Full module replacements

 

Let’s talk about real, tangible replacements that you can buy or pre-order at the very least. Below lists the different options and any relevant links to the parts. If you message below or directly, I can update this list with your experiences. Please just tell me the tier/rating of the stick and why it is good/trash.

               

third party C tier and below 2/10 – 7/10 replacements

 

*Version 1 note: WTFParts.info will list all my confirmed reviews as mentioned in the intro (wtfpart.info). Therefore, unless I have tested the parts/have it on very good authority that the parts are either shit/primo they will be classed as unconfirmed

 

Optical replacements:

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Hyperkin (Not reviewed)

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• https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1359760-REG/hyperkin_dn64r_a04_n64_repairbox_replacement_joystick.html

• https://www.reddit.com/r/n64/comments/b1dtqp/hyperkin_repair_box_replacement_control_stick/ Hyperkin write up.

• https://www.dragonbox.de/en/spare-parts-tools/n64-replacement-joystick-repairbox

 

Sharpshooter (Not reviewed)

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• https://www.oldskoolgames.com/product-page/sharpshooter-optical-replacement-stick?m=201405

• https://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=65761 Testing

• https://www.retrorgb.com/n64oldskoolstick.html further test with comparison gifs

 

1upretro (Not reviewed)

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• https://1upretro.com/product/nintendo-64-analog-controller-replacement/

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Potentiometer replacements (I will always class these as 7/10 or below due to how the stick fundamentally works, the only exception being Prostick64) 

 

ZebLabs (CONFIRMED 1/10 – But no review)

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• https://www.zedlabz.com/collections/retro-nintendo-n64/products/zedlabz-compatible-analog-joystick-replacement-for-nintendo-64-controllers-n64

  • This stick was absolutely horrible to use in Goldeneye, was insanely sensitivity and playing Train (Doing lots of small movements accurately) was a big no go. Got refunded straightway (Great customer service here).

  • Maybe could be used for casual play but I wouldn’t….. just avoid.

 

Repair Parts 3D (Not reviewed)

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• https://www.banggood.com/Repair-Parts-3D-Thumbstick-Analog-Stick-Joystick-For-N64-Controller-Thumbstick-Pad-Replacement-p-1102313.html?cur_warehouse=CN

• I think this is Potentiometer.

 

Unconfirmed if Optical or Potentiometer (If anyone has any experience with these and whether they or optical or not please post below) 

 

Gam3Gear (Not reviewed)

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• https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gam3Gear-Replacement-Joystick-Thumbstick-Nintendo/dp/B014PJF8XK/ref=pd_sbs_4?pd_rd_w=YYS5r&pf_rd_p=1469375b-13b4-495f-86c1-e268482be980&pf_rd_r=9FS4FNJ2N3NEC4SH0BBK&pd_rd_r=125f1b74-1103-4d2c-8f42-93ac8bd8e1e5&pd_rd_wg=q5Ltb&pd_rd_i=B014PJF8XK&psc=1

• https://gam3gear.com/index.php/product/replacement-3d-joystick-thumbsticks-for-n64/

 

Hyrule games (Not reviewed)

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• https://hyrulegames.co.uk/new-replacement-joystick-for-n64-nintendo-64-controllers-plug-play.html

 

OTVIP (Not reviewed)

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• https://www.walmart.com/ip/OTVIAP-Analog-Stick-for-N64-Thumbstick-for-N64-5Pcs-Set-Thumbsticks-3D-Joystick-Analog-Stick-Replacement-for-N64-Controller/320703754

• Required soldering.

 

eStarland (Not reviewed)

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• https://www.estarland.com/product-description/Nintendo64/Nintendo-64-Replacement-Analog-Stick-4-Wires-Model/54049

 

Techexpress (Not reviewed)

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• https://www.techexpress.co.nz/products/nintendo-64-n64-replacement-joystick?variant=34109251600

• Required soldering.

