N64 controllers with decent sticks?

NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube, Wii
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Ziggy
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by Ziggy »

retrogamecraze wrote:Apparently there is a new aftermarket thumbstick replacement hitting the market other than the gamecube-like one most of us are familiar with by now. It is more like the original analog stick in look and function. Very exciting!

http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo_64_Fo ... 7327743/1/
I just read the first post, not the entire thread (not yet). So, they're basically just exact duplicate of official N64 sticks? That's what they look like from the pick. The only difference being that they come lubed so they'll last longer. If that's the case, that's not a bad thing at all. If they function exactly like real N64 sticks, I might consider using them to replace the "Gamecube like sticks" that I have.
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scarper
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by scarper »

I got some of the third party replacement joysticks a while back, and I'm pretty indifferent about them. It's nice that they feel tight, and move like a gamecube thumbstick. But the weird sensitivity is too game breaking for me to suggest it as a good alternative.

What I would recommend is taking a (in at least decent condition) original n64 joystick, and lubing up the insides with vaseline. This also makes a good runner up for innuendo of the evening. It makes the joystick feel incredibly nice, giving the smoothest performance of all the others. Be sure not to get the gooey crap everywhere. Here's the guide I used. Very detailed and easy to follow.

http://codebook.potchgult.com/stickrepair/stickfix.htm

My secondary recommendation is using a Gamecube controller:
http://www.raphnet-tech.com/products/gc ... y=Adapters

And if you're a rich man, the Hori pad.
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by harper »

scarper wrote:I got some of the third party replacement joysticks a while back, and I'm pretty indifferent about them. It's nice that they feel tight, and move like a gamecube thumbstick. But the weird sensitivity is too game breaking for me to suggest it as a good alternative.
See, that's why I'm wondering how many different ones there are out there. I don't really have an issue with the sensitivity. Or maybe I've just gotten used to it. Idk, but I haven't been unhappy with mine at all, and I've tried out several different games with it.
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scarper
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by scarper »

harper wrote:
scarper wrote:I got some of the third party replacement joysticks a while back, and I'm pretty indifferent about them. It's nice that they feel tight, and move like a gamecube thumbstick. But the weird sensitivity is too game breaking for me to suggest it as a good alternative.
See, that's why I'm wondering how many different ones there are out there. I don't really have an issue with the sensitivity. Or maybe I've just gotten used to it. Idk, but I haven't been unhappy with mine at all, and I've tried out several different games with it.
I liked it the first time I tried it, but the shooters are what really made me upset. I eventually got used to the sensitivity as well, but after trying the lube technique, there was a huge difference in general enjoyment. It's definitely not as tight, but seemed to work a lot better.
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Ziggy
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by Ziggy »

scarper wrote:I got some of the third party replacement joysticks a while back, and I'm pretty indifferent about them. It's nice that they feel tight, and move like a gamecube thumbstick. But the weird sensitivity is too game breaking for me to suggest it as a good alternative.
It just depends what game your playing. For a platformer like Mario 64 or whatever, I find it to be perfectly fine. For Goldeneye, it's way too sensitive. For Turok, you're able to turn the sensetivity up or down in the options menu, so I was able to use it without a problem.
scarper wrote:What I would recommend is taking a (in at least decent condition) original n64 joystick, and lubing up the insides with vaseline.
Well I don't know about vaseline, but yeah, that's what I've been stressing for a while now every chance I get. If you have a stick that is still tight, you must clean and lube it!
retrogamecraze
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by retrogamecraze »

Ziggy587 wrote:
retrogamecraze wrote:Apparently there is a new aftermarket thumbstick replacement hitting the market other than the gamecube-like one most of us are familiar with by now. It is more like the original analog stick in look and function. Very exciting!

http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo_64_Fo ... 7327743/1/
I just read the first post, not the entire thread (not yet). So, they're basically just exact duplicate of official N64 sticks? That's what they look like from the pick. The only difference being that they come lubed so they'll last longer. If that's the case, that's not a bad thing at all. If they function exactly like real N64 sticks, I might consider using them to replace the "Gamecube like sticks" that I have.
Yep. Basically these appear to be identical to OEM thumbstick and are probably going to wear the same. At least these appear to have some lubrication applied to lengthen the time period before another replacement is needed. The poster in that thread ended up having to replace the spring, though. Still, this is good news for the folks that don't like the current third party thumbsticks when it comes to games like Smash Bros and Goldeneye. :)
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by harper »

Ziggy587 wrote:It just depends what game your playing. For a platformer like Mario 64 or whatever, I find it to be perfectly fine. For Goldeneye, it's way too sensitive. For Turok, you're able to turn the sensetivity up or down in the options menu, so I was able to use it without a problem.
I don't think I've tried Turok with it, I have tried Turok 3 though. I had no problems with Goldeneye.
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xan_racketBOY_fan
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by xan_racketBOY_fan »

Just picked up three N64 controllers (in rather filthy condition) and the joysticks feel surprisingly tight, minus the my blue one. You guys mentioned lubing it up but where exactly do you place, say Vaseline, at?

On another note: I've taken an appreciation to the controller after giving them a good clean; they look like they've been given the Zoki64 glossy treatment :lol:
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CRTGAMER
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by CRTGAMER »

xan_racketBOY_fan wrote:Just picked up three N64 controllers (in rather filthy condition) and the joysticks feel surprisingly tight, minus my blue one. You guys mentioned lubing it up but where exactly do you place, say Vaseline, at?

On another note: I've taken an appreciation to the controller after giving them a good clean; they look like they've been given the Zoki64 glossy treatment :lol:
Nice controllers. ziggy mentioned 3in1 dripped into the base of the Analog Stick. Makes sense, the oil is better penetration then grease or vaseline. I use 3in1 for my N64 controllers too. Just a few drops as to not contaminate the electrics.
Valkyrie-Favor wrote: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.
The Interact Super Pad 64 analog stick has a steel shaft. I like it, a more comfortable layout.

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xan_racketBOY_fan
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Re: N64 controllers with decent sticks?

Post by xan_racketBOY_fan »

Thanks for the heads up CRT, I'll head to Walmart right now and pick one up.
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