Posted: 10.21.2025
Momo’s Controller Repair
This controller needs help!
Fixin’ and cleanin’ are a needed.
Thankfully, Momo is here to assist us.
Today, Momo is a little peeved at this controller. I’ve been told it’s not working properly.
Her prized Retrofighters Brawler64 has a serious issue! Not only is it absolutely filthy, the thumbstick is getting stuck in the down position! I could probably help her out here.
Momo says she knows how to fix this. We’ll just… supervise this time.
And so, she begins removing the screws from the rear shell. There are 7 screws in total. This took forever.
She’s so proud of herself. Let’s keep moving, Momo…
Not so fast! The screws have multiplied!
Nothing to worry over. Captain Momo and her trusty screwdriver are here to save the day.
Only 3 screws secure the motherboard to the shell. It’s hard work when you’re 6 inches tall.
She seems to actually being enjoying herself.
…or maybe she’s just going delirious.
With the motherboard removed, Momo continues to make progress.
A heavy metal plate? It adds some much needed weight to this controller. It stops the device from feeling cheap.
Momo realizing just how filthy this thing is… She’s not touching that board until it’s cleaned up a bit.
Oh! Momo! Where’d you get that big brush?
This girl is ready to clean! Where is this stuff coming from?
Toothpicks and cotton swabs to get the grime out of the cracks and crevices? Genius, Momo!
Cotton balls to clean the vast and large (to her) surface of the controller’s shell? Very smart!
She’s enjoying the praise. Ok, don’t get a big head, Momo. There’s still a bit of work left to do.
After some light scolding, Momo’s morale has improved. She’s back to cleaning and working hard.
Using toothpicks, she’s removed the skin and filth from the buttons and creases of the controller.
Double Dirt Buster! She’s really putting her all into this. Cotton swabs are coming in handy.
Controller is clean! Now let’s take a look at that thumbstick.
After examining the thumbstick, we realized that the big plastic section on the bottom is not exactly circular. It’s a very slight oval.
And turns out, after simply flipping the stick upside down, it works totally fine and no longer rubs or gets stuck. That was literally it. I just flipped it over.
moving on…
Nearing the end of this project, with newfound motivation, Momo begins screwing the motherboard back in.
Always the organized worker, none of the shell screws have been lost and Momo’s ready to put ‘er back together.
Excitement builds as Momo gets closer and closer to completion. These screws are flying into those holes!
A diligent, hard working professional at work, being professionally diligent while working hard.
Drumroll, please!
ta-da!
That's all, folks.
Remember that cute white and pink PS5 controller I slapped together earlier this year for a friend? Same friend, different controller. We both use these Retrofighters Brawler64 (BT/NSO) controllers a few times a week to play (mostly) Smash Remix.
If you’re unfamiliar with Smash Remix, and you think Super Smash Bros. (N64) is the best Smash game ever made (you’re so right, bestie) please, I’m begging you, watch this 15 minute video please.
That jammed up thumbstick was bad news and I can't believe flipping it around fixed the issue… for now, I guess. It didn't always get stuck like that and I'm guessing the stick warped over time and will continue to warp until we need to flip it again in a few months.
Thankfully, my own personal, much better performing, cuter, well maintained, and in every other sense just superior Brawler64 (translucent blue, grey thumbstick) has not had this stick-sticking issue. I wonder if the difference in color/plastic between my grey thumbstick and her white thumbstick influences how easily the sticks can warp.
Who the hell knows. Not me. Definitely not Momo. Don't forget to rotate your sticks every once in a while.
Stop interrupting her! Momo said it’s your fault her palms are sweaty and her Slippy game is weak.
After rigorous testing, the controller shows no issues. Those tiny fist-sized dents were always there.