Fix N64 Joystick - Failed Attempt - Plus other Tips

[Curlypaul]

cool, replacements are the next best thing. I love the N64 stick when its working properly, but these look like decent replacements. They may be a bit expensive for me to import to the UK, but I might find somebody with some for sale here

[Niode]

Wait until 3D printers are more commercially viable and this problem is solved. Worn stick? Just print a new one. Bingo.

[Curlypaul]

That is precisely the thing that I need. Hurry up and build it Niode, I'm running out of decent N64 controllers

[FAHQALL]

So called "quality" replacement. We've talked about these particular ones (Gamecube-like) in several threads now, but I don't believe any one (here) has actually tried one yet. They look decent. I'm planning to pick up a couple very soon.

I found a couple of these sticks in a shop in Chinatown here recently - got two for $10 total. They work pretty well, but there are some issues with games that require sensitive movements with the joystick.

[Ziggy]

Sensitive, such as minute movements on a platformer so you don't fall off the edge to your death?

I'm gonna pick up two as soon as I get a chance, and I plan to write up a full review on them. I even wanna take one apart and take pics of the insides. A few of use were really interested to see how they're built.

[FAHQALL]

Sensitive, such as minute movements on a platformer so you don't fall off the edge to your death?

Depends on the platformer, but for the most part, yes.

[Jamisonia]

Are these the ones at Nintendo repairshop? I have one, I like them, but I still prefer a tight N64 joystick, which for some reason I find in abundance in thrift stores in my area. I have around 5 or so.

[Ziggy]

If you have good working sticks in your N64 controller(s) just make sure you open them up to clean and grease them. Otherwise they'll eventually turn into shit.

[torbinski]

I have tried the GameCube style replacement N64 sticks and quite like them. I did however find that they were not as sensitive as I would have liked. I solved the sensitivity issue by actually taking apart one of the replacement units, and cutting the mounts that hold the circuit board with the thumb stick mechanism so that the board sat down far lower in the case. What mounting the board lower does is increase the leverage and reduce the movement range of the thumb stick so that you have to move the thumb stick further in order to move the mechanism the same amount. After doing this the actual thumb stick knob will sit low in the housing, so i used a very short piece of ball point pen ink tube as a spacer inside the knob to get it all looking flush again. I reassembled with epoxy and was very pleased with my results. I actually finished Super Mario 64 with that controller getting %100 and the crappy Yoshi on the castle roof ending

I highly recommend them

[Niode]

That is precisely the thing that I need. Hurry up and build it Niode, I'm running out of decent N64 controllers

After I've finished my home brewing set up I'm planning on building a 3D printer.