Question 1

Why does my PS5 left stick move on its own?

Accepted Answer

This is stick drift — the thumbstick reports movement when you're not touching it. Use this tester to confirm: connect via USB, click 'Start test', then release both sticks completely. If the left stick shows a non-zero reading at rest (above ±0.05), drift is confirmed. Common fixes include cleaning under the stick cap with compressed air or replacing the stick module with a hall effect upgrade.

Question 2

How do I check for stick drift on PS5 online?

Accepted Answer

Connect your PS5 DualSense to a PC or Mac via USB and open this page in Chrome. Click 'Start test', press any button to activate, then fully release both thumbsticks. The tester samples your stick axes in real time — any reading above ±0.05 at rest indicates drift. The drift check runs automatically 2.5 seconds after connection and shows the minimum resting value across that window.

Question 3

How do I test a brand new DualSense for stick drift?

Accepted Answer

Run the drift test immediately after unboxing. Connect via USB, start the test, and release both sticks. A healthy new DualSense should read below ±0.02 on all axes at rest. Anything above ±0.05 on a new controller is worth documenting — you can use this tester's readings as evidence for a warranty claim.

Question 4

Can I use this as warranty proof for stick drift?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Take a screenshot of the drift test results showing the axis values. The tester displays exact float values per axis (e.g. Left X: +0.14). Sony's warranty covers stick drift on DualSense — a documented reading above ±0.08 at rest, combined with photos and purchase receipt, strengthens a warranty claim or return request.

Question 5

How do I verify my controller after a hall effect stick upgrade?

Accepted Answer

Hall effect sticks (Gulikit, ALPS) eliminate the carbon wear that causes drift. After installation, run the drift test on this page — both axes should read below ±0.02 at rest. Then test full stick rotation by spinning each stick to verify 100% range and no dead zones. Use the FC26 mode to confirm all game-critical inputs respond correctly.

Question 6

What is a gamepad deadzone test?

Accepted Answer

A deadzone is the range of stick movement near the center that the game ignores — to prevent accidental input from minor drift. This tester shows the raw axis value (0.00 to 1.00) before any deadzone is applied. If your stick reads 0.08 at rest, a game with a 0.10 deadzone won't register it. A game with a 0.05 deadzone will — causing your character to move or aim without input.

Question 7

Why is my L2 or R2 trigger not reaching full range?

Accepted Answer

If L2 or R2 shows less than 90–95% on the tester, the trigger spring or potentiometer may be worn. This is common after heavy use and directly affects shot power, sprint speed, and finesse shots in FC26. A healthy trigger should reach 98–100% when fully depressed.

Question 8

Does this work for Xbox and Nintendo Switch controllers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Switch Pro controllers are all supported via the browser Gamepad API. Connect via USB, open in Chrome or Edge, and press any button. For Switch Joy-Cons, plug the Pro Controller directly — Joy-Con Bluetooth is not reliable with the Gamepad API.

Question 9

How do I test controller vibration online?

Accepted Answer

After connecting your controller, a 'Test vibration' button appears in the tester. Click it to fire both the weak and strong rumble motors for 700ms. If you feel nothing on a PS5 DualSense, the haptic actuator may be faulty. Note: vibration test requires Chrome or Edge — Firefox does not support the Vibration Actuator API.

Question 10

Why doesn't my controller show up?

Accepted Answer

The Gamepad API only registers a controller after a button is pressed. Make sure the controller is connected (USB preferred, or Bluetooth paired first), click 'Start test', then press any button on the controller — it activates instantly. If using Bluetooth, pair it to your laptop before opening the tester.

Gamepad Tester — PS5 Stick Drift & Controller Check

How to connect your controller.

Connect your controller

Open Chrome or Edge

Press any button to activate

Test every input

Common questions

You know which controllers
to trust. Now know what
each shift actually earned.