Cleaning tips and tutorial for Nintendo, Sega or other controllers
When a console controller doesn't work well, it's probably because the contacts and silicone pads are dirty or damaged. Whether it's a Super Nintendo, SEGA Genesis, PlayStation or Turbograftx-16 controller, cleaning and/or part replacement are necessary!
For a really good cleaning of a retro gamepad, I strongly recommend you to take it apart in order to have access to each component. This is the only way to be able to properly remove all the dust and unwanted (and unidentifiable) matters from inside these old accessories. It will also be easier to detect any rust problems or end-of-life components.
You will need a small Phillips screwdriver for most controllers, a 2.5mm cross screwdriver ("Y") for others (GameCube), rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol 90% and above preferred), a degreasing cleaner or dishwashing liquid, a brush or soft paintbrush, a scrubbing sponge, a microfiber cloth, a glasses wipe, cotton swabs and toothpicks.
Plastic parts cleanupPersonally, I like to give the plastic parts of the controllers a “bath” to give them a nice shine and disinfect them. You can use a non-abrasive dish soap or degreaser and scrub with a sponge, soft brush, cotton swabs and/or toothpick to remove any dirt. Remember to allow all parts to air dry for at least 12 to 24 hours (or less using a fan) to avoid any problems with the electronic parts. To disinfect, you can use rubbing alcohol or disinfectant diluted with water to prevent damage to the plastic.
Electronic components cleanup and inspection
The electronic components of old-generation console controllers (8 to 64 bits) are often very simple. Gently scrub all surfaces of the circuit board with a paintbrush or soft toothbrush to remove dust. Then, using a cloth with glasses and rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol 90% or more is preferred), clean all parts, particularly the button contacts, taking care not to damage them. Finally, do a quick inspection to detect rust on the metal parts, damaged contacts or cracks on the printed circuit board (PCB).
Silicone pads cleanup and inspectionSilicone membranes are used to create electronic contacts and easily snap buttons back into place when pressed. Over time, the material in these fragile parts dries or cracks, which causes your controllers to malfunction. During your inspection, if these parts appear to be in good condition, I suggest cleaning them first with hot water to remove dust and other debris. Be very gentle to avoid damaging them. Let dry 12 to 24 hours. Finish by passing a small glasses cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol 90% and above preferred) over the black carbon pins.
Electrical cord cleanup and inspectionOkay... This isn't the most important part to clean, but you'd be surprised how dirty it is! I use a microfiber cloth with a degreaser cleaner (Mean Green) and finally, a bit of rubbing alcohol. If the cord is slightly damaged in few places, it's time to add some electrical cable insulation tape.
Different problems to recognize
The situations described below are undoubtedly the most recurring problems encountered when playing with a retro console controller. When you notice these symptoms, it might be time to devote some time [and love] to your old controllers.
No response from the controllerWhen nothing responds on the screen, it's probably a problem on the controller's printed circuit board (PCB) or a cut wire in the cable connected to the console.
A button that remains pressedWhen you press a button and the feeling is weird and different than the others, it's probably a sticky matter disturbing the proper functioning or a damaged silicone pad. [REPLACEMENT PADS]
A button that does another actionWhen you press a button and it causes an adjacent button action, it's probably dirt creating a short on the printed circuit board (PCB).
A character who moves on his ownWhen there's movement on the TV without you pressing any buttons, it's likely a stuck button or a worn joystick. [REPLACEMENT JOYSTICKS]
Pro tips and tricks
As for game cartridge cleaning, I have tried several techniques to restore video game accessories from my personal collection and my business. Here are some tips you might find useful:
- Always take a few photos during disassembly to be able to put everything back together easily later;
- Put the screws and small parts in a pot or an ice cube container to avoid losing them;
- To remove rust, verdigris or battery leakage: Baking soda / White vinegar / Rubbing alcohol / Solvent (Acetone, Propanol or White Spirit);
- To clean the printed circuit board: Isopropyl alcohol / Electronic contact cleaner;
- To remove stickers: Lighter gas / Goo-Gone / Rubbing alcohol / Hair dryer / Plastic scraper / Let your nails grow;
- To remove marker: Eraser / Rubbing alcohol / Magic eraser soaked in a little water / Marker with dry eraser.
Techniques to avoid
Here are a few things to know before making an irreversible mistake:
- Don't use a water-based cleaner on the printed circuit board (PCB);
- Don't use an overly abrasive cleaner or product on the button contacts: Brasso / Sandpaper / Magic Eraser / Abrasive sponge;
- Don't use solvent on plastic.
Last word
We never ask questions when buying used video games, but for a controller that is omnipresent in users' hands, here's something to think about... Think about how many times that gamepad has been used without being cleaned and to all observable behaviors during or between each use: going to the toilet, eating, sneezing, coughing, sweating, scratching, etc... [OUACH] This is why you should disinfect your old used controllers!