Fix wired X360 controller?


Recommended Posts

My wired X360 controller was already beat up and worn in the five years I had it. I started having issues if I moved the cord the controller would lose connection to my PC then reconnect. After accidentally dropping it on the floor the controller died and now it's undetected by my PC and Windows. I figured a solder joint might have broke loose so I opened it up and solder joints seem to be ok, tried wiggling the cord and the piece at the end of the cord that connects to the circuit board is loose so that solder joint at least was busted. However when wiggling the cord and piece Windows still wouldn't detect the controller so it appears to be more than that. Upon initially inspecting the circuit board I didn't see any cracks in the board or any pieces broken off. Upon inspecting the circuitry it does not appear anything "burned" out but would need a volt/multi-meter for conclusive testing. Seeing as how it quit working when I dropped the controller it seems as if something busted loose but that may be coincidence.

 

I was hoping to fix this as to replace this is just as expensive as when I purchased five years ago. In fact I stopped in Gamestop since one of my siblings had to pick up their pre-ordered games and prices for a replacement controller new and used appeared to have gone up instead of down. Five years ago I don't remember paying that much for my use Microsoft branded X360 controller, I paid $15 to $25 max and even then it was more than I should have paid. Last night in Gamestop I priced the used X360 controllers (wired) and it would set me back at least $30 to $35. Even pricing online I'm not going to be paying much less, this is nearly ten year old hardware that I'm buying used so what gives?

 

I never remember prices prior to last gen stagnating like this or going up. During the current gen prices would steadily decline and as soon as next gen hit there would be significant price cuts. I'm still seeing used PS3 and X360 systems go for upwards of $200 to $300 used and Wii systems going for $100 used from retailers/re-sellers, their accessories costing just as much as they have for years now.

 

I can pay that much to replace but I shouldn't have to. Replacing this at the price being asked is going to be enough between my bills and groceries, the economy is in dire shape and no decent paying jobs in my area nor does anyone want to give raises to correlate with the rising prices. At least gas is going down for now lol.

 

Edit: Btw I stick to either Amazon or Newegg for online purchases, I do not like eBay. It seems I'm going to be stuck paying at least $20 to $25 for a used X360 controller if I can't repair the controller I currently have.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I saw some generic/knockoff for $21 to $25 but didn't know if it was compatible with PC or what the quality was and didn't want to take chances. All other and Microsoft branded (wired) X360 controllers were $30 to $35 used and brand new were $45 to $55. I don't remember paying that much five years ago especially as I was worse off back then so I def wouldn't have paid that much.

 

I presume fixing my current controller might not be a simple task or impossible. I thought maybe it might be a relatively uncomplicated issue to tackle given it finally died after dropping it on the floor. I'm relatively computer savvy and have basic knowledge of electronics and circuits so I figure I could give it a shot as long as I know where to start and what to look for.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gaming prices have gone up in general. Everything is expensive - companies tend to lose money on the console itself, but make up for it in games and accessories. A brand new wired Xbox 360 controller is $30 on Newegg and Amazon. If you think that's expensive, try pricing Xbox One controllers. Also, Black Friday/Cyber Monday is around the corner, so you might find some good deals on a 360 controller. On sale, an official 360 wired controller can be had as low as $20.

 

For me, I'd replace it with an OEM controller (not a 3rd party). OEM parts tend to last longer and are of higher quality generally. . If you're going to mod a controller, that's one thing, but fixing it is not worth my time or money. My 5 year old Xbox 360 controller is still going strong. I have 2x 4 year old 360 controllers that still work perfectly. If you take care of them, they'll still work. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thinking about it some more, It think the lack of backwards compatibility in the PS4 / X1 is a factor why the previous gen, which still have active games coming out for it has not dropped in price as fast. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The controller did look kind of beat when I bought it but it worked well at the time. Between moves, friends, family, roommates and having cats knocking stuff over it becomes a chore to properly care for stuff and I am far more anal about my gaming computer that if anything happened to it I would not currently have the money on hand to replace. At least the motherboard is covered until 2017 by warranty, psu has a  3 - 5 year warranty, 1x GTX 460 lifetime warranty. 

 

I suppose I'll keep my eyes peeled for any deals. If my current controller was a quick solder job then it would be worth to fix until I can purchase a new one. I already have a solder iron and some solder on hand.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.