I got my Steam Controller the day they were released and still use it. The stick has never drifted, though I also prefer to use the left pad for most "left stick" purposes. The real problem I'm having with the stick is that the rubbery coating on top is rubbing off, which is kind of gross and makes it harder than it should be to use it for an extended time. Good thing pads never drift! The rough texture of the pads has stayed remarkably well; no smooth and shiny spots.

Mine also has the usual things after almost a decade of use. The A button feels a little soft and the right trigger sounds a bit clangy. The body is plastic faces screwed together. It's a tiny bit creaky but remarkably sturdy, with no flex spots other than the back keys, which are pressed with the flexible parts of the battery cover.

Overall, it's lasted me a good long while and I expect it to go longer. I even bought a backup from someone after they were discontinued.

[–] bcgm3@lemmy.world 8 points 20 hours ago

I've got three, ranging between 8 and nearly 10 years old, with the oldest one seeing exponentially more use than the others, and they all still work flawlessly. I tend to put hundreds of hours into a handful of games, but I don't use them every day, if that helps quantity my usage a bit.

[–] proti@lemmy.world 2 points 18 hours ago

google "hall effect controller" they are immune to joystick drift, and in most games you can even put the deadzone to minimal

[–] ampersandrew@lemmy.world 4 points 23 hours ago

It's lightweight, which makes it feel cheap, but it's actually quite durable. Then again, I seemingly experience drift way under the rate that the internet would have me believe that I should.