N64 Controller Help/Recommendations

[8bit]

I'd like to know how this turns out. I have at least 2 controllers that need some TLC. Isn't there a special tool required to take the controller apart. I know Nintendo doesn't use just fillips or flat-head screws on their devices....

[fastbilly1]

Ziggy, if you do get one of those white bootlegs I am very interested in your take on it. I posted about it awhile ago but was told to stay away. I might take the plunge in the future anyway. Ive got five hori minipads (that dont leave the house), and six or seven standard controllers, but the N64 is still hotly played at my house and at conventions. If they work decently, Im in for eight.

I took a chance on the "compatable" White Gamecube ones a couple years ago - bought 12 of them for conventions and Mario Kart and they have gotten more than the $60 I paid for them out of it. I am interested in these N64 ones half for conventions and half to finally retire those originals. Three of my controllers are launch (replaced the joysticks about three years ago) and I only have one replacement joystick left so I need a suitable replacement soon.

[Ziggy]

Well like I said, I bought one of those controllers for SNES once and it didn't even work. Seriously, I think it was the A button that worked but NOTHING else. You say you had some halfway decent Cube controllers though, so maybe the N64 ones wont be too bad. I think I'm gonna pick up at least one, I'll let you know what I think when I get it.

I'd like to know how this turns out. I have at least 2 controllers that need some TLC. Isn't there a special tool required to take the controller apart. I know Nintendo doesn't use just fillips or flat-head screws on their devices....

You can take apart the joystick to clean and lubricate it, it helps a little. And while the Gamecube used those weird screws, the N64 just has normal philips head screws. You need some small fine tip screw drivers though.

If you wanna know how the mod turns out, I posting about it in this thread....

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 25&t=18947

[bacteria]

Why do we have two topics for this across two sections??

[fastbilly1]

The white cube controllers work mighty fine for 99% of titles. They apparently have just enough lag that people bitch about them in Smash Brothers, but it is not noticeable in any other title I have tried them with (Cube or Wii).

I still curious about these N64 controllers. Ive found a few games that would really rock if played with an arcade stick - Asteroids 64, Sin and Punishment (dual setup), Bomberman 64 (both versions), and ofcourse KI: Gold. But if they are rubbish, they are rubbish. Next paycheck I may take the bullet for the team. I got a spare N64 recently anyway.

[Ziggy]

Why do we have two topics for this across two sections??

Lol, sorry for the confusion. I started this thread to ask about different N64 controllers, etc, but since I decided to mod a controller I thought I should put it in the Hacks and Mods section instead.

Next paycheck I may take the bullet for the team. I got a spare N64 recently anyway.

Same here. Next paycheck I'm gonna pick up a few 3rd party controllers and 1 or 2 of those China knock-offs.

[emwearz]

Just wanted to add even though the point has pretty much been made, in terms of repairing the stick, (Cleaning out powder, lubing, pulling the spring a bit) does jack shit in terms of the tightness. It runs smoother sure, but they are still loose as shit because parts of the stick have been grinded(Is that a word) away, its only really useful to do this if its a brand new joystick and you want to preserve it, which is hard as most people feel if it aint broke dont fix it.

[Ziggy]

^ Exactly. I "fixed" two of my controllers, and they still pretty much suck. I plan to clean and lub the only good joystick I have left.

If any one has a joystick that is still good, I highly recommend to clean out and lubricate their it before it grinds down and turns to shit.

[fastbilly1]

If any one has a joystick that is still good, I highly recommend to clean out and lubricate their it before it grinds down and turns to shit.

Will do skip.

[emwearz]

Ziggy, what lube would you recommend?
I just use Vasoline, is there a better alternative?

Also on the topic of replacement joystick mechanisms, while they work, they can cost more than a controller does, also be aware that a friend of mine bought one of ebay and it was just a old loose one that he got in the mail (Because the description read 'Replacement Joystick" or something like that he couldn't get a refund from Paypal. Just a warning to be careful (Though they are so over priced if your not buying in bulk there not really worth it).