Nintendo Switch Joy-con Control Stick Replacement

Written By: Devnol
  • Comments: 13
Nintendo Switch Joy-con Control Stick Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

7

Time Required

20 - 30 minutes

Introduction

This guide will teach you step-by-step instructions to

replace the joystick of a Joy-con. In this guide, the Joy-con(R) will be shown but the process is almost the same as the left one. Make sure that you have turned off your console to ensure there are no accidental connections

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    • Remember to turn off your console before you start repairing to avoid accidental connections with it.

    • First, start by removing these 4 Y00 screws on the back of the joy con.

    I stripped my back screws and I can’t take it out, what do I do?

    Jonathan Hsin -

    You can try this iFixit official technique: How to Remove a Stripped Screw Some steps will not work since it is an outer screw but it is probably worth trying. If that doesn’t work, I don’t know another solution but I hope you fix it.

    Devnol -

    You can try this iFixit official technique: How to Remove a Stripped Screw

    Devnol -

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    • Insert the flat side of a spudger on the curved side to pry the back cover open

    • Be very careful though, because there are two ribbon cables for the charging port and the SL/SR buttons!

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    • To avoid damaging components, remove the battery from the controller.

    • Please note that the connector is pulled out vertically and not sideways as a zif connector does.

    • Pull the battery connector with your tweezers from the bottom carefully.

    • Remove the battery by inserting the flat side of your spudger.

    • The battery is stuck to its frame with light adhesive.

    Battery cable connector is pulled out perpendicular to the board and does not pull out parallel to the board. This is not clear in the guide and could cause someone to break the cable.

    Kevin H -

    You are totally right. I thought it was too obvious but it’s better careful than sorry. Added it as a point.

    Devnol -

    You are totally right. I thought it was too obvious but it’s better careful than sorry. Added it as a point.

    Devnol -

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    • Pull the golden SMP RF connector that connects the Bt antenna with the main board.

    • remove the square antenna from the side of the battery compartment.

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    • remove the ZR button and its springs. Be careful not to break the clips holding it in place.

    • unscrew the four PH000 screws holding the battery compartment and the ZR button board. There is one hidden on the side of the hd rumble module.

    • The screw of the ZR button board is shorter than the others. Keep that in mind if you are sorting the screws using a magnetic project mat or the cover of a Mako driver kit

    • Pick up the battery compartment.

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    • Unscrew the two PH000 screws holding the joystick down.

    • Make sure to NOT disconnect the two side board cables. It may cause fatal damage to the controller.

    • Before you remove the joystick, remove the secured ribbon cable by opening the clip using the tip of a spudger.

    • Note that there is a small gasket below the joystick and that it has to be re-seated in place before inserting the new joystick.

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    • to add the new joystick, push it in firmly and make sure it has fully gone through the gasket I mentioned above.

    • Screw it in and put the ribbon cable in its socket. Don't forget to lock the cable in place.

Conclusion

To reassemble your Joy-con, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Devnol

Member since: 01/12/18

2792 Reputation

7 comments

Just a tip for people doing this repair. DO NOT remove the two ribbon cables between the two parts unless you absolutely have to. I pretty much destroyed my right joycon doing so. One of the cables was so hard to replace for me that I ended up breaking the clip that holds it in. My mistake, I could’ve been more careful but it’s probably best to just not even take them out in the first place. I’ve heard these cables are very finicky to position correctly anyways.

S C -

Ok, added the bullet to step 6 so that people know. Thanks for pointing it out!

Devnol -

I did not need to take off the ZR button to fix mine - so for future fixers, try that part without taking off ZR first. :) THANK YOU for creating this tutorial. This fix WAS SO EASY compared to the 3DS XL fixes I did in the past.

sugartoothfaery -

You have a point. But it’s probably better to remove it because the chances of breaking it are quite high. These are very sensitive cables, but you were lucky. Someone else though might not be.

Devnol -

I do understand that not taking it off can be difficult, but I also know that putting it back on after taking it off is a pain, because you have to adjust it in a way so you don't destroy the button like I did. If you do have to put it back on, I suggest you take a thin ridged object to put over the button while putting the plastic button piece back in.

Josiah M Giles -

I’d already replaced once set of Joy Cons when I realized this was possible. Got a new set for Christmas and the left joy stick was already drifting. My hands shake a bit, but the guide was very straightforward. As far as I can tell, the fix is good to go, and I’m going to try and find my old set and replace that joystick too.

Thanks for the guide! It was great!

Samik -

Used this on both the Left and Right Joycon, the Left Joycon has an extra ribbon that goes over the analog stick. So yes if you dont have to take off the 2 ribbons that connect the 2 halves don’t. Great job!

Matt Weatherly -