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Best Way to Fix Steam Deck Stick Drift Issue Permanently

Fix the stick drift within minutes with our solutions

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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We now have yet another nifty gadget to add to our collections, one that promises to be your best gaming buddy for years to come. But a common issue plaguing devices is Steam Deck stick drift.

Though after Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming PC, finally made its way to the general public, the overall response so far seems to be positive, except for this issue are a few other minor ones.

However, the Steam Deck stick drift is a relatively common problem in controllers, and we will be looking at ways to fix it in the guide. For those who didn’t know, the Nintendo Switch console is notorious for displaying this problem.

Does Steam Deck have stick drift?

Does Steam Deck have stick drift?

Many users have reported stick drift with Steam Deck, which has led to issues with games requiring precision. A user even shared avideo of stick drifton their handheld gaming device.

Some reported Steam Deck left stick drift, while the right one was problematic for most. However, the issue has not been reported by all users, so there’s a good chance that your Steam Deck wouldn’t show signs.

Also, Valve has confirmed that the issue started after a recent firmware update and has been identified and appropriately addressed. So, it shouldn’t be the case for new devices being shipped out.

In case you are facing Steam Deck stick drift, find out all the ways to fix it in the next section.

How can I fix the Steam Deck stick drift?

How can I fix the Steam Deck stick drift?

1. Update the software

A patch to fix the Steam Deck stick drift issue was released recently, and Valve recommends that you install it to get rid of the problem. And so far, it has seemed to work for most users.

2. Check for dust buildup

Though this shouldn’t be the case in the initial days, you may check for dust buildup near the stick to fix drift issues in Steam Deck.

The easiest way to remove any dust particles or grime lodged here would be to wipe the area around the stick with a soft and dry cloth.

3. Contact the Steam support

If nothing helps, it could be a hardware issue, and we recommend contactingSteam Deck Supportfor more help.

In no case should you open the gaming device to fix things since that could affect its overall functionality and even render the Steam Deck useless. Instead, you should let the experts deal with it!

How do you calibrate a Steam Deck joystick?

Calibrating allows you to modify the Steam Deck joystick deadzone. And this was a legit workaround for many before Valve rolled out the update the fix Steam Deck stick drift.

That’s it! You now know how to fix the stick drift issue and Steam Deck joystick calibration. So, from now on, you wouldn’t encounter the frequent disruptions affecting the gameplay and will enjoy the console the way it’s supposed to be.

Also, find out thebest verified games on Steam Deckto play today!

If you managed to fix the problem with another solution, do not forget to share it in the comments section.

More about the topics:Steam Deck

Vladimir Popescu

Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related.

With an innate fascination for research and analysis, and realizing many other people share his passion for this subject, he delved into writing Windows-related articles, so other people can also benefit from the acquired information.

When not writing kick-ass articles, Vladimir likes to spend his time doing Crossfit and creating art.

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