Replace Switch 2 Joy-Con Analog Sticks: How-To

A how-to guide explains how to open Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers and replace the analog stick modules. The instructions cover required tools, disassembly and reassembly steps, and alternative replacement modules that use magnetic sensing instead of contact potentiometers.

Required tools include a small Phillips screwdriver, a tri-wing (Y-shaped) screwdriver, a pick or plastic spudger for prying the casing, tweezers and a small receptacle for screws. The guide advises keeping screws and parts in the order removed and using the correct driver with firm downward pressure to avoid stripped screws.

Work begins by removing two small tri-wing screws near the side strip and prying off the plastic strip on the opposite side to reveal two additional screws, one tri-wing and one Phillips. The back cover is eased off by sliding a pick along the seam and lifting gently; users are warned not to pull forcefully to avoid stressing the battery and rumble motor wires.

Next steps include disconnecting the rumble motor connector and the battery connector, removing the release button, then removing the bumper and trigger. Several midframe screws are removed to access the internal assembly. A single screw holds the trigger board in place; the board is carefully pried up and left attached by its ribbon cable until the midframe is removed.

Locking flaps on ribbon cable connectors are lifted to detach the trigger board and the analog-stick ribbon cable. Five screws securing the main board are removed. The procedure differs for left and right Joy-Con units: on the left unit the main board can be lifted over the analog stick while leaving two ribbon cables in place; on the right unit those two ribbons must be unlocked and removed because their routing prevents lifting the board.

With the main board exposed, two Phillips screws secure the analog stick module. Removing those screws allows the stick module to be swapped for a replacement. When reattaching ribbon cables, the guide recommends seating each ribbon with its locking flap in the open position and then flipping the flap closed after the ribbon is inserted. Reassembly follows the disassembly steps in reverse. If controls fail after reassembly, an unseated ribbon or connector is the most common cause and users should retrace steps to check connections.

For replacement parts, the guide identifies Hall-effect and tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) modules as non-contact alternatives to potentiometer-style sticks. One example referenced is the Gulikit TMR sticks, listed at about £16.99 in the UK and $19.99 in the US. TMR and Hall-effect sensors use magnetic sensing rather than physical contact between components, which reduces material friction and the mechanical wear that can contribute to stick drift.

The guide includes cautionary advice: if a user is not comfortable handling small screws and fragile ribbon cables, seek a professional repair service. Most steps are reversible unless parts are physically broken. Purchasing a full replacement Joy-Con or requesting a warranty repair from the console manufacturer are available options if a repair is unsuccessful or the controllers remain under warranty.