Replacing Worn-Out Nintendo 64 Controller Thumbsticks

A very common problem with the N64 controller is that its thumbstick wears out and becomes loose. But while some game console repairs or mods can be daunting, this one is something practically anyone can do.

Disclosure: Hand Held Legend provided the part shown in the video at no cost, but no money changed hands and the opinions expressed here are solely my own. As a policy I do not produce sponsored content.

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[ThisDoesNotCompute]

There have been many comments with concerns about the quality of not just this part, but replacement N64 thumbsticks in general. As with all third-party parts, there are of course going to be varying levels of quality. I was only sent one part, and I can say that in my experience, it's performed fine. The caveat is that I haven't been able to test it with every N64 game, or for dozens or hundreds of hours -- with the testing I performed, it worked well for me, but if you have specific preferences or requirements, it may not be the best option for you. There are replacement parts available for the original thumbstick assembly if you prefer to rebuild it, or entire third-party controllers. As with all things gaming (and tech), while some people take things very seriously, others approach it more casually. I think this part is probably better suited for the latter.

[agizm]

Kitsch-Bent sells replacement parts for the original N64 control stick. For the same cost of a 3rd party stick, you could repair 5 or more original sticks. While they may wear out again, I don't expect it to happen as quickly since I'm not playing everday. I bought 10 sets of spare parts so I should be good for a lifetime

[dnel]

I was given an N64 yesterday with this exact problem and just happened to be browsing your other videos. Very useful to know!

[drecksbongert]

what a coincidence that youd make this video right when i was looking into repairing my n64 stick as well. perfect timing!

[marioboi]

Really helped me when I replaced my n64 controller’s stick. I had a few troubles putting the controller back together but managed to in the end after some fidgeting with the controller port’s wire to help fit the controller. 10/10. Would replace again

[IsaacShoebottom]

Interesting to note this replaces the n64's optical sensors, which are in many ways superior to potentiometers which will wear out. If your n64 controller stick is not slack yet, apply some lubrication to ensure the plastic keeps for longer, and don't throw away the old housing if you do this mod! You can buy new plastic parts for inside the housing but the optical mechanism is not as reproducible.

On an unrelated note, how does this controller do in terms of the outer radius? The original joystick has an odd hexagon shape that most n64 games are designed for. It can lead to some games feeling off using different geometry around the stick? I suggest you test it with an N64 Controller Test rom (first result in google).

[mrblond]

The days of 007 & Perfect Dark were not nice to my joysticks back in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. I use to fix these regularly back in the day. A little lube on the moving parts went a long way to preserve the original sticks when multiplayer matches were daily and lasted well into the early morning hours.

[edumeli]

Insane that you posted this video a couple of days after me purchasing a Nintendo 64 and I noticed the controller had a worn analog stick.

[getermoura]

How's Mario movement with this new stick compared to the old one? I've seen reviews of other replacements that do not work the same as the original in accuracy. Nice condition of the M64 cartridge btw!

[jhesski]

I love your videos, I think in this case you have missed investigating a big concern with any thumbstick replacement. There are issues with reproducing the n64's range of motion and how the change in position is tracked. This can be verified in games like golden eye aiming can be nearly impossible with some replacements. Also in mario you can test how it ramps from slow walk to run as you press forward. This can make the games harder to play then with a warn controller. I hope this isn't the case in this replacement but it would be sad if viewer bought a replacement that does work well.

[RichHomieBodhi]

Look into the replacement parts from Kitsch-Bent. The replacement gears and bowls aren’t as smooth as oem but the sticks are as accurate as oem since it’s still using the original sensors just new gears.

[thegreatboto]

I've tried installing one of these into one of my controllers and while it functions, it doesn't seem to have the same levels of gradual motion, acceleration or range of input. Slower/less sharp steering in driving games, troubles in Zelda OoC performing certain spin attacks or precise movements to not fall off of something, etc. Acts more like an 8 way digital input. Might be ok for a very casual use, but just makes me prefer an original stick that isn't as worn, or my Brawler64 pad.

[JamieBainbridge]

I've used these sort of replacement stick in the past. The analog deadzone and movement rate slightly don't match the original stick, so it destroys those decades of muscle memory aiming in GoldenEye. Very disappointing. You can get replacement gears from Kitsch-Bent, I think those are a superior option. If the bowl is too worn it can be built up with epoxy then sanded. Maybe try one of those too?

[JeffManseau]

I performed this repair last year on my N64 controllers using the Hyperkin replacements which look eerily similar and I ran into a very minor issue: the tolerances were slightly off and the Z trigger got really stiff as the casing pushes it ever so slightly further up than stock. Did you run into a similar issue with these?

[gamergod]

the sad irony about the original N64 joystick is that the optical sensors are actually a lot more robust than the potentiometers used in all modern joysticks, including this replacement one. they basically have zero wear.

[walazzle]

The only downside to these sticks is they tend to be too "soft" when you are used to the original sticks. I like them, but you basically have to recaliber yourself when playing games requiring precision.

[kevinb]

Man this console was the first one to show me I can't handle 3D movement
I would get a dizzy with a headache and my eyes would hurt the racing game would not be so hard on me unfortunately the 3D would I would say that the N64 is still one of coolest console of 96 and it successor the game cube had some of the best graphics to me anyway

[fossil-bit]

Haven’t tried one of these yet but I am impressed with the replacement OEM parts from Kitsch-Bent. They are very cheap and with some proper lube and a bit of refinement, they are a direct replacement and keep it original.

[davifariasdrum]

Thanks for this video! I have here two N64 controllers that is deeply worn-out. Your video will help me through the process of replacing it.

[Kunio]

Mods/repairs that require zero knowledge of Cutting or Soldering is an instant win in my book.