The Switch system was launched in 2017 and has proved extremely popular with gamers. However, players have complained consistently about issues with the Joy Con game controllers. The problem has come to be known as Switch ‘drift’.

Indeed, in December last year, consumer champion Which? reported that it had found evidence that the chronic  controller problems were likely due to a mechanical fault

The watchdog pointed to design flaws and suggested that the video game giant act urgently to fix the issue and assist affected consumers more proactively.

And several months later, Nintendo has responded to the pleas of gamers and the consumer organisation alike by pledging to fix controllers free of charge even if the warranty has expired.

The gaming giant said: “Nintendo takes great pride in creating high-quality and durable products and is continuously making improvements to them. Therefore, and until further notice, Nintendo offers to consumers who purchased the respective product in the EEA, UK and Switzerland that repairs for responsiveness syndrome relating to control sticks will be conducted at no charge by official Nintendo repair centres.

“This applies even if the syndrome is caused by wear and tear and even if the 24-month manufacturer’s warranty provided by Nintendo has expired. The manufacturer’s warranty does not affect any statutory rights which you may have under consumer protection legislation as the purchaser of goods. The benefits described here are in addition to those rights.”

There were, however, caveats to the free repairs. These can be seen on Nintendo’s support page.

Nintendo need to ‘commit to compensation’

Responding to the company’s pledge, Which? noted that the outcome was positive news for gamers but also called for compensation.

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Nintendo Switch ‘drift’ has been plaguing gamers for years, and many consumers have been left out of pocket buying expensive replacement controllers, so it’s positive that the video game giant has committed to lifelong free repairs.

“Which? tests found that these chronic Nintendo Switch controller problems are likely due to a mechanical fault – pointing to design flaws that Nintendo must address to prevent faulty controllers ending up in people’s homes in the first place.

“As well as free repairs, Nintendo also needs to commit to compensation, refunds or replacements for any consumers who have been impacted by this issue since the launch of the console and promote this scheme so that consumers know that support is available.”