Joystick test.
Move each stick, let go, press it in – all live.
Works with PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch Pro, 8BitDo and most PC gamepads.
Found an offset? Run the stick drift test for a score and a deadzone suggestion.
What the joystick test checks
- Position – X and Y of each stick from −1 to +1, and the distance from centre as a percentage. Zoom to 5× or 10× to see small offsets.
- Range – the blue outline marks how far the stick has reached in each of 36 directions. Once the full circle is covered, the range is graded as in the circularity test.
- Centre – when you let go, the offset where the stick settles, graded with the same thresholds as the stick drift test.
- Click – whether pressing the stick in (L3 / R3) registers.
How to read the results
- A healthy stick settles less than 3% from centre when released and reaches at least 95% of full travel in every direction.
- The centre value here is a quick check over half a second. For a grade with a score and a deadzone suggestion, run the 8-second stick drift test.
- Going slightly past the circle on the diagonals is normal on many controllers. Falling short in one direction is not.
- Y is negative when the stick is pushed up – that is how the Gamepad API reports it.
Common joystick problems
- Drift – the stick settles off-centre and the game moves on its own. See how to fix stick drift.
- Reduced range – the outline stays inside the circle in some directions, often because of dirt or a worn stick gate.
- Stick click doesn’t register – L3 or R3 stays on “press it in”. Check it in the gamepad tester too; a worn switch under the stick is a common cause.
- Stick doesn’t move at all – the browser may not see the controller. See controller not detected.
Joystick test FAQ
Can I test a flight stick or arcade stick?
Often, yes. Browsers show many flight sticks and arcade sticks through the Gamepad API, but usually without the standard layout. The tester then lists every raw axis below the sticks, and the two discs may not match the physical stick. It is built for gamepads with two analog sticks.
Does the joystick test work on a phone?
Yes, in Chrome on Android with the controller connected by Bluetooth or a USB-C OTG adapter. iPhone and iPad with Safari usually work with PlayStation and Xbox controllers.
Why does my stick go past 100% on the diagonals?
Many controllers report slightly more than full travel on the diagonals because of how the stick gate and the two sensors combine. That is normal and not a fault.
Is this the same as the stick drift test?
No. The joystick test shows everything live and gives a quick centre check. The stick drift test measures both sticks untouched for 5 seconds and gives a grade, a 0–100 score and a deadzone suggestion.
Is any data uploaded?
No. Everything runs in your browser; nothing about your controller is sent anywhere.
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