How to replace a 3DS XL Analog Stick

[@larcenouslaugh]

Great video. Had to fix my son’s 3DSXL and you broke it down like it was nothing. Thanks for taking the time to put it up.

[@MewTwoVT]

@12345678910 haha funny guy

[@Undertakerfan700]

12345678910 No, unless it becomes an addiction, games have been proven to have positive effects on the brain as it’s constantly working on solving different puzzles etc.

[@Lukaros_]

@12345678910 shut the fuck up Karen

[@princepond1633]

Brian Tyler, did your son’s 3ds warranty expired at the time?

[@EphemeralMemory]

Great video! Just replaced my analog stick. No drift observed. Just one thing: I could not get the screws out with my Phillips, and after a bit of research, I found out these screws are JIS. Purchased a set of the JIS Screwdrivers and used the 000 screwdriver to remove all screws with no issues. (Forcing the Phillips only started stripping the screws.)

[@Oscargoo]

wish I had read this before trying today

[@AerynBella]

This comment should be stickied at the top of the Comments. I had the same problem. I think I've almost stripped one of the screws on the back casing. :( Hopefully, once I get a JIS 000, it should still be able to loosen the screw. *fingers crossed* Edit: Luckily I hadn't completely stripped my screws. The JIS 000 worked!

[@agirl9592]

Im so glad I found this comment before I fully stripped my screws haha. Thank you thank you thank you

[@CaptainLoony]

Extremely helpful. For other people feeling insecure about taking the rubber covers off: mine were glued, so try to tear off the glue off the rubber by prying from the sides until it's off, and then take them off.

[@Nathan35077]

Thank you, this was very helpful. And it’s nice to see an easy system repair process lol. No prying and feeling like you’re going to break the shell

[@angiejones2540]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! Because of you, I was able to replace 2 broken joysticks on my sons 3DS's. Found the parts on ebay 2 for $5. The hardest part was loosening the tight screws! You print saved us $100+ in repair fees!

[@Nathan35077]

Just got my joystick in the mail, and gave it a shot using this video! Took me maybe 5 minutes! Great video! I’m horrible at this stuff, and you explained it so well that I actually even skipped a few steps, managing to save time! This joystick feels much better than the glob of hot glue I was using as a joystick because mine broke the same way yours did 😅

[@justinmacleod9509]

I was gifted a 3DS XL from my brother because it 'stopped working right' I was just looking for basic info to troubleshoot and it turns out it was just a broken joystick. Thanks for an easy to follow tutorial!

[@Bepetoni]

Man, I'm gonna cry, you sound so nice ;u; I have no skills in fixing things, but you make it look so easy! Thank you!

[@nexuscrescendo7593]

This tutorial helped so much! it was clear & straightforward the only thing was my 3DS XL had a slightly different set/arrangement of screws & placement of them but this still was able to follow along despite that so thanks so much man you were of great help!

[@SekiroOnSwitch]

Thank you so much. My circle pad on my 3DS XL came off years ago. I ordered a replacement part and followed the steps in the video. It works! Thank you! P.S. to anyone reading this that is going to give this a shot - be careful and do NOT strip your screws.

[@Catkeeper]

Thanks for this, my 8 year old 3DSXL analog broke recently and this guide helped me fix it.

[@jss636]

Dude. I am so excited about fixing my old 3ds after watching this. It's been broken now for about 6 years!

[@Someone-no]

Woah this comment was from 3 years ago but were you able to replace the analog stick?

[@Snax_Musician]

Thanks for this vid! Very clear and easy to understand. I would recommend at 5:45 when it's time to put the plastic washer back in between the analog joystick, that one tries and attach the joystick and washer at the same time. Makes it a bit easier. That was the most challenging part. Everything else is pretty straight forward. Great vid. Thanks again!

[@NeraizeI]

Awesome guide! I've noticed the original analog stick consisted of a rubber and plastic part glued together, which is why it may have fallen off for a lot of people. The replacement I picked up is all plastic with a matte finish. They feel super future proof, thank you for the help!

[@Macaco_Laser]

I bought a 3ds xl today and came with a broken thumbstick, fortunately the dude gave me the replacement joystick with it for free, this video helped out a lot.

[@Miss_Palindrome]

After hearing the Nintendo eShop will be closing down for the 3DS in March (Apparently it's in 2023, but my friend thought it was this year), I felt compelled to open my 3DS and make sure I got all I needed off of the eShop before I couldn't anymore. My analog stick was broken years ago, so I finally decided to fix it. This video was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@-tweeomoz-1786]

After Thanos decided to snap my circle pad out of existence, this vid really helped. Thank you so much, man!

