I don't know for sure if it was ever a thing in the USA. A cursory search only showed mention of Europe offering that repair. I didn't even bother checking and just went straight for the hall-effect replacement sticks when I had joy-cons that drifted, probably a bunch of other people in that same boat.

IMO, the profits from this would still come even if they offer repairs. I'd venture to guess many out-of-the-loop parents would just buy the replacements 'cause they probably think their kid is abusing it somehow. The good ol' "sigh 'n buy" phenomenon to keep the kiddos entertained.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Nope. I've sent several pairs of Joycons (at least 4 sets) to be repaired by Nintendo absolutely free of charge. Never had an issue though I remember the process being a little convoluted.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

Well hot damn, didn't know about it.

Still though, from the fact you had to send in 4 times means that replacing mine from the get go with hall-effect was much less hassle. Sounds like the new controllers will be exactly the same quality, joystick-wise, since you had such a great experience. Why change the process?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago

I will say that in the latest pair of Joycons I didn't even wait. I just swapped them for hall effect ones from ifixit. Well worth it in my opinion.