The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller may develop a sticky left thumbstick after extended use. A Japanese content creator documented the issue after 350 hours of gameplay.
Left thumbstick becomes sticky after 350 hours
The problem stems from shredded material from the base ring grinding against the thumbstick's umbrella. The controller lacks TMR or Hall effect technology, which critics had flagged as a durability concern. Cleaning provides temporary relief, but the only permanent fix is replacing the base ring.
The controller has been on the market since June 2025. Nintendo offers a support page for control stick issues, but calibration may not address the root cause. The warranty lasts one year, and out-of-warranty repairs could be expensive.
Nintendo Patents Watch noted that patent filings reference a more resilient material, but the manufacturer may have opted for a less durable option to reduce noise levels. This remains unconfirmed. Nintendo has not commented on the durability concern.
Source: NotebookCheck
