GCN GameCube Controller Restortation.

[Nemix77]

Just bought a used original GameCube controller for a price that's agreeable with my budget, turns out the left analog is a bit loose.

I'm still a novice at soldering but I have some experience, I plan on replacing both analogs sticks with the caps and do a complete restoration inside.

What is going to be replaced:

- Left analog stick and left analog stick cap.

- Right analog stick and right analog stick cap.

Not sure if I should replace the rubber pads for the buttons inside also or should I just clean them is cold soapy water/alcohol?

 

[Nemix77]

I plan on buying oem GameCube analog caps off eBay and I'm getting the analog sticks from used official Wii nunchuks.

Apparently the Wii nunchuks use the similar/compatible analog sticks to the GameCube analog sticks.

I've read oem analog sticks are not as good original Nintendo ones but they'll work just fine as a last resort.

Depending if the used nunchuk analog sticks or the existing analog stick from the c-stick is tighter, that's the one I'll be using for my left analog stick replacement.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Replacement of the conductive rubber pads depends on their condition. Do they work reliably (after cleaning)? Then why not keep them.

The soldering work for the sticks is not that hard. Use good flux and solder an it should be easy enough. The desoldering is most likely more work.

I've done this with an original Nintendo GC controller. The main stick failed for no reason (signaling being fully pushed to the left no matter what). As donor I used a stick from a cheap (and bad) third-party controller that came with damaged plug connector right from the beginning. The stick is working good since (not as precise as the original but allows easier backflip jumping in Super Mario Sunshine)

Cannibalizing working Nunchuks (if they really use the same stick) would not be my first choice.


Good luck with your project!

 

[eyeliner]

So, you bought overpriced original junk, only to spend even more to restore it with salvaged parts that are not as good as the original?
Why in heaven's name didn't you get a third party one from the start?

I swear, people love to get themselves in hard bargains...

 

[KleinesSinchen]

So, you bought overpriced original junk, only to spend even more to restore it with salvaged parts that are not as good as the original?
Why in heaven's name didn't you get a third party one from the start?

I swear, people love to get themselves in hard bargains...

If you don't like doing such things... then don't.

Repairing stuff can be fun and gives a good feeling (as well as getting new abilities like soldering). Not everything has an immediate value in terms of money.

 

[eyeliner]

If you don't like doing such things... then don't.

Repairing stuff can be fun and give a good feeling (as well as getting new abilities like soldering). Not everything has an immediate value in terms of money.

I can understand that. Apologies if my words looked like a rant.

Thing is, Nemix seems to have quite a lot of work ahead of him and still won't have a 100% gamepad. Seems unreasonable to me.
I've bought a knock off Wavebird for a modest price and works amazingly well. And I had a GameCube with all original components.
Even a crap Harry Potter Wavebird that I admit. It's shite.

Loud thinking, but why don't Nemix get a used third party gamepad and cannibalize it?

 

[slaphappygamer]

restoration, of anything, can be a fun project. i found a nice tut on replacing the left analog stick. good luck!

here is a nice explanation of replacement sticks

 

[MockyLock]

Restoration can be fun, indeed.
But it's usually not the best budget compromise. Except for some really pricey stuff you could get in a good deal. GC controllers aren't that kind of stuff sadly.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

restoration, of anything, can be a fun project. i found a nice tut on replacing the left analog stick. good luck!

here is a nice explanation of replacement sticks

Was going to say: "Why does everything have to come as video nowadays?" when seeing the "nice tut" is on YouTube. But I watched it anyway and was pleasantly surprised! Short, precise, well-made video. Thanks.

Restoration can be fun, indeed.
But it's usually not the best budget compromise. Except for some really pricey stuff you could get in a good deal. GC controllers aren't that kind of stuff sadly.

It really depends. The mentioned third-party controller with the bad plug: I got this with a lot of other stuff dirt cheap on the flea market.
Is it worth the hassle when the only thing you want to do is play a GC game? Probably not. But if you enjoy repairing/soldering as a hobby it's a fun mini project.

 

[Nemix77]

I really don't have to break down Wii nunchuk analog sticks but since they're pretty cheap used and oem analog sticks are about the same price, I figured why not.

I only need one Wii nunchuk analog stick worth $10 versus a $5 oem analog stick, I really don't see the problem; as Sinchen mentioned it can be a fun learning experience/mini project.

Worst case scenario, I break the controller(s) and get a brand new GameCube controller.