The most common tool to play on any device is a gamepad, thanks to its compatibility with practically any device. Currently, even the DualSense can be used on a PC, in addition to any other controller.
There are so many brands and models that it is difficult to have a general guide on how to install them on any device. As well as checking its status in the event of failures. However, there is currently a wide variety of tools to check at home if a controller is damaged.
What methods to use to check the correct operation of the gamepad buttons?
It is normal that after a while the buttons no longer respond in the same way as before. Even the joysticks stop working due to use. But it is also relatively usual that due to some configuration or software error, the control stops working correctly without necessarily being damaged.
For such situations, it is necessary to check that the gamepad is still in good condition to avoid replacing it by mistake. There are several tools on both consoles and computers to check the status of the gamepad.
Check them from the Nintendo Switch
Testing them from the console is the fastest and most effective; be it the Pro Controller or a pair of Joy-cons. The simplest way to check the status of the controls of a Nintendo Switch is by doing tests within the same console. While the controls of a Nintendo Switch can be used on other devices, for example Android, the best way to check its status is with the console itself.
Test the buttons on the internet platform ‘Gamepad Tester’
The device on which you can check the status of any gamepad is a computer. Either through pages or software such as the ‘Game Controller Tester’ program, from a computer. Simply, you have to connect the controller via Bluetooth or cable and perform the tests.
To use the ‘Gamepad Tester’ page, you have to enter the web page and it will detect if there is a gamepad connected to start the tests. Keep in mind that Adblock will need to be disabled to use the tool.
How to access ‘test input devices’ on Nintendo Switch?
In the case of the Nintendo Switch (as well as any other video game console). This provides a section within its configuration options for the calibration of commands. This calibration function is what will indicate if there is a problem with the controls.
Go to console settings
Entering the settings of the Nintendo Switch is just a button away. From the Home menu there will be the option ‘Console configuration’. Once there you will find various sections, the ‘Controls and Sensors’ section is where the calibration of the controls is tested.
Access the ‘Controls and Sensors’ section
After entering Settings > Controllers and Sensors, options to calibrate the joysticks and sensors will be displayed on screens. You have to enter each of these options and follow the instructions, in this way it will be verified if the joysticks and sensors respond correctly.
To test the buttons, go to Test Input Devices. This is where each of the buttons on the controller will be tested to see if they are responding correctly when they are being pressed. This way you can check if the control is in good condition.
How to fix problems with my gamepad buttons?
Once it has been verified that the buttons are fully functional, or in the event that problems have been detected and you want to rule out software errors: it is time to try to reset the controller from the console to ensure that it works correctly.
Reset the controller from the console
Before performing the reset, it is worth checking that the console is updated to rule out errors due to bugs or glitches. Resetting an Xbox controller or any other console is the first thing to do if a faulty controller is found, to rule out software problems.
Resetting the controller is actually quite simple: it involves unplugging the controller from the console and plugging it back in. To disconnect your controller, simply go to Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Disconnect Controllers and disconnect the controller you are testing. Then you just have to reconnect it either via Bluetooth or cable.
If the controller still has issues even after reconnecting, then it is probably a problem with the gamepad hardware and not the software. It will be necessary to resort to a repair or to the guarantee in the event that the term of the same is still active.
