Hardware Testers
Gamepad Tester & Stick-Drift Test
Test any controller right in your browser. Connect your Xbox, PlayStation or PC gamepad, press any button, and this tester shows live button and trigger states plus exact analog-stick positions — so you can instantly spot stick drift when the sticks rest off-centre.
What this gamepad tester checks
This controller tester reads your gamepad live through the browser's Gamepad API and shows three things: every button (face, bumpers, d-pad, stick clicks), the triggers with their analog 0–100% travel, and both analog sticks as exact X/Y values with a moving dot. No app, no install — it works the moment your controller sends input.
How to test for stick drift
Stick drift is when a worn or dirty analog stick reports movement while you're not touching it — your character creeps or your aim slides on its own. To test:
- Centre the sticks. Take your thumbs off both sticks completely.
- Watch the values. A perfect stick reads X 0.00, Y 0.00. If a value sits at 0.10, −0.20, etc., or won't settle, that's drift.
- Rotate slowly. Roll each stick around the edge — the dot should trace a smooth circle and return cleanly to the middle.
We flag anything past a small resting deadzone with a DRIFT tag so it's obvious.
Fixing controller problems
- Recalibrate in your OS or the controller's app.
- Clean it — compressed air or a little isopropyl alcohol around the stick base clears dust.
- Update firmware for Xbox/DualSense pads.
- Persistent drift usually means a worn potentiometer module that needs replacing — but confirm here first, since a quick clean often fixes it.
Supported controllers
Anything the browser's Gamepad API recognises works: Xbox controllers, PlayStation DualSense/DualShock, Switch Pro and most third-party PC gamepads, over USB or Bluetooth. Chrome, Edge and Firefox have the best support. Test one controller at a time for the clearest readout.
Find more hardware testers, or set your aim with the eDPI calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test for stick drift?
Connect the controller, don't touch the sticks, and watch the stick readouts. If the X or Y value sits away from 0 (or the dot won't return to centre) while you're not touching it, that's drift. We flag anything past a small deadzone as DRIFT.
Why isn't my controller detected?
Press any button after connecting — browsers only expose a gamepad once it sends input. Use a USB cable or proper Bluetooth pairing, and Chrome/Edge/Firefox for best Gamepad API support. One controller at a time is easiest.
Does it work with Xbox, PS5 and PC controllers?
Yes — anything the browser's Gamepad API recognises, including Xbox, DualSense/DualShock, Switch Pro and most third-party PC pads, over USB or Bluetooth.
Can I fix stick drift?
Sometimes: recalibrate in the OS, update firmware, or blow out dust around the stick. Persistent drift usually means a worn potentiometer that needs a module replacement — but confirm it here first.
How much stick drift is too much?
Any consistent movement at rest is a fault, but small jitter under ~5% is often within tolerance. If the value sits clearly off-centre or the aim moves on its own in games, that's drift worth fixing.
Does this work on a phone or console?
It runs in any modern browser, including mobile, as long as the controller pairs to the device. It can't test a console controller while it's connected to the console itself — connect it to a PC, Mac or phone browser.