How to Replace N64 Controller's Broken Joystick 

THANK YOU! 8 years later and this video is still helping.

Thanks for checking in. We're taking a break from eBay and Amazon for a few days, so everything is on vacation mode. Check back later this weekend, and we'll have everything back online for you.

@egraham111 Thanks for checking in. We're enjoying a vacation right now and will be back online toward the end of June.

Thanks for asking! We're back from our vacation, and these are on sale again.

@Skwiigo Glad to hear you like it! Happy retro gaming!

Great to hear you liked it! Happy retro gaming!

I purchased one in order to try it for myself, and I got to say im blown away. They work amazingly, and shipped fast:) will definitely by more in the future

We're happy to help. Happy retro gaming!

Well done on the repair! Happy retro gaming!

Dude I actually just ordered one from you the other day!! Can't wait for it to come!!

Glad you like it! Happy retro gaming!

@DancingBunnyInc Glad to hear it! Happy retro gaming!

These are pretty impressive, so I'm guessing you'll be happy with yours too! If you have any issues with them at all, we're happy to offer installation tips.

@lolmymag Glad to hear it. The screws in the memory cards slot are really small. I'd have to double check, but I believe the three holding in the joystick are smaller than the outside ones. Good luck!

Thanks! We look forward to hearing your feedback on them!

Thanks for your purchase! Looking forward to hearing your feedback!

bought 4 of these and tried them with 4 different games and i must say i'm really impressed.. the only problem i had was plugging into the connector with 3 out of the 4 of them, but i managed eventually.. not disappointed with my purchase whatsoever

Thanks! Happy retro gaming!

Yeah, they are definitely designed to look and feel like the GameCube stick. Some describe the feel as being a little mouse-like in its precision, so there's a learning curve to the switch. After a few days, you'll probably feel right at home. And yes, these are super durable. We've been selling these for a while, and they're one of our most reliable products.

i received my stick today. very easy install, works great. odds are pretty good ill be buying one or two more in the future.

Thanks Om3GaMaN69 for the unpacking and testing video!!! Glad it made it safe & sound to Australia!

Glad to hear it! Which N64 game will you be playing first?

You're very welcome! :) Happy retro gaming!

just got mine in the mail, things like heaven, thank you so much

You know, I'm not sure how the engineering compares, but I've found that Sharkpad joysticks hold up pretty well over time. Both are pretty durable.

It's a tight fit, so sometimes it can take some patience to get them together. The good news is that tight fit make sure they don't pop apart once connected. Also, make sure that the orientation is correct and that it's not upside down.

@CodyBrookhart I spoke with our supplier. Their impression is that the original manufacturer of these has taken steps to protect the chip. They felt that the manufacturer motive was that they were trying to prevent copying of their product. So, I'm sorry that I don't have more info for you.

@VideoGameMuseumCom Awesome! Thanks for the speedy reply!

@Jono1874 No rush at all, we'll plan to carry these for quite some time.

@techguy348 Yeah, it's amazing how quickly original N64 joysticks wore out. This is definitely a replacement worth trying if yours is going bad.

@CodyBrookhart Good questions. While some people love these, others prefer the feel of the original N64 joystick. As far as reprogramming these goes, we're not sure how you'd do so or who to even contact, since we simply distribute these and are not their manufacturer.

@techguy348 It'll be interesting to hear whether or not this replacement joystick is compatible with the reproduction N64 controller you purchased. Best of luck with the restoration.

Great choice! What a breakthrough for the Mario games that was!

@VideoGameMuseumCom makes games so much easier, its just perfect, probably going to order 2 more for my other controllers once i get some money.

@mediummastagh3 You're welcome! Let us know if it improves your skills in Goldeneye or Mario Kart!

@lolmymag There were a lot of different version of N64 controllers made. This process will only work with original genuine Nintendo branded N64 controllers.

One of these days i'm going ti make a video of reviewing this product and let people know it's the awesomes thing you'll ever have in your childhood lifes.

A genuine N64 controller (also known as a first party controller) is a controller that was sold and branded by Nintendo. On the top, you'll see the Nintendo logo. Generic controllers on the other hand will say things like "Pelican" on them or have a different shape than the original. With modern reproductions looking quite similar to the original controllers, also simply look for a missing Nintendo logo.

Thanks for asking. Just made a couple new ones. :)

Really got to get me one of these sticks. Glad to know that it's easy to repair/mod. The N64 is my favorite console, but man that analog stick sucks.