 

The Gamesmen (Not reviewed)

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• https://www.gamesmen.com.au/n64-replacement-toggle-stick

 

Game Gorilla (Not reviewed)

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• https://gamegorilla.co.uk/collections/nintendo-64

 

Meme post (Not reviewed)

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• https://si.factoryonlineshops.com/content?c=stick%20n64&id=13

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Gamecube style replacement sticks: 2.x only; 0/10 for main stick play

 

• https://www.lukiegames.com/n64-replacement-thumbstick.html

• https://console5.com/store/replacement-controller-joystick-module-for-n64-gamecube-style-stick-repairbox.html - Hyperkin I think

• https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Replacement-64-Controller-Redesigned-N64-Controller-Thumbstick/dp/B009MRZAUC

 

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Third party A-tier: 7/10 and above (Confirmed quality replacements only here)

 

Steelsticks64 (CONFIRMED 9/10 – 10/10 (Grade A Bowl 97/100))

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• Out of stock A LOT, but he is active and making Grade A and Grade B bowls every few months to a year. Subscribe to get notifications when they become available

• https://steelsticks64.com/

• Grade A Bowl review: https://www.wtfparts.info/post/steelsticks64-com-grade-a-steel-bowl-review-the-ultimate-name-in-n64-bowl-replacement

• The full enclosures look like they will never be in stock again, however he hasn’t cancelled his waitlist so hope may still be there

 

Zedlabs Optical stick (CONFIRMED 7/10 – but not reviewed)

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• Out of stock, they have confirmed they have no idea when they will be available again)

• https://www.zedlabz.com/collections/retro-nintendo-n64/products/optical-style-analog-joystick-replacement-for-nintendo-64-controllers-n64-zedlabz?variant=27956375453798

• I got a ton of my early Goldeneye times using this stick so can confirm it’s legit, however they are out of stock, probably due to the worldwide chip shortage as it uses the optical method of movement recognition.

 

Input Viewers Kitsch-Bent full Module (CONFIRMED 8.5/10 - Stick/Bowl/Gears (See review for more combinations)):

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• Out of stock – Kitsch-Bent parts are still in stock, however this is not.

• https://inputviewer.com/products/kitsch-bent-n64-analog-module-stick-replacement

 

Prestige P64 stick (Not reviewed - Offline)

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• https://prestige-gaming.ca/products/p64/

• https://prestige-gaming.ca/wave-1-and-wave-2-status/ Have refunded everyone on wait list and are nothing making parts at the moment.

• A recent update in August indicates that they are still active, however the stick is still out of stock

 

Brewstick64 (Not reviewed)

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• A full Steelstick inspired stick made from the ground up. Would love to get hold of one for review as those that have bought them have literally given them sterling reviews. Biinny has stated they will never be mass produced, however he has teased some big news soon (9/12/2021)

• Sells on Etsy and gives shout outs when used or new sticks become available.

• Created with SM64 speedrunning in mind so can probably handle high stress gameplay

• https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BrewStix64

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Prostick64 (Not reviewed)

• A Potentiometer based mod stick that has multiple modes based on what game you are playing. More about this in  'The Future' Section.

• Completely built from the ground up and completely open source

• https://prostick64.com/

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Nomad Stick (Not reviewed)

• A stick that is completely built from the ground up. Uses a custom steel stick, steel bowl and steel gears.

•  Completely built from the ground up and will be moving into testing soon hopefully.

• https://twitter.com/NomadStick?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

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ReStick (Not reviewed)

• A traditional, analog design stick with steel stick and bowl.

• Features a innovative ball bearing at the base of the stick.

• https://www.retechmn.com/restick

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OEM S tier: 10/10 sexy hot tub live stream confirmed

 

OEM sticks are the best, by far. Perfectly tuned to the N64 and the games it plays. I would make the argument that an 8/10 stick is better than a brand-new 3rd party replacement. So, if you can get one and put the time in researching what to do to secure a great stick then it’s 100% worth it. Good thing that I have written a guide for it below!

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THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE NEW SWITCH N64 CONTROLLER RELEASE! The only part of that controller that can be used in old school controllers is the stick, spring and round white plastic part. The bowl is completely incompatible with OG N64 along with the gears.

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Individual Part replacements 

 

Welcome to the tinker zone. See below for links for individual part replacement: 

 

3rd party: Possible (Unless confirmed) C tier and below 2/10 – 7/10 replacements*

 

*Version 1 note: I am currently testing or have on order most things on this list. Final reviews will be on wtfparts.info so I would highly suggest going on there and getting the most up to date information!

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Also keep in mind that unless it states confirmed, these are all unconfirmed until tested.

