Are you trying to play Animal Crossing but your Nintendo Switch keeps scrolling down?
You will be experiencing the joy-con drift issue on your Nintendo if there has been an accumulation of dust, or your console is due for a controller update.
Cleaning your Nintendo Switch with an air blower, or checking the settings on your console can help fix the scrolling down problem.
We have created this easy-to-read guide to help you understand why your Nintendo is suddenly drifting continuously, and what you can do to get rid of this issue so you can carry on moving in the right direction within your game.
Why does my Nintendo Switch keep scrolling down?
Your Nintendo Switch keeps scrolling down because there is possible dust build-up in between the buttons and/or joycon, or, the contact within your console has been worn down.
Reason 1. The build-up of dust and debris
Even though the Nintendo Switch buttons are relatively small, dust and debris can still get in between them.
Too much dust in and around the joystick and buttons can cause them to get stuck which would result in your joy-con controller drifting.
Reason 2. Worn down contacts
Over a long period of continuous movement of your Switch’s controller, the contacts inside the device can get worn out.
When these have been eliminated there won’t be anything stopping the buttons from ‘working’ which is why your Nintendo Switch will keep scrolling.
Reason 3. Controller settings not updated
If your controllers have not been updated, this can interfere with the normal functioning of your console.
The calibration of your ‘Control Sticks’ could be out of sync which is why you are experiencing the drifting down problem.
Reason 4. Misalignment
If you have recently installed a new card slot, you may have inserted it without aligning it properly.
Misalignment can cause scrolling issues.
How do I stop my Nintendo switch controller from drifting?
You do not necessarily need to send your Nintendo Switch in for repairs if you are experiencing the drifting problem. If you follow one, or all of these easy steps, you can fix the issue;
Fix 1. Clean your Nintendo Switch
With dust build-up in between the buttons and joycon, cleaning your Nintendo Switch needs to be done with care.
Use an air blower:
It won’t work if you just blow onto your Nintendo Switch. To get into the buttons, you should use an air blower.
Step 1. To clear dust between the joycon, move it gently to one side
Step 2. Take the air blower and place the end in the open side
Step 3. Squeeze the device so air can be pushed into the crevice, do this all around
Do this for the left and right joystick. This will remove any dirt inside your joycon.
Use a dry toothbrush:
To get around your Switch’s buttons and joycon’s, you can use a soft dry toothbrush to gently brush the dust off.
Move the joycon to different sides and gently brush around it.
Using a wet wipe:
If you have wet wipes/baby wipes in your household, you can make use of these to clean your Nintendo.
Step 1. Take a wet wipe and twist one end so it becomes sharp
Step 2. Move the Joy-con around and wipe the sides with the wipe.
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Using compressed air:
If you are going to use compressed air to clean debris out of your Nintendo Switch, please make sure you use the correct one, specifically ‘Electrical Contact Cleaner.’
Step 1. Shake the can before use
Step 2. Move the joycon the one side and with the can’s straw, lift the ‘rubber skirt’
Step 3. Press down on the compressed air button to get the air into your Switch
Wipe away any remaining dirt with a tissue.
Fix 2. Check controller settings
Your controller could be due for an update, or the joy-con needs to be recalibrated.
Step 1. Open ‘Settings’
Step 2. Scroll down until you get to ‘Controller and Sensors’
Step 3. Click on ‘Update Controller’
A message will appear confirming your controllers are already up to date, otherwise, your console will proceed with the update.
Step 4. Select ‘Calibrate Control Sticks’
Step 5. Check your right and left sticks to make sure they are working properly
If it gets noted that something is wrong with your joycon, a pop-up message will appear where you will be able to select ‘Calibrate’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
Fix 3. Place a piece of material into your joycon
NB; Keep in mind, opening up your Nintendo Switch may void your 12-month warranty.
It has been recorded that placing a small piece of cardboard (or some type of padding) between the ‘analogue stick’ and ‘joycon’ can help your Nintendo Switch stop drifting.
Please be careful when opening your Nintendo,
Step 1. Open your Switch be remove the screws
Step 2. Cut out a 1mm (max) size piece of cardboard
Step 3. Attach the piece of cardboard with tape to the back of the casing
Step 4. Close your Nintendo Switch
Note, be conscious of what tape you use as it should not be very thick.
Conclusion
It’s important to make a conscious effort in keeping your Nintendo Switch dust free. Simply storing it in a case when you are not using it can help your console from experiencing the scrolling down issue.
We hope you were able to use our guide to help rectify this problem, and that you now have a clear understanding of why your gaming device was drifting.
If you are still experiencing this error, you may need to contact Nintendo.
You can click here to start a live chat with one of their support team members, or send them a message on (425) 970 948.
If you think your joy-con is needing to be repaired, you can fill out their repair form.
