N64 joystick

[darkslime]

I have probably at least 20 N64 controllers from various lots I've gotten, and they all have joysticks ranging from kind of sticky to completely fucked up so that they only turn one way.

Is there any way to fix these, or a good third party controller?

[coreys429]

There are replacements online you can buy new joysticks.

[willowmoon93]

The analog thumbsticks are usually the first thing to go on an Nintendo 64 controller. Check online to see if you can buy any in bulk for the best possible discount. They're easy to replace and certainly cheaper than buying replacement controllers.

As far as sticky controllers (like if the buttons stick or have a spongey feel), you will probably need to open up the controllers and pop out the buttons and clean them using a little bit of "goo-gone" (citrus preferred) on a q-tip and that should help get any kind of residue off. Again, it's a relatively easy process, shouldn't take you long at all.

[Masco73]

I looked into the replacement thumbsticks and they are pricey(at least to me because I am cheap). You can buy a 3rd party stick for $10-12 and the thumbsticks were like $8-10 each with shipping. Maybe you can find a better deal, but I couldn't find them cheaper.

[aclbandit]

I looked into the replacement thumbsticks and they are pricey(at least to me because I am cheap). You can buy a 3rd party stick for $10-12 and the thumbsticks were like $8-10 each with shipping. Maybe you can find a better deal, but I couldn't find them cheaper.

Still, 8-10 dollars each beats the crap directly out of 17-25 shipped for new controllers, which may (or may NOT) be in any sort of better conditions than the ones you already have.

My recommendation? The thumbstick replacements from Nintendo Repair shop (http://www.nintendorepairshop.com/shopexd.asp?id=1082). I've bought some of these, and they're friggin' fantastic. Feel better-than-new. ^^

By the way, this website is pretty much the best thing ever to happen to a classic Nintendo gamer. Tons of other stuff you might need. :)

[InsaneDavid]

Just do this first (http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/nintendo/n64cont.htm). Unless your sticks are in the shitcan that should rejuvinate them.

[Raedon]

Years ago there was a 3rd party stuck with a metal analog instead of plastic. If you can still get those then do it because even Mario party hasn't killed mine.

[InsaneDavid]

Years ago there was a 3rd party stuck with a metal analog instead of plastic. If you can still get those then do it because even Mario party hasn't killed mine.

The MakoPad / SuperPad 64 is what I think you're talking about. (has a more standard layout than the stock N64 controller) It's an excellent controller.

[dao2]

I heard the horipads are great n64 replacement sticks that use a gc style analog stick that never busts :o Never tried it myself though, would buy em in a heartbeat if they were wireless :|

(expensive)

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-N64-HORI-MINI-PAD-GREEN-nintendo-64-JP_W0QQitemZ300259965816QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p32 86.m20.l1116

[darkslime]

Thanks everyone.

I'll try that free method and see if it works. If not I'll try and find some place to buy in bulk because it would be almost $200 to replace all of those sticks. 0_0

[wood_jl]

BUMP to an old thread, and by a newbie, nonetheless!

There's an Ebay listing for replacement analog sticks. They look much like Gamecube sticks, and they're $20 for a pair, with free shipping. I just have to wonder if they're any good. Hopefully, someone's tried them? It would be sweet, if this is a viable solution. I'm having a hard time finding used (thrift store, etc) N64 controllers that aren't already worn out. Buying nice extras has been my strategy, thus far, but difficult now. Gracias!

Link to Ebay listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130450859863

http://i.ebayimg.com/20/!B7YURoQCWk~$(KGrHqMOKjEEzOUkh9SvBM0B8TvzEw~~-1_3.JPG

[HappehLemons]

BUMP to an old thread, and by a newbie, nonetheless!

There's an Ebay listing for replacement analog sticks. They look much like Gamecube sticks, and they're $20 for a pair, with free shipping. I just have to wonder if they're any good. Hopefully, someone's tried them? It would be sweet, if this is a viable solution. I'm having a hard time finding used (thrift store, etc) N64 controllers that aren't already worn out. Buying nice extras has been my strategy, thus far, but difficult now. Gracias!

Link to Ebay listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130450859863

http://i.ebayimg.com/20/!B7YURoQCWk~$(KGrHqMOKjEEzOUkh9SvBM0B8TvzEw~~-1_3.JPG

I've got these. They're great. They are like tiny gamecube analog sticks without the grip.

