Will Nintendo fix your Joy-Cons for free?

Will Nintendo Fix Your Joy-Cons for Free?

As a Nintendo Switch owner, you may have experienced the frustrating issue of Joy-Con drift, which can ruin your gaming experience. However, the good news is that Nintendo has recently changed its policy and now offers free repairs for Joy-Cons suffering from drift, even outside of warranty.

Free Repair Policy for Joy-Con Drift

Nintendo’s new policy states that if your Joy-Con controllers are suffering from drift, you can send them in for free repair. This means that you won’t have to pay a single penny to get your controllers fixed, even if they’re no longer under warranty.

What Qualifies for a Free Repair?

According to Nintendo’s policy, the free repair is applicable for Joy-Cons that are suffering from drift. Drift is a common issue with Joy-Con controllers, which causes the left or right stick to move on its own, resulting in uncontrollable character movement.

What You Need to Know Before Sending Your Joy-Con In for Repair

Before sending your Joy-Con in for repair, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Proof of Purchase: Although not always required, providing proof of purchase can help speed up the repair process.
• Original Packaging: Keep your Joy-Con controllers in their original packaging to avoid any damage or loss during shipping.
• Avoid Shipping Damage: Take care to package your Joy-Cons securely to avoid damage during shipping.
• Contact Nintendo’s Customer Service: Reach out to Nintendo’s customer service department to obtain a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number and to confirm the repair process.

GameStop vs. Nintendo for Joy-Con Repairs

While GameStop does buy broken Joy-Cons, they charge a refurbishment fee of around $60. Nintendo, on the other hand, offers free repairs for Joy-Cons suffering from drift, even outside of warranty.

Will GameStop Fix My Joy-Con for Free?

Unfortunately, GameStop is not a repair shop, and they do not offer free repairs for Joy-Con controllers. GameStop only buys broken controllers, and the refurbishment fee can range from $60 to $100.

How to Send Your Joy-Con to Nintendo for Repair

If you need to send your Joy-Con in for repair, here’s what you need to do:

• Obtain an RMA Number: Contact Nintendo’s customer service department to obtain an RMA number and to confirm the repair process.
• Pack Your Joy-Con Securely: Package your Joy-Con controllers securely to avoid damage during shipping.
• Include Proof of Purchase (If Available): Include your proof of purchase, if available, to speed up the repair process.
• Send Your Joy-Con to Nintendo: Ship your Joy-Con to Nintendo, making sure to include all necessary documents and information.

Important Tips to Keep in Mind

Here are some important tips to keep in mind when sending your Joy-Con in for repair:

• Keep Your Joy-Con in Its Original Packaging: This will help prevent damage or loss during shipping.
• Use a Tracking Number: Keep track of your Joy-Con’s journey to Nintendo using a tracking number.
• Monitor Your Repair Status: Contact Nintendo’s customer service department to monitor your repair status and to ensure that your Joy-Con is repaired efficiently.

Conclusion

Nintendo’s new policy of offering free repairs for Joy-Cons suffering from drift is a welcome move for many Switch owners. By understanding the repair process and the requirements for sending your Joy-Con in for repair, you can rest assured that your controllers will be fixed quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a gamer or a collector, this news is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Table: Joy-Con Repair Policy at a Glance

I hope this article helps answer your question, "Will Nintendo fix my Joy-Cons for free?" Let me know if you need any further assistance!