So it finally happened, after more then 1.5 years after getting my OLED switch from my wife on my cake day and pro controller, I just started having issues last night during my splatoon 3 splat fest. The left analog stick wound randomly refuse to register when I would push up, or being very laggy in responding to it and needless to say, my wife and I were NOT having a good time on splatoon 3. We suddenly would being swimming along the ink then we would suddenly slow down or stop entirely and we get splatted over and over. We could still still turn left and right and back words but anything front direction was 50% slow or no response.
So a few simple things I tried.
1. Recalibrated controller = no change
2. Used canned air on analog stick = no change
3. Sprayed a little cleaning agent in left controller = no change
So back to Google and YouTubing in desperation to try and save myself $80 overnight Amazon order.
Finally found this https://youtu.be/Ik1FLK4buIQ?si=PgffVraIcUtv1tPJ
And after going through the teardown which actually was real easy, it’s just several Philips screws to get the main cover off and full access to analog sticks. I blew them both with air can up close while moving them. Then i proceeded as he showed by taking cotton swab and liberally applied 90% rubbing alcohol all around the stick and moved it around and then blew on it to dry out alcohol. I did this a few times.
Then, I reassembled the pro controller, Recalibrated and I could tell immediately the forward movement was immediate and responsive vs the earlier pre cleaning calibration.
Wife and I held our breathe and booted splatoon 3 and got our ink back on.
One hour later, the controller is still responding perfectly! Splatfest and our wallet is saved!!