Xbox 360 Controller's screw

[nomis_nehc]

So as much as I love my 360, I will be the first to admit that the dpad on the controller blow gigantic balls. After reading all the success stories that people have with modding it either by sanding the circle part down, or adding a membrane, I thought I would give it a shot.

I set about to go to work... busted out my torx screw driver, and flipped my controller around. BAM! Does not work. The screws have an additional little center, so the torx does not fit. Do I have new revision controllers that cannot be opened? The screws are basically six points with a center popping up (to prevent a screw to get in).

What the hell is this?! Also, I noticed that in many videos, they said the hidden screw is behind the FCC sticker, I noticed my controllers are behind the barcode... what the nut?

[JohnMarsten]

I spilled a drink in my controller and I had to dry it out so I had to take it apart. Anyways I had the same screws as you did what I found is you gotta either buy the special screw driver (which I didn't have time for) OR just physically break off the center pin. I of course did the latter then used an align-key to unscrew them after. I just used used a flat head screw driver to break off the tips in the center.

[Nagisan]

Its probably a Security Torx screw....they do make bits for them, I bought a screwdriver set a few weeks ago that had both Torx and Secutiry Torx bits (as well as standard bits).

[nomis_nehc]

mwpeck: I think you're right! I will have to see if I can find them locally... otherwise I will have to search online =( I really want to fix the dpad.

IndoShindo: I thought about physically just crushing the center piece, but I am afraid I might f' it up and won't be able to take it off altogether, or worse, screw it back in.

[FiB3R]

You can use a small flat head screwdriver to get those screws out. If the centre pin snaps off during the process, you can then revert to your trox screwdriver. Don't forget the one under the label, and be careful if/when the pin snaps, that it doesn't fall into the controller.

I have done this mod on 3 controllers, and it works. I'm Spanky69 in the comments... LINK

On a brand new controller, only one layer of plastic was needed.

Edited December 2, 2008 by DARKFiB3R

[nomis_nehc]

Hi guys, so I did the controller mod yesterday after my tools arrived.

Now I have a problem, what is the "correct" size to cut the circle? From what I read, some people say size of a quarter, but elsewhere I read the size of the dpad. I tried the size of the dpad, and found it to be way too tight, and actually screwed it up even more.

Next I tried about the size of the quarter... it's much better, however, it's still a tab bit off.

The reason I am asking is because I don't have infinite amount of these pringle covers, so I don't want to waste them, lol.

[t0mbi]

has anyone modded their controller with those pre modded shells with the LED's?

[nomis_nehc]

Link? Since I have no idea what you're talking about.

[t0mbi]

LLAMA ones like that cuz im interested in doing it, im quite handy and can sort of solder and i just wanna know how hard it really is

[nomis_nehc]

Oh, unfortunately, I can't tell if it does require solder of sort. To me, it looks more like simple controller housing swap. It's rather easy after you get the screws off actually.

[Rookas]

You can find the screwdrivers all over ebay and amazon. Here is one for $2.50.

[Neo003]

Ok I heard a lot about people having problem with the dpad in 360 controller. Exactly what's the problem, I still don't understand clearly. I am so use to it that maybe I don't notice it or maybe the game that I play don't make good use of the dpad ( I only play fps or racing games). Can anyone care to explain. Thx :(

[nomis_nehc]

Yeah, I already bought a kit for $15 that came with 100 different heads. Worth it imo.

Neo003:if you're mainly playing FPS and racers, you're probably not affected much by it. It's really people that play fighters, or maybe even some platformers that would be annoyed by this. Basically, the dpad is not exactly accurate on 'down' presses. You'll find that it's terribly difficult to do fireball or dragon punch in games like Street Fighter.

[Neo003]

Thanks (Y) nomis

[witalit]

Yea d-pad is wack on 360 IMO.

[GameOverRob]

I hate the D-pad weapon changing in Gears of War 1/2 - I always regurally end up picking a completely different weapon to the one i pressed towards; mainly wanting a shotgun and ending up with a pistol/smoke