A lot of people see that their stick does not sit exactly at 0.000 and immediately assume the controller has stick drift. In practice, one number alone usually does not tell you much.

Here is the basic process I use when testing a controller.

First, place the controller on a flat surface and leave the sticks untouched for around 10–20 seconds. Small movements near the center can be normal. What matters more is whether the input stays consistently pulled in one direction.

Next, move each stick slowly through its full range, including the diagonals. Watch for sudden jumps, flat spots, uneven range, or one direction failing to reach as far as the others.

Then test the return-to-center behavior. Push the stick in several directions and let it return by itself without guiding it back with your thumb. A worn stick may return normally from one direction but remain slightly offset after being released from another.

For triggers, press them slowly from rest to fully pressed. The value should increase smoothly, reach its full range, and return properly after release. Buttons should also be pressed several times to check for missed inputs or accidental double presses.

One important limitation is that browser-based tools do not always show completely raw hardware data. Results can be affected by firmware, operating system, browser support, controller mode, dead zones, and whether the connection is wired or wireless.

Because of that, I would not use a browser test as the only evidence that a controller is defective. It is more useful as a first diagnostic step, especially when combined with manufacturer software, Steam settings, or testing inside a game.

I built a free browser-based tool for these checks:

https://controllertestonline.com/

Disclosure: I am the founder and developer of the site, so this is a directly affiliated project rather than an independent recommendation.

Generative AI was used to assist with parts of the code and some of the written content. I reviewed, edited, and tested the final implementation and this post.

No open-source repositories or other people’s codebases were incorporated into the development of the tool.

I would be interested to hear how other people test for stick drift, trigger problems, or inconsistent inputs, and whether there are any measurements you think a controller testing tool should include.

So, after some fifa some months ago and some COD this week, my R2 popped off. The thing is, the button works if i put the loose R2 in it, i found the broken parts and i want to know if gluing is an option and if so how to do it. My biggest problem is finding parts for the BDM-060 and the fact that besides the midframe only the gear that goes through the trigger broke, and correct me if wrong but i think i cant find only this specific gear. It would help if anyone knew if the midframe of the BDM-050 works with the BDM-060. I have some knowledge on maintenance, already took to a repair shop but they said the same thing about parts availability for BDM-060's.

Following images show the parts and where whey broke from.

Hi there!

I'm a new mum who has just discovered the best way for me to play when baby is contact napping is on switch as the joycons are in separate hands. I'm wondering where I can find a split controller that works with steam deck, or if this even exists? Google searches are just throwing up joycon and switch controller replacements.

I am based in the UK and willing to spend up to £100. I dont want the layout of a switch controller, just the split pad mechanics.

Thank you so much in advance 🥰

I have joy-cons from both the Switch and Switch 2, but neither of them can connect to my PC through Bluetooth. If anything, my PC reads them or one of them as an "unknown device" and when I try to connect them again - it tells me to retry again and again. Both of them are fully charged and my PC is a Windows 11, if it matters. Also, I checked for any updates on my PC and I think I installed them all. Any way to fix this?

Max budget: $200
USA Florida/ Would like it delivered
Xbox Series S

I was wondering if a controller existed for xbox that had Hall Effect sticks and a PlayStation styled d-pad. Something with individual buttons. I play a lot of Outlast Trials, and you can use the D-pad to peek left or right. But there is a option to press both at the same time to peek up. I can't do that with a cross d-pad. I also find that I misclick or lockup the d-pad if I try to do too much at much at once. I think I'd play better if I had a second set of buttons on the Series S controller instead of the cross. Does such a controller exist? If it comes down to it, I don't really need hall effect. I'd like it as well, but it's not necessary.

I bought a Vader 5 Pro, and it works fine in games via Steam or Xbox app however, I'm trying to use the new Xbox mode/Xbox App, and the app itself does not register any inputs except the middle guide button. Meaning, I have to start every Xbox game via keyboard and mouse and then use the controller. All buttons such as DPad, joystick, A/B/X/Y buttons do not register in the Xbox app. I'm using a wired connection, and the controller shows up as a single Xbox 360 controller in device manager. Any ideas what could be causing the issue?

Hello, Ive been using a xbox one controller for my pc for 1 year and a half now and recently it sometime disconnect to its usb wire. I changed it to a ps5 usb and some other usb but it still doesn’t work if i move the controller too long or too fast, we even bought the rechargeable battery for xbox but when i remove the battery the usb still won’t work when i plug it in my controller. Its my only way to play since even with battery it sometime disconnect from bluetooth, i want to know if i have to buy a switch usb wire or if the problem is the controller itself.
I even updated the controller to my pc but its not solving the problem. Thank you !

Hello, I don't use my controller that much. But I was using it the other day, and I had it charging while I was using it. I need help because, out of the blue, the controller just turned itself off, but the orange light is still on. Normally, if I press any of the abxy buttons, it would turn on automatically; however, for this one, it won't turn on at all. It's just that orange light. I did try to leave it for a couple of hours, thinking that it's just drained/low batt, I tried opening it again; it just won't open anymore...

I did try to troubleshoot by doing a hard reset by pressing the button at the back, but nothing happens. I tried doing this while plugged in and unplugged; still nothing.. I attempted to open and check its internals; probably the battery had ballooned up, but it looks normal.

Have you guys experienced this? I would take any resolutions on this. Thanks!

Is it possible to connect Thrustmaster Heart controller to PS5? If so, what adapter should I use, has anyone done this before?
Thanks in advance

I searched info but most posts talk about bluetooth controllers. My pc doesn't have a bluetooth antenna, so that's not an option, unless I buy one, but I would prefer a solution that doesn't require that. I tried using DS4Windows emulator and it works fine with other games, but when using it with this game it-s like the anticheat detects it and closes the game.

It's a NPLAY Skill 11.0. I bought it at Worten in Norte Shopping, Porto, Portugal.

It doesn't say anything on the instructions' manual... I tried pressing combinations of the buttons or holding both M1 and M2 and all it does is making the buttons activate randomly and behave weirdly on the PS4. I tried it in Silksong and holding both M1 and M2 together for a while made the Silk Gauge shake constantly forever until I turned off the controller.