How does the joystick of the N64 work exactly?
The joystick is something Nintendo has designed in a peculiar way. You can compare its operation to the ball of a computer mouse. One sensor detects movement in the X-direction (left-right) and another sensor detects movement in the Y-direction (up-down). Just like the ball of a computer mouse, the controller can only detect movements in either the X or Y direction. A computer mouse, therefore, cannot tell the position of the ball when you turn it on. For example, if it's been rolled upside down.
What is the downside of the N64 joystick?
Since the two sensors only detect movements, they cannot tell if the joystick is centered. Therefore, after starting up the
N64, a worn-out joystick hanging in one direction can give the sensors a wrong starting point. So, when you push the joystick back to the center, the sensors may register this as movement even though the joystick is perfectly centered. This can be reset by holding down L and R buttons.
How can you correctly repair the N64 joystick?
There are a few ways to repair a worn-out joystick. One way is to stick tape on the worn-out parts, but this is not a robust solution. The second method is to fill the worn-out cup with (epoxy) resin. This will push the joystick back to a firm outer position, ensuring it is well-centered. This may take some time but is a good and permanent solution for a worn-out joystick.
To enhance the effectiveness of this repair or prevent it, it is highly recommended to lubricate all rubbing plastic parts with Teflon lubricant. This significantly extends the lifespan.
