Disassembling and repairing a junk Switch Pro Controller [Video included]

Have you ever wanted to fix some junk items from time to time?
I have
There's something fun about restoring an item that hasn't been tested and is non-refundable.

So, this time I repaired a junk Switch Pro Controller, so I'd like to share the process with you.

↓Click here for disassembly method

[Switch] Easy Disassembly of the Pro Controller [Cleaning and Repair]

Also available as a video

If you read the article together, you will understand it even better!

Buying a junk Pro Controller in Akihabara

At any rate, there's no way to repair it unless you buy a junk Pro Controller.
So I bought it.
Since the purpose was to repair it, I ended up doing the strange thing of choosing one in as bad condition as possible, but you can see how I chose the junk Pro Controller in the video.

Here's what I bought this time
Splatoon 2 model Pro Controller.
I was able to purchase a great product that doesn't work with the A and ZR buttons.

Disassembly of the Pro Controller

Let's get started right away.
First, you need to disassemble it to find out what is broken and what the cause is.
This time, we have prepared a silicone mat to make work easier.
This type of mat has space at the top to store small items such as screws.

Generally, controllers use small screws, so it may be a good idea to have a precision screwdriver ready.
This time I used a type that allows you to replace the bits.
If you damage the threads, you will never be able to disassemble or assemble it again.

First, remove the screws from the grip.

This part is held in place with a single screw, so be careful not to strip the screw threads and make it impossible to assemble!
Then remove all visible screws and remove the back cover.
Make sure to remove the battery as well.

At this stage, it's already so dirty that it gives you a bad feeling.
The screws were rusted, so the possibility of it getting submerged in water was increasing.

I will continue the disassembly work without giving up.
Separate the controller into two parts: upper and lower.

In the picture it looks like it opened easily, but it was making a crackling noise, probably because it was stuck with something sticky.
And there's a slightly sour smell...
I'm pretty sure about this. I'm spilling juice...
Looking around the circuit board, I saw traces of hardened sugar...

Will this be cured...?

Check each part and find the cause

Once the controller is separated into top and bottom halves, check each part to investigate the cause of the problem.
If the A and ZR buttons don't work, but there are no problems with the other keys or sticks, then it can be said that there is no problem with the lower board.
So, let's start by looking at the upper part of the board.

There are already some suspicious things even before removing the board.
Here it is. It's the contact point where the button touches.

Something white.
It's something brown.
Doesn't it seem like something is clearly happening?
At this point, the cause is pretty much clear.
"I spilled a drink that contains sweeteners or sugar that uses black food coloring."
To put it simply, someone spilled coke on the controller, rendering it unusable, and it wound up being sold in stores...

Cleaning exterior parts

Before starting work, clean and dry the exterior parts and buttons.
Cleaning is easy.
I added a moderate amount of dish soap to lukewarm water, soaked the item in it, and scrubbed it with a toothbrush.
*Although it is not shown in the image, the inside of the grip was quite dirty (you can check the inside in the video).

Then just dry it until the water is completely gone.

Cleaning the circuit board and restoring the contacts

First, you need to restore the contact and remove the dirt.
However, regular cleaning can cause a short circuit when the power is turned on.
This is what you should use in such situations!
Contact revival spray!

This will lift away dirt and rust from the area where it is sprayed, restoring electrical conductivity to the contact points.
It also has anti-corrosion and anti-rust properties, making it an excellent product for everyday maintenance!
Since the raw materials are petroleum-based, be sure to ventilate the area when using it.

Contact revitalization spray is easy to use.
Simply spray on the area where you want to lift the dirt and wipe it off.
It's easy.
I sprayed this on various parts of the circuit board on the button side, waited a little while, and then wiped it off.

That's all there is to it!

Final assembly

Once the contact cleaner spray that was sprayed on the dirty part of the board (probably where the cola was spilled) has dried, we can begin assembly.
The parts that I had cleaned earlier were also completely clean.

Then reassemble in the reverse order of disassembly.
Buttons and other parts have protrusions so they cannot be inserted into other places, so you can assemble them like a puzzle.
After some effort, this is what it looks like when put together!

All that's left to do is check that there are no problems with the settings within the Switch and you're done!
*This time, the A and ZR buttons were broken.

This is a job suitable for people who want to avoid spending money as much as possible.

This time I repaired a junk Switch Pro Controller.
9% of controller malfunctions are caused by dirt or dust getting in the controller or dirty contacts.
Stick drifting is often similar, so this is a great task for gamers looking to save money.
You could buy a new controller, but why not take it apart and see if there's a problem?
A new controller has become quite expensive recently, costing around 8000 or 9000 yen, so if you want to keep costs down, we recommend purchasing the tools for around 2000 yen and giving it a try.