Strange Gamepads

I have couple of DualShock 3 controllers that are working but externally in really bad shape and some of the plastics are broken around the analog sticks. So I decided to see if I can refurbish one of them using cheap aftermarket case. The starting point. This controller has seen better days. Opening DualShock 3 is pretty straightforward. There are only 5 screw on the back of the unit. No hidden screws and all are same size. After removing the screws you have to apply some pressure to  the back cover in the area between the analog sticks. This releases one clip that is still holding the plastics together. Then carefully lift the back cover up. You have to maneuver the cover around the trigger buttons. The back cover removed. And the mandatory warning. Be very careful with the battery. Even though this is only joystick, the battery can be dangerous. Do not short the battery wires or damage the battery in any way. The first thing I do is to remove the battery. Using your ...

Not so strange this time, but decided to show how to disassemble and clean original Xbox Controller S. These units are really easy to work with and they are quality controllers. Microsoft has always made excellent peripherals. The Microsoft Xbox Controller S. Feels very sturdy. Common problem with these are that the rubber in the thumb stick caps wears out. It is difficult to source original Xbox controller thumb stick caps. However the Xbox 360 caps are compatible and they are cheap and easy to source. They are little smaller, but they sit higher up, so in the end they will be exactly in the same position as the originals. Back of the unit. One of the screws is hidden behind the label. If you don't want to destroy the label, then use sharp knife to peel off one corner and then peel the rest with your fingers. Beware that it is quite easy to rip the label. The hidden screw. All the backside screws removed. There are seven in total. All same size. Now you can just ...