@dingwei7 Post a video of the issue, and I'll be more than happy to take a look at it.

i found one recently but it seems to be a long tutorial but ill be working on it so thanks for the reply

We haven't had that exact issue. However, when we've experienced joystick drift, we've been able to solve it by unplugging and firmly reconnecting the joystick to the controller's board.

@StylexSai Good question. It all depends on personal preference: If you can buy a new genuine N64 controller for $10, go for it. That would be a great deal, and there's nothing like the original. Of course, it'll wear out so make sure you buy a backup. Maybe you could buy a generic control for $10. Some are probably ok, but I've never found one that I really liked. Finally, consider the option of an original N64 controller with a better than original joystick: great feel, great function.

@Prism12220 We haven't had any reports of lag with these joysticks. Just let us know if you have any other questions, and happy retro gaming!

Is there an estimated date when you will your ebay store will be reopened? Really keen to get some of these joystick replacements.

@MyNamesAustin2 Sounds good. Hopefully they'll work out the Bowser quirk over time. :) Happy retro gaming!

@gossameriv Glad to hear it! We love these too!

@CodyBrookhart Just as we try to keep our suppliers private, our suppliers generally keep their manufacturers private as well. I'll be more than happy to pass along your question to our supplier of these joysticks; however, I can't make any promises that I'll be able to get the answer for you.

I'm not an expert on Super Smash Bros, but the joystick is definitely going to have a different feel than the original. Some players love them right away, and other note that they have to adjust to the different feel like driving a new car. I'd say, try it for a week and see if you adjust to the new feel. You have 30 days to make a return if it isn't a good fit for you. Happy retro gaming!

@M18nej1 I haven't heard that before. They've been redesigned. And, as a result, they'll definitely have a slightly different feel than the originals. Hopefully, they'll start to feel natural after a bit of play. If they don't, just let me know.

I am thinking about getting one, but I am extremely worried about 1 thing, people say that you can't do smash attacks in super smash, and can't do a spin dash because it's too sensitive, has this problem been recently fixed?

@dingwei7 It sounds like something in the casing may be out of alignment. Maybe pop it apart and try putting the casing together again.

@Alle1222 Sorry to hear about the issue. Double check the connection inside the controller by unplugging the joystick from the controller's board and plugging it back in firmly. If the connection isn't making good contact, it can cause issues. These are working great for most people. However, if yours aren't, we're happy to accept a return for a full refund. If that becomes the case, just contact us through eBay or Amazon with your order information to initiate the return process.

the up, up left, and left are really smooth, but going down left is really bad, i have to use a lot of force and its a bit sticky, does this go away with use or..?

Sorry about the delay responding. We just returned from vacation. Is the issue just with Blast Corps or other games?

Are you gonna do any videos for the accessories?

Dude,you save my life,thank you

@Mortanme Yes, but it is quite a complicated process and requires soldering, installing a microcontroller, etc. Google: "Gamecube analog stick in N64 controller mod" to see how other guys have done this.

@VideoGameMuseumCom It stopped doing it after a while, but the joystick seems like it goes up down left and right easily but diagonally its really sensitive

I just got an N64 and was considering one of these. Got a couple questions, though. First, this looks (and from what I hear, feels) a lot like the GameCube analog stick. Would that be a good comparison? The GCN stick is very comfortable and very responsive. Second, do these things have a good lifespan? I'm not sure how long these things have been for sale, but do they last a very long time like the GCN's sticks do? I still have a few launch GCN controllers, and they still work like new.

Are you the one selling the joysticks in the amazon link? I'd love to buy some, but you don't ship to Canada... And the ones on ebay, they sells for 17$ total, it seems a lot (although with combined shipping it could be ok).

DUDE I LOOOOVE YOU we're buying four of these for christmas :) my poor Goldendoodle (my gold N64 controller) broke in just a few weeks. I can't waaaait to fix her. And I'm really glad I found this video, because my sister and I took her apart and weren't sure how to put her back together :P question: does it matter if you mix up the inside screws with the outside screws? are they different?

@theimporter Your right, I here those are fantastic but brutally expensive. Let us know if you want to give one of these a shot.

another big thanks you! ill can repear and mod further my grey blue moded original gamepad!

I bought one and it worked great for like 5-10 minutes. now it's automatically moving to the right.. What am I supposed to do?

