How to disassemble SNES controller plug, and cable question?

[jinxmitchell]

Does anybody know how to disassemble a SNES controller plug? I want to install new cables from cheap third party controllers, but want the original Nintendo plug. I see four tabs, and two holes on the end, but I haven't been able to take one apart yet.

Edit: I'm also wondering what cables we can use to replace SNES cables. It looks like mini USB cables would work, but I don't want to order a bunch only to find out they are too thick or some other problem. I'm a little worried about the 5th wire not going all the way through the cable, and maybe just splitting into two at the plug for the mini side.

[sonic2041]

It's kind of a pain to do, but you have to push in on the 4 tabs, (2 on each side) at the same time and pull the front piece out. You have to push the tabs in pretty far.

[bacteria]

I've had to do this recently on my Project Unity system.

Some SNES controller ports are welded onto the pins so really hard to separate, some are less awkward, however a third party one (like I used) pops open with the tabs, as per your post; they are easy to rework.

[jinxmitchell]

Ok. I'll give it a shot. thanks guys

[sonic2041]

I've had to do this recently on my Project Unity system.

Some SNES controller ports are welded onto the pins so really hard to separate, some are less awkward, however a third party one (like I used) pops open with the tabs, as per your post; they are easy to rework.

I've opened up first party ones using this method as well. I vaquely remember there being a few small welds. One of mine that I looked at seemed to be pretty loose.

But, once you get them open the insides arnt too bad. The nintendo wire can sometimes be problematic if you want to do a clean splice where a wire broke (or got chewed through by a dog).

[jinxmitchell]

I got one opened the other day, but made it pretty ugly in the process. I used it as an experiment since it was already messed up before I tried. It showed me how the buggers work, and they really didn't want to make this very easy. Two of the tabs are incredibly difficult to move, while the other two are a cake walk. I'll keep trying until I find a reliable method that doesn't destroy them.

[jinxmitchell]

Sonic, what did you use to push the tabs in? The two that are on the hinged side are easy, but the two stiff ones I can't push in far enough. I guess the real problem is that I can't push them all in at the same time while pulling the casing apart.

[sonic2041]

I cant remember what I did exactly. I will look at one tonight and see what I can do. I know it came out pretty clean when I opened it.

[sonic2041]

Ok, I figured out a method that worked easily for me. You will need one of the thicker paper clips, I don't know what size they are, but they are not the small flimsy ones.

EDIT: Before you start, make sure the two pieces are not friction welded together. You can check this by holding the outer casing and moving the connector piece in and out. If they don't move, use a xacto knife to break the weld on the seam.

First, straighten the paper clip, cut it in half and bend it into shapes shown in the picture below. The prongs are the same distance apart as the clips on the snes plug.



Next insert one of the clips into the holes on the end of the plug, on the side where the prongs are more difficult to press down. The paperclip will be slightly thicker than the opening and may take a little work to get in. Push it in until it hits the bumps on the clip.



Next, push the other clip into the prongs on the other half (the half that can be depressed easily) as shown. Orientate it so the prongs are facing the cord. The prongs need to go behind the clip, not on top of it. This is done by pressing down with the prongs facing the cord. The pins should slightly depress and the prongs should slip behind them.



Next push the top of the loop toward the cord and the plug should push out the front.

EDIT: I tried this on a few more plugs, and sometimes its difficult. Make sure the clip that is on the other half is push all the way in. Also it makes things easier if you pull on the front part of the plug while you are pushing back on the loop in this step. When I did this, I was getting them apart no problem.

[jinxmitchell]

You're my favorite person.

I'll give it a shot tonight and post results. Thanks!

Edit: Yeah, that method rocks! I just did 4 or 5 of them to try it out and make sure I've got it down. I cut up an extra paperclip and do the last step on both sides because it makes it easier for me. Now I can install longer cords on Japanese controllers and replaces messed up ones on American controllers. Thanks again!

Edit 2: I'm also wondering what cables we can use to replace SNES cables. It looks like mini USB cables would work, but I don't want to order a bunch only to find out they are too thick or some other problem. I'm a little worried about the 5th wire not going all the way through the cable, and maybe just splitting into two at the plug for the mini side.

I'm looking at this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2