It’s been just over a week since the new handheld Switch Lite console was released, and it was already added to a class action lawsuit filed against Nintendo.
The lawsuit alleges that Nintendo was made aware that its Joy-Con controllers included a defect known as controller drift and continued to sell them. The Switch Lite features built-in Joy-Con controllers which cannot be detached as they can on the original Switch console.
Nintendo did not respond to Coins2Day’s request for comment on the lawsuit.
What is controller drift?
The jargon filled root of the lawsuit is actually quite simple. Controller drift is a phenomenon that occurs with some controllers and devices (even beyond Nintendo) where the analog sticks start detecting non-existent movement. The character a player is controlling or the camera of a game will begin slowly moving despite the player not actually touching the controls at all.
The problem interferes with gameplay as the player no longer has complete control and the issue is not easily solved without the need for repairs or a replacement of the device.
Why was the lawsuit filed against Nintendo?
The problem, according to the lawsuit, is that the controls not only exhibit a defect but Nintendo also knowingly continued selling the defective products.
“This defect affects the video game play on the device and thus compromises the Switch and Joy-Con controller’s core functionality,” the lawsuit reads.
It continues by explaining that Nintendo has caused consumers to spend additional money to replace or repair the devices due to the controller drift defect and is asking for compensation.
Why was the Switch Lite added to the Nintendo lawsuit?
The Switch Lite’s non-detachable controllers means replacing or fixing the controller drift issue is now a heavier lift. Repairs mean sending the entire device out rather than swapping out controllers. Replacement means purchasing an entirely new device—one that retails for $199.
The original case was filed back in July, but the amended suit, which includes the Switch Lite, was filed in Friday. However, there do not yet appear to be any Switch Lite-specific complaints listed in the lawsuit.
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