N64 controllers with decent sticks?

[Valkyrie-Favor]

I need some new N64 controllers. Only one of mine has a usable stick right now. Instead of buying more for $20 apiece just to have them wear out, I'm wondering if there are any good 3rd party controllers with more durable sticks, or much much cheaper ones that are acceptable.

[harper]

The 3rd party replacement joysticks (that are like a gamecube joystick) are awesome. You can get one for about $10 on ebay. They're really easy to install and definitely worth the $10, you can just put it in your favorite controller and you'll be good to go.

[Valkyrie-Favor]

I'll have to look into that. It's an awesome idea. It seems like some of them are too sensitive/not sensitive enough - can't play Smash Bros, F-Zero X or shooters with them apparently. Have any experience with that?

[harper]

I have heard about that too, and I was worried about that when I got mine but I haven't had any problems with it. When I first got mine one of the first games I tried was Goldeneye because I wanted to see for myself, and it felt fine to me. But I bought mine from my local game store, they buy them in bulk and I have no idea where they specifically buy from. So unfortunately I can't direct you to a specific store. I'm not sure how many different ones there are out there.

[BRIK]

I do have a new after market controller I use sometimes which I bought on the cheap from Ebay (came somewhere from Asia). I do feel as if it's going to break any second though, I'm thinking of replacing the stick on my legit controller soon. I looked up a video on Youtube and it looks really easy, no soldering or anything like that. The replacement sticks are all over Ebay for $10 each.

[harper]

Yeah I really do recommend those replacements. I like to have some official joysticks on hand though. Luckily none of mine are really bad. I just wanted the replacement so I wouldn't feel paranoid about ruining one of my controllers. haha

[mjmjr25]

An N64 Original controller w/swapped out thumbstick (from a GCN or other quality 3rd party) is easy, can get those for $5 local or $10 shipped via ebay, etc.

Buy a used original controller w/tight stick and keep it properly lubricated - $8ish local, $12ish via ebay.

If you want the best non-hacked pad for N64, the HORI mini is far and away the best of the bunch. Feels and performs like a wavebird. $45+ shipped via ebay sellers, usually in Japan.

[harper]

I don't like the idea of having to pay that much for a controller. haha

[mjmjr25]

A great controller can improve your actual impressions of a game - enhancing it's play value and you're enjoyment level. There is a reason people pay $300 for a HORI-VLX, it makes your performance and thus the games enjoyment that much greater.

It's sorta like dying over and over in pac-man because the d-pad recognized left and not down, thus frustrating / annoying.

Or a button doesn't fire all the time in mega-man, so then one might not enjoy the game, etc.

[Valkyrie-Favor]

Do you know which store sold those sticks?