FIX A PROBLEMATIC GAME CONTROLLER

This is a basic guide that will aid you in fixing a game controller. This is one of the most frequent questions I see around message boards. "Why are my buttons sticking?", My controller isn't responding well!" While all controllers are shaped differently, they all function the same and in turn can be fixed using similar methods. In this guide I will be focusing on fixing a nes controller but the same principal applies for pretty much any controller. If you have sticky buttons or have to press harder than normal to get a button or direction to work then this guide is for you. Analog sticks are constructed different from controller to controller so that aspect will be saved for a future guide.

So lets get started!!

Required materials.

A problematic controller (An NES controller will be used in this guide)

Screwdrivers (The controller in this guide uses a small phillips screwdriver)

Rag and Q-tips

Rubbing alcohol

Here is a dirty nes controller. It was bought from a gamestop store many years ago and I never got a chance to use it until recently. I discovered that it suffers from some mild sticking and a non-responsive d-pad. Not the worst controller i've used but not as good as it can be either.

By flipping the controller over you can clearly see the 6 screws holding it together. We can to unscrew these with our screwdriver.

Gently lift the backing off the controller and put it aside. You will see the circuit board which is connected to the cord. Lift and remove this as well. Finally, remove the buttons and rubber contacts that remain. Our controller is now completely disassembled.

Ewwww, look at all the crap that has collected in and around the buttons. No wonder it isn't working properly. This controller actually isn't that bad though. Very often you will find juice or soda that has spilled inside which becomes sticky and hard overtime. Now we have to clean all of this up.

Use you rag and apply a genrous amount of rubbing alcohol to it and scrub the dirt off. I like to use a small spray bottle for the rubbing alcohol so I can directly spray the part. You can use the q-tips to help get in the tighter crevices. Make sure you clean them good all around. Be sure to clean the rubber pads as well, there the most important part. If the pads aren't clean they can't make a good connection.

Once you are done cleaning the buttons you will want to clean the shell next. As you can see below there is a fair amount of dirt that has collected and we want to clean that as well. Once again use your rag, q-tips and rubbing alcohol to help remove the dirt. If something has been spilled inside or if the shell looks like a complete mess you might want to just take the buttons and shell to the sink and let them soak in a little mild detergent and water to help break down the goo and following up with a little detailing. Most of the time this isn't necessary though.

Pick up the circuit board and wipe down the contact side with your rag and a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove any dust and dirt.

Make sure all your parts are dry and clean and you can begin putting the controller back together. As you can see the controller looks like new and it will work even better now!

Enjoy.