Replacing a Gamecube controller analog stick - PART 1

[xboxist]

I like how you apologize for the tiny beep that your phone makes in the background, then a short time later you burp into the mic with no remorse.

In all seriousness, thanks for the vids.

[alecjahn]

To the viewers out there:

I want to remind you to re-read the video title and then description, again. This is not a quick fix video. This is not a sloppy effort to repair a broken stick.

This is how to REPLACE the WORN-OUT and UNREPAIRABLE analog stick assembly inside the controller.

[andresh]

Can you put that in a n64 controller?

[alecjahn]

@andresh Maybe with HEAVY modification and a lot of engineering, but it is certainly not a drop-in or even similar part. N64 uses a separate plastic assembly that connects to the main circuit board instead of a metal part soldered directly onto it.

[TheLuigiManFan]

O.O IDEA ALERT

Im gonna put gamecube thumbsticks in my xbox :D

[alecjahn]

@TheLuigiManFan Let me know if they fit. That might be really cool.

[TheLuigiManFan]

@alecjahn I tested them and they do fit, They dont look really sleek with a black controller so I did something else! I put PS3 THUMBSTICKS in an xbox controller :D

It's really cool

[Mariofan53]

where can you get those new pieces that you solder on?

[MandiUnreal]

After being frustrated for eternities with the tri-wwing screws, (we even tried melting pen tips) we went to Home Depot and found a kit of 6 really small screwdrivers for like 5 dollars. The two smallest flatheads work great taking apart and putting together GC controllers and it doesn't strip the screws (or hurt my girlish fingers) ;)

[chunka]

To open mine, I just use a 2mm flathead.

[Joshuajones91]

@alecjahn Thanks a million for this vid, I pulled the fix off! I just wanted to let you know; you can also use a thumbstick from a Wii Nunchuk (they're electrically identical, handle differently though).

I've also found an online component store that sells these pot meters suitable for GC controllers.

[Joshuajones91]

@alecjahn

I actually managed to open up the controller WITHOUT using a tri-screwdriver or a filed piece of metal like you used. Although obviously not the ideal solution, I found out a very small flat head screwdriver does the trick; it locks well enough into the screw for it not to damage the screw head. I can definitely recommend you try it :)

[puppetmetal]

How about fixing the L Button on one controller?

[sasukekid021798]

Batman ????

[constantgamer247]

know anywhere I can buy the screws for gamecube controllers? I took mine appart to clean it and some of the screws went down the sink >_<

[KillerwithaHeart]

Please Reply, I CAN'T OPEN THE DANG THING ITS MISSION IMPOSSIBLE!!!!

pLz HeLp mE!!!

[bnugentkarate]

One other question that almost anyone can try to answer. How can I unscrew these stupid screws on the controller? I went to a local hardware store that has mechanical stuff that Lowe's or Home Depot would never have. They didn't even recognize the shape of the screw. Basically, where specifically can I buy one of these? I would prefer to not buy it online, but I doubt that's possible. If I can't buy it, is there another way of getting the screws off?

[bnugentkarate]

My wavebird controller's control stick is pretty much completely broken. It will not recenter on its own at all. I can get it to click in place, but if I move it then it pops back out of center.  When it is out of center, it is 100% lopsided. There is no spring to it at all. From the outside, it looks normal other than this problem. I would rather fix it than buy a replacement. The Gamestop guys didn't know of anything to do. I'm just wondering if it can be fixed and, if so, how?

[MEGAXSTU]

A complex method:

Since the big analog mount will not allow the range of movement, I took a small piece of a tar rubber semi-circle (used as a shock absorber, with adhesive on flat end).

Then I took scissors and cut it in half,( the bump seperated from the adhesive) drilled a hole through it and put it over the motherboard stick.

Once you do that you could actually solder a little of the plastic on the motherboard stick to prevent the rubber from creeping off through wear.

