My thumb stick on my 3ds is disintegrating, and my switch is starting to follow. Please help.
So I'm very large and strong, I think I may be the cause of this. But does anyone know of a strong replacement? I'm capable of installing it myself, but my cursory Google search turned up nil for "strong game sticks"(let the jokes flow)
Just curious if I'm stuck playing d-pad game.
Have you checked iFixit? they carry replacement 3DS parts and might have what you need.
Never even crossed my mind. I ordered a standard replacement from AliExpress, but I was hoping there was a reinforced type.
So you play around a lot of acetone vapor or something? Actually impressive wear tbh.
Acetone only when I'm blending the layers of an abs print. Otherwise, no. I didn't usually fuck with low vapor pressure chemicals.
Replacement stick is less than 5 bucks on Aliexpress.
Switch stick in question.
This stick doesn't look that bad, if it's still working well you can probably scrape that plastic on the side and put a stick cap on top. Otherwise, I'd recommend going for hall-effect sticks if you're looking to replace it. They're higher quality and last longer than normal sticks.
As an aside, your Switch would REALLY benefit from being cleaned with some compressed air, that D-pad looks rough. All that gunk will get stuck at the bottom eventually which would make it feel very sticky. Same for all that dust under your stick.
Have you considered taking care of your electronics? That thing is filthy.
That's fair.
I think I would start by scouring the web for suitable replacement stick 3D-printer files. Once I had those, I would investigate what 3D-printing filament material is especially strong, and look for a place to print the files with that material.
If there's a hackerspace / makerspace in your area, someone there might be able to help.
Edit: The idea here is to make something that is stronger than the original stick or any cheap plastic replacement, in order to address OP's recurring problem. (I thought that was obvious, but there's at least one rude person here who apparently didn't follow.)
Problem is going to be layer adhesion. No matter if I orient it horizontally, or vertically. If injection molding can't stand up to the pressures I'm using, I doubt additive manufacturing will.
Not trying to sound combative btw! I appreciate all input and challenges to my thinking.
I'm talking about the whole stick, which most likely extends into the device. Not just the broken-off piece of the stick.
If you're determined to avoid opening the enclosure to do the replacement, you might consider drilling a post hole into the remaining piece of the broken stick, and printing a replacement piece with a matching post, but I think you would get better results replacing the entire part.
Edit: Regardless of what new stick you choose, it might be worthwhile to reinforce it by drilling a hole in the center of its post and inserting a metal rod.
I don't know the particulars of these devices, though. It's possible that the stem part of the stick might be too short to easily work with, or the potentiometer assembly might be resist disassembly. Good luck!
If your really want to go for it, you can order metal 3D prints from jlcpcb. They might require some post processing/polishing for this particular use.
You mentioned in another comment that you ordered some replacements from AliExpress. Those might last even less than the original ones. I would recommend take a look at GuliKit for good quality replacements.
No. 3D Printing is not the solution to everything. Get a replacement for $1 online. The End.
There's always a guide video to be found on how to replace joysticks online. Just follow along. Hell it's almost an internet rule about repairing anything, really.
Yeah, I ordered a replacement. I was just hoping there was a "made for giants" version.
I'm just shocked that you were able to avoid stick drift on the Switch for long enough to wear them down.
Seriously! Even as fucked up as it is, still no phantom input.
Have you considered Gamers Anonymous?
I'm trying to twelve step my way outta another addiction currently.
One at a time I guess.
Replacement 3DS circle pads:
https://handheldlegend.com/products/analog-circle-pad-replacement-for-nintendo-3ds
Replacement joycon sticks:
https://handheldlegend.com/products/tmr-joystick-assembly-for-switch-joy-cons-and-switch-lite
This site has a lot of good stuff
could be unrelated but maybe this is caused by acidic sweat...?
Same thing happened to my 3DS analogue thingy (it's not really a stick), I just use the jaggy plastic bit and stop playing when it hurts my thumb too much!
Haha it's nowhere near as bad as it was playing the original Mario Party on the N64
I'be replaced my Switch sticks with cheap kits I've bought off different stores. You should be able to get similar kits.
The stick on your switch just needs a new stick cover. They're plenty of styles and a dime-a-dozen, so just replace it when it wears down. Don't play rough with your switch until you get that otherwise you will break the stem like your 3ds and then need to replace the whole stick. Replacement sticks are available, I don't think they make them in with anything other than plastic.
If there’s a 3D model / printable replacement, might be able to modify it with a bit of texture and have someone with a CNC mill it from aluminum
It’s probably better for the easily replaceable stick to be the “wear and tear” part rather than the soldered stick module underneath
If I knew you IRL I would treat you to a pack of cotton swabs, bud ❤️ That thing needs some love.
I don't think you'll find a replacement game pad for the 3DS that is more resistant/stronger, but you should be able to find replacement parts. And replacing it is pretty straight forward, if I'm remembering correctly. (I had to replace mine on my 3DSXL, my little brother got ahold of it and pried the thumbpad off with a screwdriver :/). It wasn't overly expensive either I don't think.
This seems to be a common issue for you. You may have to switch over to using retro devices like AYN, Retroid, Ayaneo as the sticks are easily user replaceable.
It's really interesting. I own a lot of devices and consoles and usually never experience something like this even on well played systems / controllers.
But in comparison a family member uses his notebook for 1 month and it looks like it had been in a war zone for 30 years.
How??
(I'm not blaming anyone, they're your devices, but really curious how does this degrade this much? )
I would just replace them with normal sticks and then maybe get stick cap/covers akin to these or these.
Thanks for the links homie!
I used to have this problem with my ps controllers. I used to replace sticks, until i realized caps were easier. One time, used metal sticks and that was fine too
Edit: looks like switch only sells as a whole unit. Didnt see any third party metal sticks