Repairing Nintendo 64 Controllers

[LeetViet]

I was browsing eBay and came upon this

Has anyone repaired a Nintendo 64 controller before and knows if this works? I've never taken apart a controller before.

 

[Extelleron]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy a new controller?

A few years ago I bought a Nintendo 64 + 2 controllers for $40, so how much could controllers go for?

 

[GenHoth]

I've actually done just this. My dorm loves to play Smash Bros. A ton. We wreck controllers at an alarming rate (we have about 12 in our graveyard right now) If you pop that little gray case open you find a spring that presses the joystick back into the center when there is no pressure on it. The reason the joystick gets loose is the spring starts to deform. If you replaced that spring the controller would be back to normal.

 

[LeetViet]

@Extelleron: They're about $11 used from a "local" store and I haven't been able to find them anywhere else. eBay is more expensive with shipping included.

Originally posted by: GenHoth
I've actually done just this. My dorm loves to play Smash Bros. A ton. We wreck controllers at an alarming rate (we have about 12 in our graveyard right now) If you pop that little gray case open you find a spring that presses the joystick back into the center when there is no pressure on it. The reason the joystick gets loose is the spring starts to deform. If you replaced that spring the controller would be back to normal.

I don't have the tools to open up my controllers. Do you have any pictures/diagrams? Would I be right in getting a "small Philips head screwdriver" for the job?

 

[GenHoth]

Yeah, all you need is a screw driver. Just remember that when you open it up its a circuit board. So make sure you're grounded. The whole set up is very simple once you get into its guts. I'd recommend you have someone around the help you put the joystick box back together though, I recall it taking two of us. Though if you're particularly dexterous or patient you could probably get it. Just be aware that the parts are going to come jumping out of the joystick because they are under pressure.

 

[LeetViet]

You're referring to the joystick box inside the controller right? Where did you get replacement springs?

 

[GenHoth]

Originally posted by: LeetViet
You're referring to the joystick box inside the controller right? Where did you get replacement springs?

Yup, I never replaced the springs. But a hardware store might have something similar. It will probably be tough to find a spring with similar characteristics but good luck! We soldered them back into shape. It improved the joystick significantly, but it deteriorated much quicker than the usual ones.