Playstation 5 (PS5) controllers are already suffering from a malfunction and players are not happy.
Some lucky fans who were able to snag themselves a PS5 are already reporting that the console's $70 DualSense controllers are suffering from stick drift. These reports come just weeks after the initial launch of the console.
Stick drift refers to the phenomenon that happens when a console's controller moves without being touched. A core instrument becomes loose within the controller, which ultimately sends information to the video game that the analog stick is moving when it actually isn't. Therefore the on-screen camera will randomly drag or a player's character will move slowly in one direction. Stick drift is a problem that has plagued PS4, Xbox and Nintendo Switch controllers. It typically happens after extensive use of a controller.
Although it is too early to determine whether stick drift will be a console-wide issue, Reddit users have been sharing videos of their frustrating experiences. Some are experiencing stick drift as isolated incidents in specific games such as Call of Duty: Warzone and Destiny 2 while others have seen it happening across the board. According to Reddit user EverGreatestxX, "The DualSense is probably the most next-gen feature right next to the SSD but at the end of the day it's just a controller with normal controller problems."
The PlayStation 5 is now available worldwide. Its Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive retails for $499 USD, while the Digital Edition without a disc drive retails for $399.