[@MeEmeraldBeast]

Thank you so much. It really helped me fix my 3DS XL joystick as it was broken. Thank you again!

[@ItsYaBoiV]

Howdy! Just wanted to say thank you for this, because I just replaced my broken joystick, and my 3ds is back in business. I had a general idea of how to replace it, since I've repaired controllers, and way back when I used to repair old 90s computers (everything is smaller, but the act of clicking those little shoulder bumper connections together is kinda universal) and this still helped me a lot before just taking it apart and unscrewing everything in sight! 😂

[@TimHodes]

I know it's been years, but this helped me when my joystick 'cap' broke away like yours did. Thanks!

[@JoPhobic]

Simple and straight to the point. Followed the instructions step by step and replaced my joystick. The worse part is getting those ribbon cables back in place lol. Thumbs up anyway! :)

[@lorenzor7993]

Quick and easy no bs video. I replaced my analog stick today with this video. Thanks alot! ✌🏾

[@guilhermetrentini4228]

Thank you, my analog stick was kinda loose, so I bought another one and replaced it very easily with your guide. Cheers from Brazil :)

[@Cedrikuya]

I just changed my joystick thanks to your tutorial, simply following your steps you're explaining really well, thank you !!

[@davee9928]

I ordered the part from Amazon and followed your steps. Great video and easy to understand (as long as you have the tools). Thanks! 😁👍

[@Carlie_flower]

About to try and fix one someone gifted to us. 😁 You make it look fairly easy. Thanks!

[@Sianthe]

I just fixed my 3ds circle pad using your tutorial! It worked perfectly! Thanks!

[@PokemonHunters-]

Was able to replace my analog stick because of this video. Prob would have broke the (L) and (R) bumper buttons by removing the back the wrong way so thanks for that. Only thing I did wrong was tighten down the analog to tight to where it was sticking. So make sure when tighten it you don't do it to tight folks.

[@hulksmash5-625]

Your video helped me out I didn't know it was gonna be this easy to replace thank you for making and putting this video up for ppl to watch so we can fix our 3ds xl

[@jerryfox2960]

Ooof thought I was the only one with that problem thanks for the tutorial xD

[@MeEmeraldBeast]

lol same the was I

[@todddelozier8172]

This is by far the best how-to video I have ever seen.

[@GuardianOfRlyeh]

This was a great help to replace the analog stick of our daughter's 3DS. She even was able to do it herself! :)

[@kassydelgado440]

Very helpful and easy tutorial! Thank you for your help I was able to change my analog joystick after putting it aside!

[@mirellakacinskis1189]

Great video, extremely detailed but still short and concise. Thanks, man!

[@ok_listen]

Thank you so much, guides with images doesn't show you the final steps, so i had so search something else. This was a blessing, and you made it so easy.

[@dabird2120]

I thought I killed my 3ds but thanks for this video! Also got a little knowledge on how electronics work

[@MeEmeraldBeast]

XD

[@DG-rk6mj]

Getting that circle pad in and out is like watching a magic trick 😂 Edit: changed my analog stick successfully, thanks for the video!

[@farenfax7640]

Made it simple and hassle free to replace my joystick. Much appreciated my friend.

[@forbiddenforest5327]

you just saved me £135, what a gentleman! Consider yourself drenched in good luck for 6 months.

[@CybernautZero]

Thanks a ton! With your help I just replaced the busted joystick cap on my old 3DS XL and it works fine!

[@lorddavinci5468]

Thank you so much! Perfect video, perfect length! You made that so easy to follow. My favorite system and with sentimental attachment. So thank you! Thank you!

[@niallers8572]

Thanks man you explain the video very well, just spent 1 hour and a half trying to put the ribbon cable until the clip with out tweezers. To my surprise it works perfectly. Before I took the ds apart, I thought there was a 80% chance I would have broken it lol

[@MissPoohXbear]

Thank you so much! I was afraid I'd have to buy an entire new system.

[@kingcobra8299]

Great video! Very easy to follow instructions and got my controller changed over in less than 30 mins. Thanks Pink Gorilla!

[@alessiomungiovi6966]

Thanks, I haven't played nintendo 3ds xl in months because I didn't know how to fix it and I had the same problem as you 🙂

[@thebrokenrojin5916]

Awesome vid! Seeing the HD breakdown had me replacing the joystick in about 7 minutes start to finish.

