Taking Apart Nintendo Controllers

Today we are going to take apart two Nintendo Controllers: The Gamecube controller and the Wii remote.
We will start with the Gamecube controller:

Step 1

Unscrew the screws on the back with a tri-wing screwdriver. This is like a phillips screwdriver but with three wings instead of the usual +. These can be purchased off of Amazon for $5, it is worth it.

There are six screws on the back of the controller. Be sure to put them in a bucket so you don't lose them. (This isn't as important for controllers instead of handhealds, but it is still a good habit to be in.)

Step 2

Slowly pry off the back. Be sure to note where the Z button is, it can be a little bit tricky when putting it back together (if you do).

Step3

You have now opened up the controller! Notice the large motor in the center of the controller. This is the Rumble feature. When we open up the Wii remote there will be quite a difference...

NOTE: There are two white switches next to the Rumble motor, when putting the controller back together be sure that they are pushed toward the wire.

Take the circuit board out of the plastic case. Examine it. Notice how the circuit board is (in this case) white, whick is an odd colour for a board.

And there you go! Sorry about the image quality. To put it back together, follow the steps in reverse. Be careful about the L and R white switches and the Z button.











The Gamecube controller is the most straightforward Nintendo product to take apart. Now, we are going to look at the Wii Remote.
Wii Remote

Step 1

The Wii remote is easy to take apart, but putting it back together is a little bit more complicated. To begin, take out the batteries and any extension controllers. Then unscrew four screws in the battery compartment. Next, slowly pry the area near the B button open.

Step 2

You will end up with this, unless you kept the buttons in the outer shell.

Step 3

Slowly remove the circuit board. DO NOT FORCE IT. It may stick a little, but that's okay. You are now finished! If you look below the white rubber in the picture, you can see the Rumble motor. Quite a difference from the Gamecube controller.

How the buttons should go on the shell

Now, putting it back together is a little bit more challenging, but only a little bit. Anybody with any experience will be done before they finish reading this, but it is important that you do this right if you are inexperienced. Put the buttons in the shell so that they fit into the slots and don't turn. Also, remember to put the speaker so it fits and that the plastic thing is on the four LED squares..  Then put on the rubber in the exact way shown, this is very important. When you are finished, put the circuit board in exactally as you found it. Then put the two parts together, and screw.




Voila! You just took apart and put back together a Gamecube controller and a Wii remote, and they still work!