How to test a used controller before you buy it
Used controllers are a good deal until you get one with drift or a dead button. This takes about five minutes on any laptop or PC with a browser.
Meeting a seller in person? Bring a laptop and a USB cable for the controller (USB-C for PS5 and Xbox Series, Micro-USB for PS4 and most Xbox One), or ask the seller to show you ultimatecontroller.com with the controller connected.
The checklist
- Connect it. Plug it in and press any button. The tester should detect the model. If it won't connect by cable at all, walk away.
- Every button. Press each button once until Buttons tested shows all of them. Watch for buttons that stick, need a hard press, or don't light up.
- Triggers. Squeeze each trigger slowly. The bar should move smoothly from 0.00 to 1.00 with no jumps or dead spots.
- Stick drift. Let go of both sticks. Readings above about 0.08 at rest mean drift. Flick each stick and check it returns to the same spot.
- Stick range. Run Calibrate sticks and roll both sticks around the edge. A low circle error means the stick reaches its full range all the way round. A big error or flat spots mean wear.
- Rumble. Press the rumble buttons and feel both motors.
- Charging. Check the charge light comes on when plugged in. A wobbly or loose port is a common fault.
- Wireless. If you'll use it wirelessly, pair it once to make sure Bluetooth works.
Look it over
- Worn or torn rubber on the stick tops (cheap to replace)
- Gaps or cracks in the shell, missing screws or broken warranty stickers, which can mean it's been opened
- Sticky or rattling buttons
- Swollen shell on PS controllers, which can mean a swollen battery (don't buy it)
Save the result
Tap Copy report to keep the readings. It's handy proof if you need to return it, or to show buyers if you're the one selling.