My controller's right stick gradually drifts downwards and I'm wondering if this can be...

Hi Kit C, my name is Daniel and I would be happy to help.

I'm sorry that you are experiencing a drift in your Joystick, if you want my personal opinion I would recommend the following:

Rotate the joystick, click down and lift the joystick, 10 times each. Hit the controller with some compressed air to remove even more dirt. Next, apply some ********* alcohol to a cotton swab. Use it to clean around the base of your joysticks, clean it thoroughly and carefully, and really get it in there.

Information obtained from: https://thegamingsetup.com/fix-controller-stick-drift

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

But if you want a more professional opinion, I would recommend taking your controller to an Xbox technical service so they can solve this problem. You may have to pay a fee if you don't have a warranty, but it is the best and safest thing for your controller. You can check if you have an active warranty at the following link:

https://account.microsoft.com/devices

I hope this information is useful for you.

Best regards,
Daniel.

I just did a google search for analog stick drift and found this thread. I have a black official 360 wireless controller that has this problem. It's one of the newer models with the glossy finish. The left analog stick drifts downward when I'm playing games.
When I leave the controller alone without me touching it, my character keeps moving backwards as if the analog stick is being pushed downwards. I've tried opening the controller up and switching the sticks, but that didn't help. I don't really want to buy
another new controller in case I have the same problem. I'll have to find one of the older models (which don't have the glossy finish) - never had this problem with any of the earlier controller models. I don't think the older models are being manufactured
any more though so I'll have to look for a used one I guess.

I have two original elite controllers and one pf the new elite 2 controllers that I got my son for Christmas. They all have drift issues with the left sticks. I hd thought it would be addressed with the new version, but I guess not. Please help
make this right.

Unfortunately, stick drift seems all too common in this current generation on Xbox, on PS4, and even on Switch. I wonder if it's because so many games use the sticks at buttons as well, which is leading to extra pressure being exerted? I've lost many controllers
to stick drift, and looking at the forums and reddit, a lot of people are complaining about stick drift issues from day one with the Elite series 2. Fingers crossed that Xbox can address the issue for everybody affected by it.

I have drift on the right stick, but my gimbal is worn, the rubber is gone and it's high mileage indeed.

For each controller you owned, was it a different stick or direction of drift? Have you considered having the gimbal replaced on one of your old controllers?

Same problem here my day one controller's right stick drifts upwards. Is MS replacing.?!!!