Nintendo Switch Joystick Not Working: How To Fix Controller

Read this guide to learn how to fix the joystick or controller not working issue in Nintendo Switch.

If you use a Nintendo Switch, you may have come across a rather frustrating issue where the Joy-Con controller does not work properly. Because of this, you will find using the controls quite difficult. If you are struggling to wrap your head around how to solve this issue, worry not. Check out our guide on how to fix the Nintendo Switch Joystick not working issue.

How to Fix Nintendo Switch Joystick Not Working

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Re-try Opening the Joy-Con Controller

One of the first things you need to do is try and open the controller once again. Make sure to do so when the console is switched off.

You first need to slide out the D-Pad from the top towards the bottom. You need to do so along the rails that you will find towards the left of the Nintendo Switch. You need to carry out this process until you hear a click.

Check for Updates

Probably one of the first steps you can take towards addressing the Joy-Con controller not working issue in Nintendo Switch is to check for updates. If there are any pending updates, you should make sure you get them up to date. Doing so will take care of any software bugs that may have caused the controllers to malfunction.

Restart Nintendo Switch

If there are no available updates, the next simplest step is to just restart the Nintendo Switch console. In order to restart the controller, you will need to hold the power button until you see the Power Menu. Once this menu opens up, click on Power Options, and then Turn Off. Doing so might clear any software issues that may lead to controllers not working properly.

Recharge Nintendo Controller

Firstly, check if your controller is charging or not. Sometimes, you can mistake the opposite end of the charger and think it is charging. But unfortunately, your controller is neither charging nor will charge by plugging the opposite end. Not to worry, check out our guide on how to charge the Joy-Cons controller for more insight.

Calibrate Nintendo Joystick

Another possible fix is to visit the Home Menu on your Nintendo Switch. In this menu, you need to go to Change Grip/Order. In the event that the left stick is malfunctioning, you should try to rotate the stick a few times until it calibrates.

Reset Control Stick Configuration

If none of the above workarounds resolved the issue, we suggest resetting the Control Stick and setting it to standard configuration. Follow the below steps:

  • You need to press and hold the power button to activate the Power options menu.
  • Now, hit the Power options and select Sleep Mode.
  • Hit the Power button to wake the Switch. You will be prompted with a pop-up to reset the Controller mapping.
  • Then, select Reset the Button mapping to reset your Control stick configuration.

As you can see, this error can be quite easy to rectify. Just make sure to follow the steps in this guide, and you should be good to go.

That’s everything covered about how to fix Nintendo Switch Joystick not working issue. If you liked this guide, check out our guide on how to fix the drifting issue on Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Con right here on Gamer Tweak.