[Retrogamecraze]

I have bought and used many of the new aftermarket replacement thumbsticks. These things are a godsend. Prior to these little beauties the only real option was to buy a used "replacement" thumbstick online (quality varied considerably from seller to seller) or to just buy another controller that had a good thumbstick. I was able to resurrect and sell about 30 controllers I had lying around from various purchases I had made. I'm sure there are several sites out there now selling them, but I can personally recommend this site for large quantity purchases:

http://www.wholesalevideogamelots.com/servlet/-strse-533/N64-Thumbstick-Joystick-Control/Detail

Hope this helps!

[Rickstilwell1]

Just do this first (http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/nintendo/n64cont.htm). Unless your sticks are in the shitcan that should rejuvinate them.


So this means the only reason the sticks go bad is not because of the plastic they are made of, but because the spring hidden inside gets out of position after extended use?

[RP2A03]

So this means the only reason the sticks go bad is not because of the plastic they are made of, but because the spring hidden inside gets out of position after extended use?


That has been contrary to my experience with them. My problem with the sticks has not been the spring, but rather the black pieces wearing down. The original lubricant that was used was a powder that gets ground down into useless unenchanted pixie dust over time. If you find any original sticks in good condition it is best to replace that powder with a proper lubricant. It is also a good idea to clean and re-lube old sticks as the old grease probably is not doing its job anymore. For Nintendo sticks I like to use a nice thick silicone grease. Also applying silicone grease to the rubber grips will stop them from leaching oily substances and prolong their life.

[Retrogamecraze]

So this means the only reason the sticks go bad is not because of the plastic they are made of, but because the spring hidden inside gets out of position after extended use?

Most of the time the problem with the controllers is with two specific pieces that wear down over time:

http://www.retrogamecraze.com/worn-pieces.JPG

I had so many controllers with bad sticks at one time I went to a mold injection company to inquire about making these pieces! The cost to make the die (mold) was way too expensive for me. :D

[HappehLemons]

Most of the time the problem with the controllers is with two specific pieces that wear down over time:

http://www.retrogamecraze.com/worn-pieces.JPG

I had so many controllers with bad sticks at one time I went to a mold injection company to inquire about making these pieces! The cost to make the die (mold) was way too expensive for me. :D

How much was it?

[Retrogamecraze]

They quoted me like 10-15k. They are very complex working gears, blah blah. I think I can get it done much cheaper than that but I haven't had time to shop around. That was my first inquiry.

[HappehLemons]

So this means the only reason the sticks go bad is not because of the plastic they are made of, but because the spring hidden inside gets out of position after extended use?

I'm gonna say no ad I believe that this guide is wrong (Or at least following it wont FIX a loose joystick). I was doing a write up on N64 joysticks at one point and Retrogamecraze has it right. In my experience I've never seen a bad N64 joystick caused by the spring.

Just to make it clear for anyone looking to fix a N64 joystick..
From my research, once an N64 joystick breaks (becomes loose) it is because of the plastic pieces widening that the joystick in held in place by. Take a look at Retrogamecrazes excellent picture to know exactly what happens. There is no reliable way to fix a loose n64 joystick but their are ways to prevent it such as lubing up the rails so they don't grind away. Once a joystick is loose you must replace it with a completely new joystick because the replacement part simply doesn't exist.


They quoted me like 10-15k. They are very complex working gears, blah blah. I think I can get it done much cheaper than that but I haven't had time to shop around. That was my first inquiry.

Wow, thats an insane amount.

[YoshiM]

I have bought and used many of the new aftermarket replacement thumbsticks. These things are a godsend. Prior to these little beauties the only real option was to buy a used "replacement" thumbstick online (quality varied considerably from seller to seller) or to just buy another controller that had a good thumbstick. I was able to resurrect and sell about 30 controllers I had lying around from various purchases I had made. I'm sure there are several sites out there now selling them, but I can personally recommend this site for large quantity purchases:

http://www.wholesalevideogamelots.com/servlet/-strse-533/N64-Thumbstick-Joystick-Control/Detail

Hope this helps!

How does it compare to the original stick? One of the things I loved about the original is that the control is tight compared to say a Gamecube stick. Playing F-Zero X and GX, the former has much tighter turning than in the latter.

[HappehLemons]

How does it compare to the original stick? One of the things I loved about the original is that the control is tight compared to say a Gamecube stick. Playing F-Zero X and GX, the former has much tighter turning than in the latter.

Then you might not like them. They have the same resistance feel as a gamecube stick.

[danny_galaga]

After some experimenting, for lubrication i went with Tamiya ceramic grease, which someone else recommended. This stuff is made for plastic gears, so you know there isn't going to be any issue with the stuff causing any damage to the plastic. "Lube 'em before they wear out, because it's too late afterwards" is my motto (",)