Console · Nintendo · Wii U Gamepad
Nintendo Wii U Gamepad Controller Repair
Controller Repair guide for the Nintendo Wii U Gamepad
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Y0 Tri-point screwdriver
- Spudger
- Plastic opening tool
- Tweezers
- Clean workspace mat
Parts / materials
- Replacement Wii U GamePad analog stick module
- Isopropanol alcohol (99%)
- Replacement adhesive screw covers
Safety
- Disconnect the battery before touching internal components to prevent short circuits.
- Wear safety glasses to protect against small flying plastic clips or springs.
- Use an anti-static wrist strap to avoid electrostatic damage to the motherboard.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Unscrew the battery compartment cover
2 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to loosen the two captive screws securing the battery door. Lift the cover off the back of the GamePad.
- 2
Disconnect and remove the battery pack
2 minPry up the white battery connector straight out of its motherboard socket. Lift the rechargeable battery out of the compartment.
- 3
Peel off the rubber screw covers
3 minUse a spudger or thin pry tool to lift the rubber screw covers on the back housing. Set them aside on a clean surface.
- 4
Remove the rear Tri-point screws
4 minUse a Y0 Tri-point screwdriver to remove the four Tri-point screws located beneath the rubber covers.
- 5
Remove the remaining Phillips screws
4 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the six remaining outer screws on the rear case assembly.
- 6
Separate the rear housing
5 minInsert a plastic opening tool into the outer seam between the front and back shell. Gently lever the clips free around the entire perimeter.
- 7
Disconnect the rear housing cable
3 minSlightly open the rear housing without pulling the internal wire tether. Unplug the cable connector from the main motherboard.
- 8
Unlock the joystick ribbon cable
3 minUse a spudger to carefully flip up the black retaining clip on the joystick ZIF socket. Slide the ribbon cable out.
- 9
Unscrew the analog joystick board
3 minRemove the two Phillips #00 screws holding the analog joystick board assembly to the front shell.
- 10
Lift out the analog joystick module
2 minGently lift the complete joystick module up and out of its recessed position on the front housing.
- 11
Install the replacement joystick module
3 minLower the replacement analog joystick module onto the mounting posts. Tighten the two Phillips screws to secure it in place.
- 12
Reconnect ribbon cables and reassemble
6 minSlide the joystick ribbon cable into the ZIF socket and press down the locking tab. Plug in the rear cover cable, snap the housing shut, and reinstall all screws.
After your Nintendo Wii U Gamepad controller repair
Power the Wii U Gamepad back on and test the controller repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Nintendo Wii U Gamepad job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Nintendo Wii U Gamepad repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
