Get Official Anti-Drift Joysticks for Your Xbox Ally

Even at a price point of $1,000, the Xbox Ally X handheld didn’t come equipped with magnetic drift-resistant joysticks, and the $600 version is no different. However, for an additional $20 on Amazon, you can upgrade to officially approved TMR joysticks from Gulikit, a brand known for its aftermarket drift-resistant sticks.

Gulikit claims to have collaborated with Asus, the manufacturer of the Xbox Ally, to develop these joysticks, which will be “automatically recognized” upon installation. You can also use the handheld’s built-in Armoury Crate app for calibration after swapping them out.

While I haven’t tested these specific joysticks (I do have a pair for my Switch), I can confirm that opening up the Xbox Ally for installation is straightforward. Just loosen the Philips-head screws, use a guitar pick pry tool to create a small gap, and pull a bit harder than you might expect to release the clips. The joystick modules are easily accessible underneath. There’s nothing in your way—just disconnect a ribbon cable and remove three screws.

If you want a visual guide, the company has provided a walkthrough, though I wouldn’t recommend using sharp tweezers on ribbon cables when your fingernails can do the job more safely and easily. (Trust me, I’ve had my share of mishaps with ribbon cables.)

When discussing TMR or the older Hall effect joystick technology, I typically refer to them as “drift-resistant” rather than “drift-free,” since you might experience some drifting over time. The advantage of magnetic joysticks is that recalibration is all that’s needed! Unlike the potentiometer joysticks found in controllers from Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, the magnetic versions don’t wear down over time, which can lead to permanent drift.

Gulikit’s new Xbox Ally sticks are available for $20 in the US, and they should also be priced at £20 in the UK and €22 in Italy, France, and Spain starting this January.