Hall-Effect Sticks
Analog sticks that use magnets instead of physical contacts, so they resist the drift that plagues older sticks.
Traditional analog sticks use a potentiometer with a physical wiper sliding over resistive material, which wears down over time and causes stick drift. Hall-effect sticks instead read the position of a magnet with a contactless sensor, so there is nothing to physically wear out from normal use.
A newer variant, TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance), improves on Hall-effect further with better precision and even less power draw. Both are now common upgrades on 2026 handhelds that previously used cheaper potentiometer sticks.
Why it matters when buying
If you plan to keep a handheld for years, Hall-effect (or TMR) sticks are worth prioritizing since they largely eliminate the drift that eventually plagues potentiometer sticks. Many manufacturers now advertise this spec directly, so check it before buying a device you intend to keep long-term.
Handhelds with Hall-Effect Sticks
See all Hall-Effect Sticks →
Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS)
AOKZOE A2
Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows)
AYANEO 3
