How to Replace the Worn-Out Analog Stick on Your Nintendo 64 Controller

The Nintendo 64 was once the 1st house sport console that featured a mini-joystick, or “thumbstick,” at the controller for 3-D movement. But the console is now over twenty years previous, and whilst the cartridge-based is nearly indestructible in comparison to trendy consoles, the similar can’t be stated for that thumbstick. Even with Nintendo’s usually top of the range fabrics, the N64 analog stick is vulnerable to loosening and drifting.

But there’s a very easy repair. Though it would appear to be a frightening activity, you’ll exchange (and in all probability even improve!) the thumbstick with an inexpensive phase and a normal screwdriver. Better controls in Mario Kart 64 are only some mins’ price of modding away.

What You’ll Need

You’ll handiest want a couple of issues for this activity:

• An normal Nintendo 64 Controller: this information is for the first-party Nintendo controller, now not any third-party selection—the ones are stressed out otherwise at the inside of, so alternative sticks in most cases received’t paintings with them.
• A alternative thumbstick: You have a couple of possible choices right here, which we’ll talk about under.
• A screwdriver: a small Phillips-head will do highest.
• A cup or bowl: to stay the free screws from rolling away. If you have got a magnetic screw tray, even higher.

There is one unlucky caveat right here: no alternative thumbstick available on the market is fairly as just right as the unique. But you do have possible choices. Players going for authenticity can get a stick like this one from RepairBox ($11) that objectives to emulate the unique, even though original-style replacements have a tendency to be a bit of stiffer and of decrease high quality than the unique.

But a well-liked selection, and the only we’ll be the use of for our demonstration, is a “GameCube style” stick ($10) that includes an up to date design. The stepped forward model makes use of the similar shorter stick and bigger ball swivel because the later GameCube controller, which gives a lot smoother keep an eye on. It is, then again, a lot more delicate, so video games that require precision (like aiming in GoldenEye) would require numerous being used to, and won’t paintings in addition to the aforementioned “original style” stick. They each have their benefits, however I actually just like the GameCube genre.

Unfortunately, we’ve but to take a look at a alternative stick that in point of fact matched the texture of the unique, and normal controllers in just right situation are turning into tougher and tougher to seek out. If you’re emulating the N64, chances are you’ll do higher with a extra trendy controller, like an Xbox controller. It’s as much as you whether or not you need authenticity or playability.

Step One: Remove the Rear Casing

Once you’ve were given your whole equipment in combination, it’s time to exchange the stick. Unplug your controller from the console and take away any Rumble Pak or Memory Pak you have got inserted. Using your screwdriver, loosen the seven screws that cling the plastic rear panel to the entrance panel. There are two extra screws that aren’t really easy to identify: they’re within the enlargement slot on both sides of the connector. Take them out too.

Grip the plastic across the enlargement slot and gently separate the plastic panel from the entrance panel and PCB. Note the huge plastic mechanism within the central take care of: that’s what we’re operating on subsequent.

Be cautious to not jostle issues at this level: with out the ground part of the case and screws, the PCB and all of the buttons beneath are simply resting in position with handiest gravity to stay them there. The shoulder buttons are particularly wobbly right here. If one thing falls out, don’t fear, it’s slightly glaring the place the whole lot is going—simply set it again in position.

Step Two: Move the Z Button Trigger Aside

The blue silicone button on most sensible of the thumbstick housing is the Z button. There are small tabs at the left and proper of the button holding it in position; simply push it in gently and lift the silicone piece and the small circuit board beneath clear of the housing. No wish to unplug it, you’ll simply transfer it apart as you’re operating on your next step.

Step Three: Remove the Old Thumbstick

Remove the 3 silver screws conserving the thumbstick housing in position: left, proper, and backside. (Don’t take away the small screw simply above the ground one—it’s conserving the highest part of the thumbstick meeting in position.)

Now you’ll unplug the six-pin connector from its jack at the proper aspect of the PCB and pull the housing clear of the case. Note the orientation of the plug, flat aspect down. You must have the ability to see the round hollow within the most sensible plastic housing.

Step Four: Insert the New Thumbstick

Place your alternative thumbstick within the hollow within the housing, stick-down. There’s just one approach it’ll have compatibility, so simply line up the screw retention holes in the similar approach: left, proper, and backside. Replace the silver screws you got rid of in Step Three, then plug the six-pin connector into the PCB, flat aspect down.

Step Five: Reassemble the Controller

Replace the silicone Z Button cause into its tab slot. Place the rear plastic casing again at the controller, then exchange all 9 screws (seven at the major frame, two within the enlargement slot). Make positive that the plastic duvet of the Z Button cause aligns with the silicone button mechanism.

You’re performed! Plug your controller into your Nintendo 64 console and ensure it’s operating. If now not, test the six-pin connection once more and ensure it’s firmly in position.

Find more at: Tech Cuber