Topic: Fault with random inputs

My son's switch frequently suffers from random inputs that will cause it to toggle and select menu options. If watching a YouTube video it will keep pausing and restarting the video. I have disconnected and switched off the controllers but it will still happen. Any suggestions for fixing this would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

The only thing I can think of is try spraying some compressed air around the buttons in case a bit of grit or something has gotten underneath.

@Sandown123 If you go into Switch system settings for controllers, you can test the button inputs. If you select "calibrate" analog stick, it will let you see the stick's input. And, if wanted, you can choose to recalibrate.

You can see the directions on nintenod support's page.
https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a...

Worst case scenario, "joy-con drift" where the analog stick censor degraded to the point needing repair. Phantom input is likely the sign of drift. Can occur with joy-con & switch pro controller. If that's the issue, repair or new controller is the remedy. Yes, it's ridiculous. Shouldn't happen, but it can.

edit: If you buy a new controller, you can send the faulty one for repair, and after it's fixed, have it as a backup.

@Sandown123 Send it to nintendo for repair/replacement, If recalibrating doesn't work. It's a common fault with joy cons unfortunately.

I got myself an 8bitdo pro controller to play most of my switch games with.

Thanks all for the suggestions. I have tested and calibrated the button inputs and joysticks. However, I can't see how it is a problem with the joy cons as the same fault also occurs when they are detached and switched off?

@Sandown123 The only other thing I can think of is motion control, but that would only be directional input, not button input. Motion control can be calibrated in Switch controller settings.

If it's not that, your issue might indicate a hardware fault elsewhere. I think you're at the point now, that talking to Nintendo may be warranted, if you you're out of options. On Nintendo UK's support contact page, after you pick the subjects in 3 drop boxes you'll get the option email, and a phone number at the bottom. +443456050247 (It appears the phone line is running again. They closed it down last summer due to pandemic.)

https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Contact/General-Customer-S...

@Sandown123 Side note, if you call Nintendo, as part of basic troubleshooting, they will ask if your controllers are updated - this is an effort to rule out all possible issues. Yes, sometimes there have been software updates for controllers. Controllers have to be attached to the console or plugged in to update - updating can be done from the Switch's controller settings.

@WoomyNNYes Many thanks for that. I will give Nintendo's support a try. I discovered the option to update the controllers when I was checking through settings for ideas so had given that a go. Thanks again.