Finicky Mega Drive controller. Console issue or bad pad?

[Omega_X_]

I've pretty much had enough of my mega drive failing to register inputs from the start and C buttons without me fiddling with the jack for ten minutes each time I play it. I cleaned the circuit contacts on the pad with isopropyl when I first got it before I did anything else, and straightened a pin which was slightly bent inside the controller jack on the console. Yet despite these efforts I have had constant problems with the console failing to register inputs. For some reason the A and B buttons work flawlessly, but the Start and C buttons will not work without playing with the jack, (which is every bit as annoying as it sounds when the game refuses to leave the title screen, or worse, when the controller cuts out in the middle of gameplay.) I'm totally sick of it, so before I spend money on a new pad, is this an issue with the controller, or the console itself?

[Segarulz123]

Hi, almost certainly your controller. The problem with these old wired controllers is kids used to wrap the cable around the controller over and over again which in turn created breaks and loose connections inside the wire. You could lop of part of the cable but without knowing exactly where the break is make things difficult. My advice is simple......try a different controller. I am sure thats all it is as you have said you have cleaned you controller with good ole isopropyl. Failing that its just cold solder points on your megadrives controller input ports. Simply reflow them :) But I am sure its just your controller.

[Omega_X_]

Cool, thanks. Think I'll get a pair of 6-button replica pads off amazon.

[Segarulz123]

REPLICA!.......NOOOOOO. Lol I am just kidding, but you could always get a genuine controller from the mighty bay of e......