The joystick inside your controller uses one of two fundamentally different sensor technologies. The one you have almost certainly causes drift. The one you want doesn't have moving parts at all.
Potentiometers: The Standard That Wears Out
A potentiometer works by measuring electrical resistance. A plastic wiper physically slides along a resistive track. As you move the joystick, the wiper changes position on the track, changing resistance, which the controller reads as position data.
The problem: That wiper scrapes the track with every movement. The carbon coating on the track erodes. Over hundreds of hours, the sensor starts misreading positions — the controller detects movement that isn't happening. Drift.
All stock PS5 DualSense, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch controllers use potentiometers. Every one of them will drift eventually.
Hall Effect (TMR): Zero Physical Contact
Hall Effect sensors detect magnetic fields. A small magnet is attached to the joystick shaft. As the shaft moves, the magnet moves relative to a fixed sensor. The sensor reads the magnetic field to determine position. Nothing touches anything.
| Feature | Potentiometer (Stock) | Hall Effect TMR (GuliKit) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical contact | Yes — wiper on track | No — magnetic field only |
| Wear over time | Significant — carbon erodes | Minimal — no moving contacts |
| Drift risk | High after 300–500 hours | Dramatically reduced |
| Precision | Degrades over time | Consistent — no degradation |
| Lifespan | 1–3 years typical | Much longer — no wear mechanism |
GuliKit TMR: The Best Implementation Available for PS5 and Xbox
GuliKit's NS51 and 720 Adjustable Tension modules use TMR (Tunnel Magneto-Resistance) — a refined version of Hall Effect that offers even higher magnetic sensitivity and more precise readings. They're drop-in replacements for PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X/S joystick modules.
The 720 Adjustable Tension variant adds a physical tension adjustment mechanism, so you can dial in exactly how stiff or loose the stick feels — a feature not available on any stock controller.
Our PS5 and Xbox builds come with GuliKit Hall Effect modules already installed. No tools, no teardown — just open the box and play.
PS5 Build → Xbox Build →Related: Why Your PS5 DualSense Will Drift | GuliKit NS51 vs 720 Adjustable — Which Should You Get?