Analog Stick Tester
Connect your controller and move the analog stick to begin testing.
What Does the Analog Stick Tester Detect?
This tool uses the browser’s Gamepad API to read real-time input from your controller’s analog sticks and display it visually on screen. It detects the exact X and Y axis position of your left or right stick, measures the distance from center, and monitors for joystick drift — the common problem where the stick registers movement even when untouched. You can also see whether your input falls within the dead zone threshold, which helps identify sensitivity issues and hardware wear that affect gameplay accuracy.
Supported Controllers
The analog stick tester works with any controller that the browser’s Gamepad API recognizes, including Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation DualShock 4, DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and most generic USB or Bluetooth gamepads. It runs entirely in Chrome and Edge without any driver installation or software download. Firefox is also supported but may handle axis mapping differently depending on your operating system and controller firmware version.
How To Use This Tool
Plug in your controller via USB or connect it over Bluetooth and wait for the Connected status badge to appear. Select Left Stick or Right Stick using the toggle buttons at the top. Move the thumbstick in all directions and watch the dot trace your input on the circular graph. Release the stick completely and leave it idle for a few seconds to let the drift detection settle and report an accurate status. Switch sticks at any time to test both.
Understanding Your Results
The dot on the circular graph shows your current stick position relative to center. When the stick is released and rests near 0,0 your controller is in good condition. The yellow dashed ring marks the dead zone boundary where small movements are ignored. If the drift status shows Minor, Moderate, or Severe after the stick settles, your joystick hardware may be worn and causing unwanted analog input during gameplay. Severe drift above 25% usually means the controller needs cleaning or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my controller not detected by the tester?
A: Make sure you press a button on the controller after connecting it, as browsers require a button press to register a gamepad. Try a different USB port or re-pair your Bluetooth device if it still does not appear.
Q: What is joystick drift and why does it happen?
A: Drift occurs when the analog stick sends axis input while physically at rest, causing character movement or camera drift in games. It is usually caused by worn potentiometers inside the thumbstick mechanism.
Q: What is a dead zone on an analog stick?
A: A dead zone is a small area around the center position where stick movement is ignored to prevent unintentional input. This tester uses a 10% dead zone shown by the yellow dashed circle.
Q: Can I test both analog sticks on the same controller?
A: Yes. Use the Left Stick and Right Stick toggle buttons at the top to switch between sticks without reconnecting your controller.
Q: Does this tool work on mobile or tablet?
A: No. Gamepad API support is limited to desktop browsers. Mobile devices do not recognize physical controllers through the browser in most cases.
Q: How long should I wait to check for drift?
A: Release the stick completely and wait about 1.5 seconds. The tool waits for the stick to settle before reporting a drift status to avoid false positives from normal movement.
You Might Also Like
Also try our Joystick Tester to check full joystick input, the Trigger Tester to measure trigger sensitivity, and the PS5 Controller Tester to verify all controller inputs in your browser.