Skip to main content

Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement

Views: 1.5K

View statistics:

Past 24 Hours:
2
Past 7 Days:
16
Past 30 Days:
86
All Time:
1,527
Comments: 0

No one has left comments on this guide. Will you be first?

Go to guide comments
Completed: 1

1 person has marked this guide "completed." Will you be next?

Favorites: 0

No one has favorited (and subscribed to) this guide. Will you be the first?

Time Required: 15 - 30 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Featured Student Guide

This guide has been the hard work of our awesome students and is found to be exceptionally cool by the iFixit staff.

Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement

Introduction

Go to step 1 ↓

Use this guide to replace a worn out or unresponsive D-pad on your Nintendo 64 controller.

The D-pad is an input component allowing you to control the up, right, left, and down direction of movement within a game. Over time, continuous use of the D-pad can render it non-functional. Fortunately, replacement of the D-pad is fairly easy and you can go back to playing your favorite Nintendo 64 games in no time.

Make sure to inspect your controller for any possible defects that may make repairs difficult or dangerous. If there are any loose wires, consider replacing the cable. If any of the screws are stripped, this guide has many helpful tips for removing these screws. Additionally, make sure your controller is disconnected from your Nintendo 64 system before you begin.

What you need

Tools

  • Phillips #0 Screwdriver
    5
  • Spudger
    4.9
    Optional
    1. Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement, Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 1, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement, Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 1, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement, Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 1, image 3 of 3
      • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the seven 10 mm screws from the body.

      • Remove the two 6 mm Phillips #0 screws from the expansion slot.

      • Separate the back cover from the front and set it aside.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    2. Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2
      • Remove the left and right shoulder triggers by sliding them straight up.

      • Gently unhook the cable that is looped around two cable clamps by nudging it up and out.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    3. Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
      • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the three silver 6 mm screws holding the joystick assembly in place.

      • Gently lift the motherboard and joystick assembly out of the controller.

      • In order to avoid damage to the board, lift it by the edges.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    4. Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
      • Slide the rubber pad off that covers the back of the D-pad.

      • Remove the broken D-pad from its socket.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    5. Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
      • Insert the replacement D-pad into the socket.

      • Stretch the rubber backing onto the plastic pieces and slide it down over the D-pad.

      • Carefully reinsert the circuit board into the controller housing.

      • Insert the joystick into its opening.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    6. Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3
      • Carefully secure the cord around the cable clamps.

      • Be sure to apply enough pressure so it sits below or flush to the edge to avoid problems putting the front and back case together.

      • Re-insert the shoulder triggers into place.

      • The L trigger will go on the right and the R trigger on the left.

      • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to secure the screws to the joystick assembly.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

    7. Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 64 Controller D-Pad Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2
      • Snap the back cover into place.

      • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to replace the screws on the back cover.

      Ask FixBot

      Add Comment

Conclusion

Happy gaming!

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.

One other person completed this guide.

Jamie Durman

Member since: 07/01/23

169 Reputation

1 Guide authored

0 Guide Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 2

Past 7 Days: 16

Past 30 Days: 86

All Time: 1,527