Gamepad Calibration

Guides

Hall effect sticks vs TMR vs potentiometer

Hall effect and TMR sticks do not drift from wear, because they measure position with a magnet and nothing touches; every drifting stick in the world is a potentiometer. Here is how the three differ, which controllers use magnetic sticks and what to watch for.

Three analog stick modules side by side: potentiometer, Hall effect and TMR
Same footprint, different sensing. Only the potentiometer has a track that wears.

How each sensor works

  • Potentiometer. A wiper slides over a carbon track; resistance sets the output voltage. The track wears where the wiper rests most, which is the center. That is why drift always starts at rest.
  • Hall effect. A magnet on the stick gimbal moves over a Hall sensor that measures magnetic field strength. Nothing touches, so the output stays stable for the life of the controller. Downsides: slightly higher power draw and sensitivity to nearby magnets.
  • TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance). Also magnetic, but the sensor is far more sensitive, so it uses a smaller magnet, draws less power and resolves finer movement. TMR modules appeared in 2024 and are now the premium choice.
Diagram comparing a carbon track with a wiper to a magnet over a Hall sensor
Contact versus no contact. The magnet never touches the sensor, so there is no wear surface.

Which controllers have Hall effect sticks?

First-party pads from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo still use potentiometers, including the DualSense Edge, Xbox Elite Series 2 and Joy-Con 2. Magnetic sticks are a third-party feature: 8BitDo Ultimate and Ultimate 2 (Hall and TMR versions), GameSir Cyclone 2 and Tarantula Pro (TMR), GuliKit KingKong 3, Flydigi Vader 4 Pro and Apex 4, PowerA and Turtle Beach's newer wireless lines, and most Hall effect replacement Joy-Con sticks. When shopping, look for the phrase Hall effect or TMR in the stick specification; a controller that does not say so has potentiometers.

What are the downsides of magnetic sticks?

Early Hall effect modules had a slightly non-circular range and a softer center feel, which some fighting and shooter players disliked. Good TMR modules fix both. Magnetic sticks also report their position slightly differently, so after installing one in an existing controller you must run a range calibration; otherwise the stick may not reach 100% in games. Finally, a strong magnet near the controller, such as a magnetic phone mount, can skew the reading temporarily.

Can you upgrade a controller to Hall effect sticks?

Drop-in magnetic modules exist for DualSense, DualShock 4, Xbox One and Series, Switch Pro and Joy-Con. Joy-Con is a cable swap; the others need soldering. After the swap, use the Controller calibration: fix stick drift online calibration tool to confirm the new module rests at zero and reaches the outer ring, then on PlayStation run the firmware range calibration so the controller itself learns the limits. The replacement guide on this site covers tools and steps.

Hall effect stick module soldered onto a DualShock 4 circuit board
A magnetic module in a DualShock 4. After soldering, a range calibration teaches the controller the new limits.

Repair photos

Small analog stick sensor board held in helping-hand clips with amber heat tape during soldering
Replacement modules for premium controllers come on a tiny board of their own, held in helping hands while the wires are soldered.
Microscope view of the round sensor board of a magnetic analog stick with its chip in the centre
The sensor chip of a magnetic stick reads the magnet's position without touching it, so there is no track to wear.
Original and magnetic replacement analog stick modules side by side
Same footprint, different sensing: the original potentiometer module and a magnetic replacement.

Frequently asked questions

Can Hall effect sticks drift?

The sensor does not wear, so drift from wear does not happen. A loose magnet or a bad calibration can cause an offset, which recalibration fixes.

Is TMR better than Hall effect?

For most players yes: finer resolution, lower power and a more natural center feel. Both beat potentiometers on longevity.

Can a DualSense or DualShock 4 with a magnetic module be recalibrated over USB?

Yes. The controller still stores center and range calibration regardless of the sensor type, and you should run it after the swap.

Check a new moduleAfter a swap, confirm the stick rests at zero and reaches the ring before closing the controller.
Open the calibration tool