@Anaman536 Glad to hear you love the N64! Have any favorite games?

I bought a couple of these on eBay and they're compatible with the ASCII Pad 64 controllers. Although it's made by ASCII, it's still licensed by Nintendo.

Weird, I'll have to see if I can replicate the bug. It would be interesting to know if it is a consistent bug with that game.

@theimporter Yeah, I hear you!

What accessories would you like videos on?

@VideoGameMuseumCom other than the bowser thing, its very good for things like banjo kazooie and mario kart, so i think i will keep :)

Is it possible to adjust the sensitivity with resistors?

@BrandonJMorrow94 That's quite strange. I'd try it in another controller. Just let me know if that works.

Is this joystick more long Lansing then the old n64 broken joystick cause i hope its long lasting as the GameCube/ Wii Classic control joy stick, and i hope this order is worth it and i ordered 2 and i hope it fits inside the ports.

I got them a few days ago and overall I'd say its a good product. There are a few issues with games that require quick movements of the analog stick, such as Mario Party games, but other than that they are worth it, especially if you have one controller that has a completely totaled joystick like I did. Another Issue is the price, I saw a whole controller for $15 at a local store with a similar analog stick.

On one of my controllers, there is a Nintendo64 logo on the black chip above the joystick. And my other Ice Blue controllers don't have that. Is it genuine? Thanks for the info!

The control stick has a hard time fitting in the contact and the first time i put it in the game said no controller so i took it apart and re installed it and now it works but random buttons will go off? is there anything i can do?

Hey , just curious but this is definitely worth it in the long run? In other words i won't have to ever replace my joy stick again after this?

Yup. Just added a link under the video for you.

@DontPieceMe221 You're welcome!

Will this work for third-party controllers that are exact replicas of original controllers?

Bought some from you myself. They work great, and on some games, too good. The main game I play is Super Smash Bros 64 and I've noticed the sensitivity to individual movements become magnified. Where on an original joystick you could just press forward quickly to run, on this new one, you have to do a double tap to initiate running. Power A moves are also crippled because of this effect and timing must be perfect or else you will just to a normal A move. You know anything that could fix this?

This is my personal review of this product and i gotta say it is more sick then the old wimpy joystick from nintendo and i think ou guys should be part of nintendo's controller making. I thought this thing will never fit in that port and it would be a waste of money but it was actually worth it.

It's hard to say without being able to see it myself. If it's in there firmly and working fine, I'd give it a shot. Worst case scenario, you just open it up and do it again someday.

@Videogamemuseum how is this in ssb and goldeneye?

Yup, just click the link under the video. Happy retro gaming! --Mark

@VideoGameMuseumCom My controller is different from yours. The joystick doesn't seem to have that toothy plugin, it has red and black wires that attach in two different places. Is it not gonna be compatible?

Is the replace-joystick hard plastic like the old one, or is it rubbery?

Check the links under the video.

I've got a quick question; I just installed this stick, and it works great... for the most part. But when I play Blast Corps, if I move the stick all the way to the bottom left, or the top right, it registers the action as the opposite direction (only much weaker). Is there any way to fix this?

How long will you be selling these for? I'd like to order a few but I'm on a tight budget at the moment.

@VideoGameMuseumCom It's the same for every one of them though. Does yours do this? Thanks very much.

I have a replica nintendo 64 controller and when I bought it, I thought it was ok. After a year, the control stick acts up. I can use all of the directions but when I hit this one direction it thinks I am holding he opposite direction slightly. I bought this hoping it works

How well does the stick work with Mario Party mini games?

do you know anything about a portable n64 or how to make one

@Tailslol had them today and i put it in my pad,it is realy good,but caution they change timing reaction a bit in a lots of games,it isnt bad but it can upset some brawler. the stick is too realy sensible,it react to realy small push,it is as sensitive as the iqueplayer stick (yea i own this colector) so some golden eye player need to be carefull but realy cool stick! it is just so easy to pop it in,the only bad,it dont have rubber on the tip,i d love to have the same as gamecube one.

Ok, if you can help me with this it would be great. Everytime I open a controller to clean them, I put it back together and it's really sqeeky when your holding it and moving it. Any suggestions??? Cheers!

@VideoGameMuseumCom Well, I have 1 N64 controller that is practically worn out. I may give this a shot in the future.

@VideoGameMuseumCom Then who manufactures these replacement sticks?