Controllers, gamepads, and joysticks—call them whatever you want—might be the most convenient means for gamers, especially for single-player fans. A good gaming controller is almost essential. Unfortunately, good ones don’t come cheap. Many of us can’t afford a good-tier controller. Budget controllers might be a solution, but dirt-cheap ones are usually a money pit. Even good-tier ones are not perfect for everyone. In this article, we tear down one cheap controller and check why it won’t meet your high expectations. It is not even the most affordable or the worst one you can come across. So, think how bad things could be for way worse controllers. Let’s get down to some business.
The Teardown
What we need
A quality high-precision screwdriver (1.4 or 2 mm, usually) and occasionally WD-40 or a similar product if things are challenging (the one in the photo above is better suited for contact cleaning; the plain WD-40 would be adequate).
The Controller
The controller front
The rear view
All we have to do is remove carefully the screws in the rear of the controller. Be cautious of “hidden” screws. There was one under the QC sticker on the reference controller.
Remove all the screws. Usually, the bigger ones are for the cover of the controllers. Photos might be the best practice.
The result after removing the screws. WD-40 might be needed for rusty screws.
Remove the rear screws on the “green board.” Be cautious.
Remove the rear screws on the “brown board.” As always, be cautious.
All the “small internal screws” were removed.
The complete teardown. Appealing, isn’t it?
The Actual Issue
The problem (front view).
The problem (rear view).
As shown in the teardown photos above, the problem is this “rubber-like” buttons (X, O, Δ, rectangle) component. It is not built to last, and nothing but complete replacement can save it. It is the first thing that is replaced under warranty. But this “rubber” won’t last even if you replace it. Some might tell you to try WD-40 (e.g., Specialist), but that won’t make any difference. WD-40 might save the day with rust, loose buttons, etc., but it won’t help you with this. You will waste your time, nothing more. So, unless you want to spend money to replace your cheap controllers now and then, buying a good-tier one from the start is best. It will cost you way less in terms of time and money at the end of the day. The final choice is yours, though.
