Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith (CSK&D) has filed a class action against Sony over its PlayStation 5 DualSense wireless controller. According to a copy of the complaint received by Eurogamer, the controller is “defective” in that it suffers from stick drift—an annoying issue whereby analog sticks move and provide input on their own. CSK&D filed the class action on behalf of Virginia resident Lmarc Turner against Sony Corporation of America and Sony Interactive Entertainment.
“Specifically, the DualSense controllers that are used to operate the PS5 contain a defect that results in characters or gameplay moving on the screen without user command or manual operation of the joystick,” the complaint alleges. “This defect significantly interferes with gameplay and thus compromises the DualSense controller’s core functionality.”
The complaint goes on to suggest that many DualSense owners have experienced drift but are having a very difficult time getting through to Sony about the issue. Turner’s lawyers have also argued that he would not have purchased a PS5 if he had known of the drift issue.
“Customers are experiencing long wait times and having to deal with a maze of pre-recorded phone prompts before finally speaking with an agent concerning repairs for DualSense controller drift,” reads a portion of the complaint. “Had Plaintiff been aware of the drift defect prior to purchasing his PS5, he otherwise would not have purchased the PS5, or would have paid substantially less for it.”
As Eurogamer noted in its coverage, there’s also an ongoing class action against Microsoft for stick drift on Xbox One controllers. Nintendo may also be facing action from the European Commission over Joy-Con drift.