How should you test a used controller before you buy it?
Open this site on a computer you trust, preferably yours. A 3-second drift sample and a full button pass take less time than arguing later. If the seller will not connect the pad, you do not have a test.
The pass
- Use USB. Bluetooth can hide a bad cable and add noise. Plug in.
- Run drift with the pad on the table. Over 0.12 on either stick is a bargaining point or a reason to walk away. The stick drift test states the bands.
- Press every button, including stick clicks. Start the full checkup on the homepage so unmarked buttons stay obvious.
- Pull both triggers slowly. The value should climb, not jump from 0 to 1 unless the pad is digital.
- Play rumble in Chrome or Edge. If the seller’s browser has no actuator, do not call the motor dead. See the vibration test.
- Wiggle the cable. Disconnects while the plug moves are a port problem, common on older Xbox One pads.
Match the model
Look at the raw id. A “DualSense” that reports an Xbox virtual pad is going through Steam. A Joy-Con sold as a pair should show two devices or a grip mode you understand. The library pages list the ids: DualSense, Xbox Series, Joy-Con.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Borderline stick worth buying?
Only at a price that assumes you may add a deadzone or pay for a module. Healthy is the pad you wanted. Drift is a repair you are buying.