[@freakshow5355]

Thanks bro your a life saver I grew up with the 3ds and after I broke the analog stick playing hasent been the same so thanks

[@juscelino2253]

thanks man i just replaced mine i did without disconnecting the flats thanks god, i used the screwdriver inside the hole to rotate the pad to take it off, and to put the new one, it was easier to place this way (same for that plastic circle thing)

[@hazelbazinga9311]

Replaced my joystick by watching this vid, thanks.

[@jackspedicy]

THANK YOU!!! I finally fixed it and you’re video was so simple and broken down step by step. Thank you

[@unetfg]

Its always great when Dad fixes sons broken handheld games❤️

[@ravenjamtay5347]

I'm trying to unscrew the back but the screws won't turn. I'm using Philips PH000 but it no use

[@dannemannen18]

Same here. I used 10!screwdrivers and it doesn't work even though I have done it before. Anyone have a solution?

[@katt0906]

Ph00 doesnt work as well

[@MeEmeraldBeast]

way? right the it screwed have you sure you Are

[@ендермєш]

just make some power on them

[@uh-oumakock-itchi8055]

@@ендермєш Bad idea. The screws become unusable.

[@meadow1900]

Thank you! This is a great video. You explained it so well. I successfully fixed my son’s 3dsxl.

[@boolou127]

Recently got a sticky analog stick, going to try this tomorrow! Thank you!

[@icmdead1]

Easy to follow video and I've successfully fixed my sons 3ds thumbstick. Thanks!

[@nathanyesudas3528]

Bro thank you so much.I was able to fix my childhood 3ds

[@a_a_42]

Thanks a lot! I had a problem with removing some of the screws but I just bought a better screwdriver and used some wd-40

[@miguelmassolardecarvalhopi9917]

Thank you so much!!! It was extremely helpful! The only thing I need to do now is buy a new gray thing for the stick! The new one I bought didn't came with one.

[@redbeard3574]

I managed to fix mine this afternoon. Thanks for uploading!

[@Someone-no]

Have you dealt with any stripped screws? The 4 smaller screws that are shown on the corners of the console when you take the back plate are all stripped and impossible to take out because of how deep inside they are inside the console

[@yoyogizmo6871]

I did this but every time I turn my 3ds xl on it keeps rapidly moving up on the screen as if the thumb stick is constantly facing upwards.?

[@rosewoodproductions5029]

YoYoGizmo do u still need help

[@owencarey3557]

@@rosewoodproductions5029 I could use help, I have that same problem

[@LGGbuilding]

I have the same expect its going left

[@mycomputergl0wsblu]

U need to push that little notch down into the hole on the thumb stick part until it clicks and has a tight contact

[@juiceoverflow]

reconnect the ribbon cable

[@BandiPower]

I wish people just sold the rubber top of the cap instead of the entire thing. Does the one you own have a rubber cap that can be taken off from the analog? PLEASE HELP!

[@genedieve]

Two years later, I'm wondering the same thing... How did you fix the problem?

[@BandiPower]

@@genedieve nope, I just moved on with my life and stopped using it.

[@brolapse69]

Awesome vid. Gonna use this to put a new stick in my old War Horse New 3DS XL I bought at launch.

[@oceanechristy8660]

Was everything the same on your new 3ds xl?

[@brolapse69]

@@oceanechristy8660 Extremely similar. The stick piece itself is a tad different, but other than that pretty well identical.

[@oceanechristy8660]

@@brolapse69 ah damn so i have to find another kind of stick? Thank you for the answer, Ive been playing like that for a whileee

[@brolapse69]

@@oceanechristy8660 Yeah the sticks aren't interchangeable. They have screws in different spots. The part is exceedingly difficult to find unfortunately.

[@brolapse69]

@@oceanechristy8660 but, if it's just the plastic bit that's funky on yours you should be okay. They're the same.

[@ifninomiko3883]

I was able to use this to do my own analog stick replacement. Thanks!

[@miro_trendafilov]

Thanks man, really helped me out! You're officially awesome!!!

[@gay_tortilla]

Literally thank you so much, I followed the ifix it guide but it didn't tell me how to actually install the thumbgrip part and I almost broke it.... Because I thought the notch and top part separated.... SO YOU ARE AN ACTUAL GODSEND, THANK YOU SM ❤❤❤❤

[@baronstomper]

THank you! I was looking all over for how to re-insert that pesky circle pad ribbon cable loL!

[@sebastianh8616]

During disassembly, I had a loose spring in the joystick area. Is this at all important?

[@raffadventures8086]

Just replaced my kids analog stick very informative video!

[@ponocni1]

Literally how my own looks like now. Thanks for guide.

