If there are two phrases that strike concern into the guts of each gamer, they’re “stick drift.” This dreaded {hardware} failing on analog sticks has been the bane of many a controller, notably the Nintendo Change’s Pleasure-Cons, and sadly it’s a uncommon however confirmed difficulty for the Steam Deck as effectively. Stick drift occurs whenever you’re not touching the analog stick in any respect, but it surely nonetheless transmits “movement” to the sport.
However since Valve has made the Deck so pleasant to person modifications, there’s an answer. A 3rd-party elements provider known as GuliKit is promoting cheap corridor impact analog sticks for the Steam Deck. The corridor impact design replaces elements that bodily contact one another with a sequence of magnets and sensors, making them way more long-lasting and — sure! — resistant to the stick drift downside.
In case you have a couple of bucks, the correct instruments, and a bit of braveness, you’ll be able to exchange the default Steam Deck analog sticks with these upgraded ones. PCWorld contributor Keith Might reveals us how on our newest YouTube video.
Earlier than you begin, you’ll want a couple of primary instruments. Get a spudger, a sequence of guitar picks, or another technique of gently prying the case aside — a pocket knife will do in a pinch, but it surely’s not splendid. You’ll additionally need a Phillips-head screwdriver (cross, not flat) and a pair of tweezers. (By the way, you will get all of those in an iFixit instrument equipment, one in all our favourite items for nerds.) A soldering iron is optionally available for superior electronics customers. After eradicating the eight screws from the rear of the case, you’ll be able to crack the case open along with your spudger, eradicating the rear shell — you don’t must get the highest off.
With the rear inside of the Steam Deck uncovered, it’s best to be capable to see the correct and left stick modules instantly, held in place by three screws every. Use your tweezers to carry up the protecting flap on the ribbon cable, then take away the screws. With these 4 factors of contact eliminated, the analog stick ought to pull proper out with a bit of stress from the underside (the entrance of the Steam Deck). Repeat the method with the opposite stick.
With the modules eliminated, you must take the analog sticks themselves off of the previous modules and onto the brand new ones. The sticks are related to the modules with a tiny pink cable which is soldered in place. This cable is solely for sensing when your thumbs are resting on the stick.
When you don’t care about this characteristic, you’ll be able to lower or pull off the cable and the sticks will work simply high-quality with out that functionality. If you wish to protect that operate, then use your soldering iron to warmth up the solder that’s in place on the previous module and gently pull the uncovered copper wire out of the solder. Re-solder the wire into the identical spot on the substitute GuliKit module.
Soldering the plastic sticks to the brand new module is a complicated, however optionally available, step.
Keith Might/IDG
When you’ve positioned the previous plastic analog sticks on the brand new module’s circuit board, you’re able to reassemble the Steam Deck. Merely place the finished sticks again into their spots on the housing (proper to proper, left to left, notice the “R” and “L” printed on the again). Put the three screws again in, then re-attach the ribbon cable and decrease the black protecting flap. (Watch out with this step, it’s tough, and the almost certainly difficulty in the event you’re having issues on the finish of the method.) Repeat on the opposite aspect.
Substitute the rear Steam Deck physique panel and place the eight physique screws again in, and also you’re able to go! Your Steam Deck now has upgraded, drone controller-style corridor impact joysticks, and it’s 100% stick drift-proof. For extra nerdy guides on how one can make your gaming life higher, you should definitely subscribe to PCWorld on YouTube!
