Gamecube not recognizing controllers anymore. Help!

[Jontendo]

Sorry that didn't get it going. I'd try a laser swap next before giving up (assuming the controller port board still works in the original system --not sure why it wouldn't) .

At any rate the systems are dirt-cheap these days if you have to get a third. Despite what Mr.Miyamoto once said, I think the Gamecube was one of Nintendo's best systems and well worth having.

Hopfully all goes well.

[CRTGAMER]

Thanks for the help, man, but I think I'm gonna have to get a third cube. I replaced the controller ports, but it didn't help.

Do not Hot Swap Controllers
Maybe its safe and maybe not, no need to risk it. Buy a used Gamecube with a digital video out port from Gamestop. Just in case you ever get a Component cable later. Test EVERY controller you own without hot swapping while the GS Gamecube is still in warranty.

[gtmtnbiker]

I've hot-swapped connectors all the time and never had any issues. Firewire, Gamecube, xbox, etc etc.

There's no technical basis for hotswapping being an issue. I think you're imagining that it caused your problem.

[Jontendo]

I've hot-swapped connectors all the time and never had any issues. Firewire, Gamecube, xbox, etc etc.

There's no technical basis for hotswapping being an issue. I think you're imagining that it caused your problem.

Game consoles should be safe (memory cards aside), but not all device connectors necessarily are. Specific design features are expected for something to be safe for hot-plugging:

* Long ground pins (ESD protection)
* Medium/Long pre-charge pins (current limiting, circuit protection)
* "Soft-start" (gradual ramp-up of voltage)
etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_swapping

Xbox controllers are just USB with proprietary plugs, which are definitely safe for hot-swapping/plugging. To correct myself from earlier though, it appears Firewire is safe according to the same wiki article above.

Worst case scenario, CRTGAMER and I are being overly cautious with everything else.

[Hobie-wan]

I've hot-swapped connectors all the time and never had any issues. Firewire, Gamecube, xbox, etc etc.

There's no technical basis for hotswapping being an issue. I think you're imagining that it caused your problem.

Indeed. The console designers knew people would be plugging and unplugging controllers while the system was on and designed them this way. The only issue you should have to worry about is having an analog stick maybe be calibrated oddly if if is plugged in after the system is turned on.

[CRTGAMER]

I've hot-swapped connectors all the time and never had any issues. Firewire, Gamecube, xbox, etc etc.

There's no technical basis for hotswapping being an issue. I think you're imagining that it caused your problem.

Indeed. The console designers knew people would be plugging and unplugging controllers while the system was on and designed them this way. The only issue you should have to worry about is having an analog stick maybe be calibrated oddly if if is plugged in after the system is turned on.

I agree with this but still rather not take a chance whenever possible. There is still a risk of a surge from connecting a controller, even worse during the middle of a game when a rumble motor is enabled. Most owners manuals state to plug in the power cord LAST after all other connections are made including the controllers. An unrealistic over precaution from "Electrical Shock" from the manufacturers, I don't know of anyone who unplugs their console while switching controllers. However a good habit to not hot swap controllers when there is no need to. Best to play it safe, there are console controller port fails, most notably in the Dreamcast.

Hey I found a unrelated but useful link, A Dreamcast Owners Manual in PDF!

Dreamcast Owners Manual: http://www.thocp.net/software/games/con ... manual.pdf

[Hobie-wan]

Oh I agree it is better to plug things in when the system is off, but any designer that isn't brain damaged has to know that most people won't read the entire manual and will forget that a month later even if they do.

[Jontendo]

Oh I agree it is better to plug things in when the system is off, but any designer that isn't brain damaged has to know that most people won't read the entire manual and will forget that a month later even if they do.

Remember the first SNES systems with the cartridge lock? Having to turn the power off to remove the game "confused" people, and it disappeared on later revisions. Some designers try harder to protect people from themselves, but their warranties still have some kind of user negligence exclusion clause.

I've definitely encountered fried Dreamcast ports (they're fuse-protected fortunately), so I think the cautions are valid. But I also agree with you that it shouldn't be something we have to worry about (but still think it might be).