GuliKit TMR Joysticks for Nintendo Switch

What are the GuliKit TMR Joysticks (NS40-T) for the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con?

The GuliKit TMR Joysticks (model NS40-T) are electromagnetic replacement joystick modules for the Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite Joy-Con controllers. They utilize Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) technology instead of mechanical contact points – the cause of stick drift. The result: precise control without drift, no soldering required for installation, and a significantly longer lifespan than the original joystick module.

The set includes two TMR modules – the same component fits both the left and right Joy-Con. Not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons, nor with the Switch Pro Controller – a separate GuliKit model is available for the Pro Controller, which additionally requires soldering.

Stick Drift in Joy-Con - and the permanent solution

Stick drift is by far the most common problem with Joy-Con controllers: the character moves without the stick being touched, menus scroll on their own, and the cursor wanders. The cause is the original carbon-film potentiometers, which wear out due to constant friction – a known design flaw of the Joy-Con that Nintendo has never structurally resolved.

GuliKit's TMR principle solves the problem at its root: since the sensor works contactlessly via a magnetic field, there is no abrasion and therefore no drift. TMR is an advancement of Hall-Effect technology and, according to GuliKit, offers more stable signal processing and lower power consumption than classic Hall-Effect sticks.

Features at a glance

• No Stick Drift - Contactless TMR magnetic field measurement without mechanical wear
• For Switch, Switch OLED & Switch Lite - One module for all three consoles, identical for left and right
• Set with 2 modules - A pair for both Joy-Cons included
• 6 interchangeable stick caps - In white, red, orange, and blue for individual customization
• No soldering required - Drop-in installation, only screws to fasten
• Lower power consumption - Compared to classic Hall-Effect sticks
• No jittering - Higher precision than the original carbon-film sticks

Technical Specifications

Compatibility - Important Note

Compatible with: Nintendo Switch (2017 LCD model), Nintendo Switch OLED (2021), Nintendo Switch Lite. Left and right Joy-Con use the same component – one set is enough for both controllers.

Not compatible with:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons (2025) - The new Joy-Con 2 use a different stick form factor.
• Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - There is a separate GuliKit model for this, but it requires soldering skills.

What you also need

Only the two TMR modules and the six stick caps are included. For installation, you will need:

• Tri-wing screwdriver (Y00 / Y 1.5 mm) - For the outer Joy-Con screws. This is a special Nintendo screw (Y-shaped, not Phillips)
• Phillips head screwdriver (PH00) - For the inner screws around the stick module
• Plastic pick or similar prying tool - Recommended for carefully releasing connectors and ribbon cables

A flathead screwdriver is not sufficient - Joy-Cons only use Y-shaped and Phillips head screws. Complete repair kits with both screwdrivers can be found cheaply in stores.

Installation in 4 steps

1. Open Joy-Con: Remove the four outer screws with the Y00 tri-wing screwdriver, then carefully pry open the back. Disconnect the battery connector with a pick before working on the module.
2. Remove original stick: Loosen the three screws on the old stick module with the PH00 Phillips head screwdriver, carefully pry the ribbon cable out of the connector.
3. Insert GuliKit NS40-T: Insert the new TMR module, connect the ribbon cable, and secure with the original screws. Reassemble in reverse order.
4. Calibration: Turn on the Switch and follow the instructions under System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Calibrate Joysticks. Duration: approx. 2 minutes.

Illustrated instructions and videos for installation can be found on iFixit - where Joy-Con repairs are documented step-by-step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do the GuliKit Joysticks (NS40-T) permanently fix Joy-Con drift?

Yes. Since the NS40-T module works contactlessly via a magnetic field and has no mechanical contact points, there is no wear and thus no drift. It is a structural, permanent solution, not a workaround.

Do the sticks also work in the Switch 2's Joy-Cons?

No. The NS40-T is designed exclusively for the Joy-Cons of the first Switch generation (Switch LCD 2017, Switch OLED 2021, Switch Lite). The Joy-Con 2 of the Switch 2 have a different stick form factor and are not compatible.

Do I need to solder?

No. Installation does not require soldering. The module is connected via a flat flexible cable (FPC) connector and secured with screws. Soldering skills are not required.

Which screwdrivers exactly do I need?

You need two screwdrivers: a Tri-wing Y00 (Y 1.5 mm) for the outer Joy-Con screws and a Phillips head PH00 for the inner screws. Both are not included in this set, but are available as a cheap set for under €10 everywhere.

Is a flathead screwdriver sufficient?

No. Joy-Cons use special screws with a Y-profile (Tri-wing) on the outside and Phillips head on the inside – a flathead screwdriver will not fit any of them and would damage the screw heads.

Are left and right joysticks included in the set?

Yes. The set contains two identical TMR modules – the same component is used in both the left and right Joy-Con. So you don't need to buy a second set.

How many stick caps are included and in what colors?

The delivery includes six interchangeable stick caps in the colors white, red, orange, and blue. The caps can be removed and replaced without tools, allowing you to customize the look of your Joy-Cons at any time.

How is calibration performed after installation?

After installation, turn on the Switch and follow the on-screen instructions under System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Calibrate Joysticks. The process takes about 2 minutes and ensures that the new sticks are correctly recognized by the system.

What is the difference between TMR and Hall-Effect sticks?

TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) is an advancement of Hall-Effect technology. Both work contactlessly and are therefore drift-resistant. However, according to GuliKit, TMR sensors have lower power consumption and more stable signal processing than classic Hall-Effect sticks.