this post was submitted on 29 Nov 2025
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My thumb stick on my 3ds is disintegrating, and my switch is starting to follow. Please help.
(lemmy.today)
So I'm very large and strong, I think I may be the cause of this. But does anyone know of a strong replacement? I'm capable of installing it myself, but my cursory Google search turned up nil for "strong game sticks"(let the jokes flow)
Just curious if I'm stuck playing d-pad game.
Thanks for the links homie!
I used to have this problem with my ps controllers. I used to replace sticks, until i realized caps were easier. One time, used metal sticks and that was fine too
Edit: looks like switch only sells as a whole unit. Didnt see any third party metal sticks
Have you checked iFixit? they carry replacement 3DS parts and might have what you need.
Never even crossed my mind. I ordered a standard replacement from AliExpress, but I was hoping there was a reinforced type.
So you play around a lot of acetone vapor or something? Actually impressive wear tbh.
Acetone only when I'm blending the layers of an abs print. Otherwise, no. I didn't usually fuck with low vapor pressure chemicals.
Ah, a printer. Perhaps, like me you have thousands of shards of plastic from the old style supports (I think I've got a few left waiting to fall out, but the callouses and spikes my hands developed could probably sand a joystick down)
Ngl I'm kinda drunk, but appreciate all input!
Switch stick in question.
This stick doesn't look that bad, if it's still working well you can probably scrape that plastic on the side and put a stick cap on top. Otherwise, I'd recommend going for hall-effect sticks if you're looking to replace it. They're higher quality and last longer than normal sticks.
As an aside, your Switch would REALLY benefit from being cleaned with some compressed air, that D-pad looks rough. All that gunk will get stuck at the bottom eventually which would make it feel very sticky. Same for all that dust under your stick.
I think I would start by scouring the web for suitable replacement stick 3D-printer files. Once I had those, I would investigate what 3D-printing filament material is especially strong, and look for a place to print the files with that material.
If there's a hackerspace / makerspace in your area, someone there might be able to help.
Problem is going to be layer adhesion. No matter if I orient it horizontally, or vertically. If injection molding can't stand up to the pressures I'm using, I doubt additive manufacturing will.
Not trying to sound combative btw! I appreciate all input and challenges to my thinking.
Have you considered taking care of your electronics? That thing is filthy.
That's fair.
Same thing happened to my 3DS analogue thingy (it's not really a stick), I just use the jaggy plastic bit and stop playing when it hurts my thumb too much!
There's always a guide video to be found on how to replace joysticks online. Just follow along. Hell it's almost an internet rule about repairing anything, really.
Yeah, I ordered a replacement. I was just hoping there was a "made for giants" version.
Have you considered Gamers Anonymous?
I'm trying to twelve step my way outta another addiction currently.
One at a time I guess.
I'be replaced my Switch sticks with cheap kits I've bought off different stores. You should be able to get similar kits.
The stick on your switch just needs a new stick cover. They're plenty of styles and a dime-a-dozen, so just replace it when it wears down. Don't play rough with your switch until you get that otherwise you will break the stem like your 3ds and then need to replace the whole stick. Replacement sticks are available, I don't think they make them in with anything other than plastic.
I don't think you'll find a replacement game pad for the 3DS that is more resistant/stronger, but you should be able to find replacement parts. And replacing it is pretty straight forward, if I'm remembering correctly. (I had to replace mine on my 3DSXL, my little brother got ahold of it and pried the thumbpad off with a screwdriver :/). It wasn't overly expensive either I don't think.
This seems to be a common issue for you. You may have to switch over to using retro devices like AYN, Retroid, Ayaneo as the sticks are easily user replaceable.
I'm just shocked that you were able to avoid stick drift on the Switch for long enough to wear them down.
Seriously! Even as fucked up as it is, still no phantom input.
If there’s a 3D model / printable replacement, might be able to modify it with a bit of texture and have someone with a CNC mill it from aluminum
It’s probably better for the easily replaceable stick to be the “wear and tear” part rather than the soldered stick module underneath
Happened to both sticks on my PS4 controller, only thing I could do was get a new controller. 😟
Not sure how to fix the 3DS, but for the Switch I'd just replace the Joy Con.
Jeebus! I played all the souls games including sekiro and bloodbourne, and my PS4 sticks are fine.
There's a meme about presenting a crown that would fit here.