Anbernic RG353V Thumbsticks Replacement

Written By: Konnor

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

This guide demonstrates how to replace the thumbsticks, also known as the joystick or analog stick, on the Anbernic RG353V. The thumbsticks allow the user to move in multiple directions within a game using the tilt of their thumb.

If your thumbsticks aren't registering or start to drift, you may want to replace them.

This guide requires some patience, as the thumbstick wires can be difficult to reattach. Before you begin this repair, make sure to turn off the device and unplug it from the charger.

Tools

Parts

Anbernic RG353V Thumbsticks

Step 1

Make sure to remove the SD cards from the device before repair. Push them inwards so that they pop out of their respective slots.
Use a 2 mm Hex screwdriver to remove the six 7 mm screws from the back case of the handheld game.
Use an opening tool to pry the top and bottom of the game apart. Work the tool around the perimeter of the device between the seam to release the snap tabs.
Separate the top and bottom cases gently.
Don't pull them apart as they are connected by cables and pulling them could rip the wires and damage the device.

Step 2

Push on alternating sides of the connector to disconnect the battery wire from the main circuit board.
If that doesn't work, use a pair of tweezers to firmly grip the sides of the connector and pull straight away from the socket. Hold the tweezers closer to the connector to get a better grip.
To disconnect the cable coaxial cable, slide a thin, ESD-safe pry tool or angled tweezers under the metal neck of the connector (as close to the head as possible) and lift straight up from the board.
When working with these connectors, it's key to always lift the head straight up. If pried on at an odd angle, you risk breaking the socket off of the board underneath.
Use tweezers to hold the connector in place over its socket and gently press down with your finger or a spudger—the connector should "snap" into place. If you're having trouble, reposition the head and try again.
Don't try to force the connector into place or you may permanently damage it.
Disconnecting these wires will allow you to separate the back of the case from the front in order to work more freely.

Step 3

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the five 7 mm Phillips from the plate covering the bottom of the circuit board.
Remove the black cover.

Step 4

Use a spudger to flip up the locking flaps of the ZIF connectors.
Use tweezers or your fingers to gently pull the red ribbon cables out of their sockets.
Use a Phillips #00 to remove the four 6 mm screws attaching the thumbsticks to the circuit board.