[@ponocni1]

Just replaced it, thanks to your guide, only thing that should be mentioned is, that first two screws at least on my console was triwings.

[@pcontreras8510]

Recently found my old stash of ds and 3ds consoles. They were absolutely mangled, but only one was fully dead, the other three that survived i'm fixing now, although I couldn't figure out how to insert the analog stick. I'm sure I would have tried to separate the "top half" from the "bottom half" hadn't I seen this vid first. So, uh, thanks a lot.

[@robertbridges8027]

Hey I just wanna say thanks, your tutorial was very helpful.

[@mycophile]

Thanks. You saved my daddy's life ! 👍

[@JaydensSweatyGstring]

Thanks alot I was able to fix my 3dsxl I snapped it during majoras mask

[@GoldenAngel3341]

Ok, so I fixed my 3DS circle button like a month or two ago, so I don't remember much. I did however(iirc) notice there wasn't much talk the black plastic/paper ring that is part of the 3DS button. There is a black ring that comes attached to the 3DS button. I wish there was a part in the vid where you pop out this plastic black ring. 5:13 you can see said black ring on the table. Pretty sure you got to be careful with that. Regardless, great video. My 3DS circle button works great again. Ty.

[@AllAcacia]

Thank you for the video! It worked and it was fun doing the process myself

[@dizzymansdream]

Thank you for making this. Not a lot of info on the analog stick

[@bosstareq9]

Thanks for the vid man! Really useful, especially for me. But a question, are all the other 6 screws (excluding the game slot one) on the backplate the same? This is just so I can put it all in one place and not have to be all assigning and all.

[@itsnotstef]

thanks for the tutorial! it was super easy to follow and my ds works as well as before

[@luislobosdiaz8353]

great tutorial man! you saved my 3DS!

[@1life2pono]

Super helpful and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@wilfredofeliciano2870]

It's worked for me. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@dariobianca5100]

Hi, thank you for the tutorial. I have a question for you. I've followed every step carefully, but when i turned on the 3DS after the analog stick installation, I noticed that movement on the X-axis (right and left) using the pad is not as good as the movement on Y-axis (up and down) and sometimes the movement input on those directions is not received from the console: do you know the reason?

[@flameofmidnight5041]

A very detailed video ! Thank you for the help bro :D

[@lemptythoughts9399]

Your video is very well explained, sadly one of the screw won’t come off and I can’t even access to my old joystick because of it aha.

[@MegaAlexiel]

Thank you for making this, I was looking for the safest way to do this and this was it, do you happen to have a video on fixing a broken hinge on the 3DS XL?

[@prismatic1239]

If it's broken you're gonna need to buy a new bottom screen plate.

[@anap7794]

Thank you! :) this was super helpful and easy to follow ~

[@glint8824]

So you only need a small Philip's head? No weird tri-wing screwdriver, right?

[@mutawarrior]

My circle pad is sticking so that when I hold it in right and then let go, it keeps moving right on its own as if my thumb was still holding it like that. Doesn't do that with left, up or down. Would that require a module replacement? My guess is the pad itself seems like it's just there to make contact with the module which is directly responsible for the input. So unless there's maybe some dirt that has to be cleaned, would the module need to be replaced in my case?

[@MushaGuy]

thanks for the help, this was a quick and easy fix

[@SensitiveVirmin1234]

is the washer for the thumb cap necessary because that what broken for mine as well. just wondering

[@aaronle8357]

my screw on the backplate stripped what do I do???

[@Someone-no]

I’m having the same problem. I can’t even get pass the problem since they’re the four smaller screws on the corners when you take the back plate off so I ordered replacement screws and I’m trying to find ways to take them out but it feels impossiblee

[@Victor-qk7mw]

Thank you, this was ver helpful. Cheers from Chile :)

[@satiresapphire]

Where did you buy your joystick replacement piece?

[@alexthegreat2023]

I've seemed to hit an issue. I did everything you said and put everything back in place. When I turned it on and started playing a minute passed and it turned dark saying an error happened. What should I do?

[@mikeha]

and I thought all I had to do was snap the new one into place. quite involved repair, hope I can do it.

[@lythsetty]

sameeee 😫

[@Sanjidub]

I think this works better if you don't unplug the ribbon cable... I followed all the steps, and now everytime i start the cursor keeps moving to the right... any fixes?

[@noamushhaktana]

I think the screws in the battery layer are stripped since i cant take them off. i tried the rubber band trick and all... what can i do?

[@darkshibe2267]

You sir. Are a LEGEND!

[@79tomato1]

great video, worked like a charm for me.