Introduction
I own several Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch controllers and this is a question that I am eager to speak on because it’s an important thing to know. This is a great question to ask yourself if you’re considering buying a controller for someone (or your kid) and there is a high possibility the controller is going to be treated quite roughly, used over many years, and accidentally sat on when it gets buried in the couch numerous times.
If you plan to use a controller for mobile gaming and know that’ll you’ll be stuffing it down your backpack frequently, then this will also be a useful read for you. If you fit any of these categories or are just curious to know the answer, then be sure to check out some of the useful tips mentioned throughout this article.
Luckily, there is already some outstanding data across the web and personal testimonies to give you the most accurate answer to this very question.
So How Long Do Gaming Controllers Last?
Whether you own an Xbox, PS, or Nintendo switch, you’ll find that a gaming controller lasts an average of 5 years before you notice some form of decline in it’s ability to function flawlessly. The most common deficiencies a gaming controller will develop at the five year mark include shortened battery life, rubber grips wearing off the joysticks, stick drift, or button sensitivity decline. To make a controller last longer, check out the following tips:
- Store your controllers in a contained area that won’t cause them to get bumped around easily
- Don’t accidentally sit on them or cause them to get buried in the couch
- Try to completely drain the battery on your controllers before recharging them
- Don’t game while eating oily foods such as chips and other starches
If you can abide by these tips above all else, then your game controllers are going to last you well past the average lifespan. It’s also important to note that some console controllers last longer than others. The Xbox 360 Controller is still a great option, and much of my research consisted of Reddit users talking about how they’re actually better than the Xbox One controllers because they’re a little bit bulkier.
However, the PS3 controllers, from my experience, are the least durable between all gaming console controllers, and I know I took care of them.
**Important Note: With the release of the PS5 Xbox Series X, a lot of avid gamers do claim that these controllers are actually the most durable and have been made that way for deliberate reasons.
Factors That Shorten a Controller’s Lifespan… and What to Do About It
- Not storing them in a stable environment. This one might sound obvious, but after a long night of gaming, it’s tempting to just leave the controller in the same place you fall asleep in (on the couch or on the bed) and then it gets bumped around over night or someone accidentally steps on it in the morning.
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What to do: The best ninja tip I can offer to prevent this from happening is to deliberately remind yourself to turn off the console from the hardware directly, instead of using the controller to turn off the console and then go right to sleep. This good habit, over the course of several years, will make your controller stay in good shape.
. - Button mashing and joystick wear and tear. Lets start with button mashing: some games get competitive and super heated, but that doesn’t mean you have to press so firmly on the controller that it damages the joysticks. You’ll find that the biggest reason people complain about game controller durability is because something happens to the joysticks (the rubber grip coming off, stick drift, etc).
*Stick drift is where one or both of the joysticks will cause in-game movement even when they’re supposed to be resting in a neutral position where the player isn’t touching either of them. This happens because the joysticks have been bent or overstretched in a way that causes the internal workings of the controller to think they’re still being pushed down in one direction.
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What to do: Be conscious of your button mashing and putting too much pressure on the joysticks! Learn to be lighter with your touch. You’ll realize you’re just as effective in competitive gaming as if you were death gripping to controller in a heated match
. - Battery life decreasing over time. The most common reason people have issues with the battery life of their game controllers is because they either charge the controller immediately after play or leave their controller on for long periods of time while the console sits idle. Battery life on game controllers is the same as your phone.
What to do: Use your game controllers until they start running low on battery before you charge it again. This way, you’re allowing the controller to go through a full cycle of its battery life before recharging it. If you top it off with a fresh charge every time you play on it, the battery is not going to be conditioned to have the durability that it could. If you plan to have a controller for several years to come, then be sure to get into good habits early on so you keep the best battery life possible for the longest time.
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If you’re worried about the rubber wearing off the joysticks, consider replacement caps:
In essence: the most common issue you will have with your controller over time will have to do with the joysticks, and there’s plenty of ways you can mitigate this…
Replacement caps are a great tool to supplement the rubber your controller already comes with. You can find ones from third party retailers for the PS4 ones. As for XBOX, check out the MS store or even speak to a representative if you’re having issues with your controller. They can send you the exact rubber replacements that fit your controller’s joystick. It’s even possible to replace the entire joystick if you know that’s the issue but that’s beyond the scope of this article.
You can also completely replace the Nintendo Switch Joysticks if you’re having issues as well. The link in this section even comes with a repair kit so you have all the tools you need to easily replace them.
If you’re getting a controller for someone you know is going to put a lot of wear and tear on a controller, then consider buying replacement rubber caps for them before you actually need them! It’s an inevitable outcome that the joysticks over time will need some form of maintenance, especially if you plan to have a controller for several years to come.
Conclusion
Game controllers can last you for a very long time if you take care of them and are aware of the factors that shorten their lifespan. I’ve been using the same XBOX 360 controller for the last five years and it’s still running strong! I take it to the airport with me and during most of my travels, and use it on consoles and my gaming PC whenever possible. I’ve found that simple care and maintenance of a console controller is all that is needed to make them last for what appears to last a seemingly infinite amount of time.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to entertainmentden.ns@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to respond! I greatly appreciate the feedback I’ve received already and I’m currently taking article suggestions should you have any. Until then, be sure to check back for the next article!
