Xbox:Controller Repair
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[Intro. Link to Wikipedia article.]
[Things to note: Connector is really USB, but with extra v-sync wire for lightguns. Onboard memory slots are also USB ports (plus v-sync pin) in different form factor, each controller is a USB hub.]
Xbox Game Controller "The Duke"
 | [Warning about plastic degradation.] |
[Summary. Much fewer produced, but also significantly lower demand. Price for good condition Dukes may increase as controller shells break and thumbstick surfaces wear.]
Casing
[All retail controllers are black with standard jewel.]
[More details about brittle plastic.]
[No aftermarket parts available.]
[Repair broken screw posts with epoxy or hot glue.]
Disassembly
[7 screws to open the case. X screws to remove the board. D-pad?]
Thumbsticks
[Instructions to replace thumbstick posts.]
[No aftermarket parts available.]
Cord
[Slightly different design from Controller S cord, but compatible?]
[Genuine Duke controller cords are all slightly translucent green.]
[Aftermarket parts available?]
Triggers
[Trigger mechanism disassembly]
Capacitors
[Console5?]
Xbox Controller S
[Images of both board versions.]
[Summary. More common, and most consider more comfortable.]
Casing
[Many color and jewel combinations produced. Most common are solid black, translucent green, translucent blue. Link to Reddit post.]
[Instructions to safely remove the product label.]
Disassembly
[7 screws to open the case. No screws to remove the board. 2 screws to disassemble the D-pad.]
Thumbsticks
[Instructions to replace thumbstick posts.]
[Compatible with Xbox 360 Controller aftermarket thumbsticks.]
Cord
| [Warning about connector orientation when resoldering. |
[Slightly different from Duke controller cord, but compatible?]
[Black cord if made in China, or slightly translucent green if made in Malaysia.]
[Genuine S Controller cords have Microsoft logo on ferrite bead. (Duke controllers do not.)]
[Aftermarket parts available, including breakaway adapters.]
Triggers
[Trigger mechanism disassembly]
Capacitors
[Console5?]
Cleaning
[Disassemble to separate plastic components. Scrub plastic components with dish soap and warm water. Silicone button and D-pad membranes can also be cleaned with soap and water, but are more delicate. Clean other internal components with IPA, recommend Q-tips and a toothbrush.]
Testing
[Use Xbox Gamepad Tester. List of inputs (and rumble motors) to test.]
[Also test both memory unit sockets if possible, especially if any board components were replaced or repaired.]
Breakaway dongle
[Genuine breakaway dongles are solid black or translucent green, and have XBOX name embossed near top of connector.]
[Aftermarket dongles readily available.]