 

Ubermicro (CONFIRMED – See Kitsch-bent)

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-  I got these through just after Kitsch-bent restocked and at first glance they looked exactly like kitsch bent. From the finish of the gears to the response in a controller. I am currently writing up the Kitsch-bent review so just go read that.

- https://www.ubermicro.co.uk/product/nintendo-64-analog-recondition-kit/

- How to install: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPXgVSyL_rl 

 

StangBoy (REVIEW IN PROGRESS – In stock)

 

• This guy made a big impact on reddit and apparently the parts are primo. They use carbon printing technology so it will be interesting to see how these turned out. When I reviewed PRINTom3d’s 3d printed gears I was impressed, however the use of graphite hurt the unit in my opinion. I will review once obtained.

• https://store.stangboycustoms.com/collections/all/products/replacement-n64-gears-v1b3   

Kitsch Bent (CURRENTLY REVIEWING – In stock

• Insanely popular gears, very cheap and widespread. Currently writing the review but these honestly are the most common and mentioned parts on the web.

• https://store.kitsch-bent.com/category/replacement-parts

 

PRINTom3d (CONFIRMED – 84/100 by WTFParts.info – Review below – In stock)

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• Gears in stock as well as plans for other parts including a full N64 module. He is loving sent me some parts to play with and a full write up is on wtfparts.info.

• Gears are 3D printed, he uses technical resin as opposed to classical resin (not sure what the specific are of these), however the strength of the product seems to be increased.

• https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ToOoM3D

• https://printom3d.com/

• https://www.wtfparts.info/post/tooom3d-n64-bowl-gears-and-stick-review-3d-printed-n64-parts-from-the-new-kid-on-the-block

 

GenovaGames (Not reviewed) – In stock)

 

• Gears in stock, however 3D printed and it looks quite obvious when zooming into the pictures, frayed plastic, uneven gears. I would like to get hold of these for testing before I can recommend

• https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1024077967/2-sets-nintendo-64-joystick-gears-for-x?ref=cart

 

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3rd Party A-tier: Possible (unless confirmed) 7/10 and above

 

N64Gears.com (CONFIRMED - 72/100 by WTFParts.info – Review below – In stock):

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• https://www.n64gears.com/

• https://www.etsy.com/listing/974625065/nintendo-64-controller-gear-replacement?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=n64+joystick&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&from_market_listing_grid_organic=1&frs=1

• No idea about the quality of these: “will restore 2 controllers to about an 8 out of 10 firmness”.

• “…restore the joystick to a firmness of 7 or 8 out of 10 (depending on its current condition).”

• [b]Full WTFParts review with interview pieces as well   https://www.wtfparts.info/post/n64gearsreview

 

Shapeways (Not reviewed)/Currently testing)

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• I previously marked these as below 7/10 as El Man has noted inconsistency with these parts. In addition, they are other mentions on the internet of their subpar replacements/inconsistencies. HOWEVER, I am currently testing some items from shapeways so watch this spot.

• https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?tag=n64

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3rd party S tier: 10/10 sexy confirmed.

 

 

Steelsticks (CONFIRMED – ((Grade A bowl only) 97/100 by WTFParts.info – Review below – Out of stock):

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• Incredibly inactive on the website and on social media. The future of this project is very much unknown. His website recently went down for a week, however nothing was updated stock wise that I noticed.

• https://steelsticks64.com/

• https://www.wtfparts.info/post/steelsticks64-com-grade-a-steel-bowl-review-the-ultimate-name-in-n64-bowl-replacement

 

El Man64 (Not reviewed – Out of stock):

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• The OG that created the files to make N64 part 3d printing possible and N64 part design possible. Out of stock due to not being able to find a good part manufacturer (Has mentioned inconsistencies with Shapeways). References Steelsticks for parts to use in conjunction with)

• Very inactive but has recently teased a new, completely redesigned stick, The eL Stick?

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• https://elman64.com

• N64 Hybrid Slim Stick Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPU-bykIWu4&t=527s

• https://twitter.com/el_man_ton/status/1408622781428690948

• https://clips.twitch.tv/GloriousHedonisticDogBatChest-JofSwLQ-1c6wUwn1

  • Initial impression video and I quote “Better quality than steelsticks”. One observation is that on the input display on the right, the range of movement looks insane

  • More info in 'The Future' section