Xbox One controller thumbstick replacement
In the past, I’ve changed the thumbsticks of the Steelseries Nimbus and 8BitDo Pro 2 controllers. Recently, the my Xbox One Controller‘s thumbsticks also needed a replacement due to years of use. As usual, I figured I would DIY the Xbox One thumbstick replacement as well
Getting the Xbox One thumbstick replacement
Since the Xbox One is a popular controller, getting an OEM replacement thumbstick is very easy. There are a lot of options on Amazon, so just go ahead and take your pick. This Xbox One OEM thumbstick is an example of what you need.
You’ll also need a Torx 9 screwdriver and a spudger tool to remove the back covers of the controller to remove the top plate for the controller.
Opening up the Xbox One Controller
There are quite a few YouTube videos out there to refer to. But here are some step by step photos of me removing the Xbox One controller back covers to help you understand what is required. The steps required seems easy, but removing the left and right back covers of the controller was quite a chore.
Firstly, use the spudger tool to unclip the back cover. Start from the opening under the trigger buttons. You just have to force it in and not be afraid to break anything.
Keep going on one side of the cover.
You will feel like you’re breaking the clips. 😅 But don’t worry. That’s just how it feels like. You can see from the photo of the cover below that the clips are quite sturdy.
Once you have one side unclipped, pry it open.
It should come off just like this.
Now, repeat it on the other side as well. There are a total of 5 trox screws to remove which will release the controller’s top plate.
For the screw in the middle, I just punch through the screw driver to get to the screw. It wasn’t easy to cleanly peel off the sticker.
Replace the Xbox One controller thumbsticks
Replacing the thumbsticks is as easy is pulling out the old one and fixing in the new ones. If you have the right thumbsticks, it should just fit right in.
If you also have sticky trigger buttons
Bonus fix! 😀 If your Xbox One controller is also having sticky trigger button(s), there is a simple solution to that too. Just cut a small strip of masking tape and stick it over the worned out padding to where the trigger button hits the controller’s body. Yes. it’s as simple as that.
Done with the Xbox One Controller thumbstick replacement!
That’s it. Just reverse the process of opening the controller and you now have a refreshed Xbox One Controller.
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