[ChaosControl91]

you sound like solid snake

[somiati]

I JUST BOUGHT WARIO WORLD AND I WAS IN WORLD 4 LEVEL 2 AND WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO FIGHT THE LEVELS BOSS MY CONTROL BROKE

[SoulcaliburMage]

If you break a OFFICIALLY made Nintendo GC Controller, I find it pretty sad because I had mine for like 6 years, and it's analog stick is working perfect.

This video is good though, for fixing controllers because my friends GameStop controller broke, and now he wants me to fix it. So yeah, +1 Like.

[gameglitcher4]

Sorry but anythinggoesjoe is acutally right about his gamecube analog fix. It's a better method than replacing the joystick, and solderless. I'd rather replace an n64 controller joystick because it is eaiser

[alecjahn]

Better method? No! Easier method? Definitely.

[TheMadPacX]

Where do you find a tri-wing screwdriver and how much are they? I have the same prob with one of my GC Controllers: I move the analog to the left and it wont go left. Itll go right, itll go up an down BUT NOT LEFT!

[gameglitcher4]

@alecjahn, lick a dick

[alecjahn]

@gameglitcher4 Still confused.

[gameglitcher4]

Do not listen to him so don't replace the goddamn joystick.

[alecjahn]

Wut

[3yE]

I want such a rubber solder sucker too! They only sell big springloaded ones here, but those are too cumbersome to handle for my tiny delicate hands.

[alecjahn]

The rubber ones are tough to use, as you have to pay attention to squeezing them and keeping them right over the solder. Seems like more dexterity than necessary is needed. Mainly a problem since you have to suck fast and it can get clumsy.

[NintendoLover64]

i bought a gamecube controller from amazon and both the joysticks are broken, son of a bitch!

[DarkChroniam]

cant you complain about that?

[ra2player]

Bah fuck it lol ima just go buy a new one..oh yeah i got another question what's with you having to go to a game store to find gamecube games i went to K-Mart Wal-Mart and i ended up having to go to Game Stop which is where i shouldve started out going is it becuz ps3 and 360 are so popular they knocked gamecube out i mean they even have ps2 games still and that's older then the gamecube.

[ra2player]

yo what kind of screw driver u use to open the damn thing lol im using a small flat head damn thing is hard >.> im scared ill strip the screw if i press down to hard.

[alecjahn]

Actually pressing down hard is what you want to do, it keeps the screwdriver seated. The only downside is that if you DO slip, you'll screw up the driver even more.

I'd just buy a tri-wing screwdriver off ebay.

[flaminaxe32]

Hey Im a competitive SSBM player, and I've been lookin for videos to help with my controller, in case it should break.

Thanks for the vids man.

[supererik123]

how the heck am i sopse to get all those materials did u make this vid for scientist  only or for everyone screw u man ill just buy a new one =(

[alecjahn]

You're not a scientist, too? Shit, I'm sorry.

Have a good one.

[yoda2355]

wow this video is seriously helpful now i dont my controller wont have random freakin movements, thanks man

[SUPERLINKX2]

don't they sell csticks seprately at known retail stores

[alecjahn]

I've never seen replacement internal parts at stores. Miiiight be able to find them on the internet, but not likely.

[MrGoomba909]

That would be freakin' sweet, though! "ok, lets go to walmart to get a replacement A button for my wii controller!" lol XD

[Treasurefan02]

Very informative.

Noob question: Are controller boards as sensitive to static shock like computer equipment (PC motherboards for example)?

[alecjahn]

I'm sure they're definitely much less sensitive, but I wouldn't wear your nylon jump suit, do some jumping jacks, then use a plastic bag as your work surface. lol

[lukemorse1]

Yeah, Iv'e done the same thing many times. I usually use the game cube/keyboard controllers by ASCII cause they are the least used. They work great :D

[rapperrico]

thanks man

[therealAgerbon]

swap dat shit , yo!