing it away. Batteries in particular should never go in household rubbish.
How the calculator decides
The calculator compares the estimated cost of fixing your fault with the cost of a replacement controller. It also considers how difficult the repair is and whether the controller is still under warranty.
It gives a recommendation, but you know your situation best. Use it as a guide alongside your own judgement.
Buying replacement parts
Buy replacement parts from reputable sellers. Cheap parts can be lower quality and may fail sooner. Check reviews and make sure parts are made for your exact controller model.
Some manufacturers sell official replacement parts for certain controllers, such as replacement stick modules for the DualSense Edge.
Controllers with swappable parts
Some controllers are designed to be easy to repair, with modular sticks or swappable parts. The DualSense Edge has replaceable stick modules, and many third-party controllers have swappable sticks too.
If you've had to repair controllers before, choosing one with swappable parts can save time and money in future.
Signs a controller is beyond repair
If the controller has water damage, a cracked main board or several failing parts, repair is often not worth it. If it powers on and connects but has problems with only one part, repair is usually more worthwhile.
Selling a faulty controller
A faulty controller still has value to people who repair them. If you decide to replace yours, consider selling it as faulty, clearly describing the problem. Our Controller Health Check report can show buyers exactly what works and what doesn't.
Learning to repair controllers
Controller repairs are a good way to learn basic electronics. Start with simple fixes, like cleaning buttons or replacing a modular stick, before moving on to soldering. Many free guides and videos show each step for popular controllers.
Practise soldering on old electronics before working on a controller you care about.
Repairing third-party controllers
Third-party controllers can be harder to repair, because replacement parts and guides are less common. Some brands sell spare parts or offer their own repair service. Check the maker's support site before deciding, and compare the repair cost with a replacement.
Common problems
Run the Controller Health Check first to find out what's actually failing.
Use the Warranty Checker.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth repairing stick drift?
Often, yes. Replacement sticks are cheap, but most controllers need soldering to fit them. Without the tools, a repair shop or a new controller may make more sense.
Does opening the controller void the warranty?
It can. Check your warranty before opening it.
What's the best replacement if my controller keeps drifting?
A controller with Hall effect or TMR sticks, which are much less prone to drift.
Is it worth fixing stick drift?
Often, if the stick is swappable or you can solder. Otherwise compare the repair cost with a new controller.
Will repairing void my warranty?
Opening the controller usually does. Claim under warranty first if you can.
Can I replace just one stick?
Yes. Only replace the stick that's faulty.
Are Hall effect replacement sticks worth it?
If your controller supports them, they greatly reduce the chance of drift returning.
What tools do I need?
Small screwdrivers, a plastic opening tool, and for soldered parts, a soldering iron and desoldering tools.
Can I repair a controller with water damage?
Sometimes, but it's often not worth it. Switch it off and dry it fully before testing.
Should I repair an old controller I rarely use?
If the repair is cheap and simple, yes. Otherwise it may be better to sell or recycle it.
Do repair shops offer warranties?
Many do on their work. Ask before booking.