This is an open source project made by FIRESCC. You can get the files, print instructions and more concise instructions for people more experienced with controllers here.
I'm selling FIRES bracket kits that can be optionally bundled with screwdrivers or you can buy screwdrivers separately (linked below).
Tools
The KCTool links are affiliate links. So I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Triwing Screwdriver
My screwdriver listing
KCTool Listing
EU Seller (Wera/WLXY)
T5 Screwdriver
My screwdriver listing
KCTool Listing
If you're interested in the full rundown the screwdrivers needed for Gamecube controllers, I have a full guide.
Steps
Unscrew the shell
There're two different screw slots depending on the Gamecube controller you have. The newer Smash variants have a wider slot (pictured on the right) which are harder for the WLXY triwing to deal with. It's still possible but you will need to press harder to avoid slips. The Wera driver handles both of these with no issue.
Pull off the back shell
Keep holding the controller face down to prevent the buttons from spilling out. You can set aside the back shell.
Take controller board out of the front shell
You'll want to take the Z button out, since it's likely going to fall out anyway. Pry the controller cable from the strain relief peg with your triwing screwdriver and pull the board out of the front shell.
Next, take the rumble motor out and gently set it aside. You don't want to move the wires around too much. A lot of back and forth movement can sever the wire's connection from the solder joint.
Last, you can take off the rumble bracket.
Installing the FIRES Bracket
Unscrew the T5 screws from the new rumble bracket
Remove the analog stick for an easier time screwing on the bracket
Insert the two digital trigger boards into the FIRES bracket. Place the rumble bracket into place on the board and install the rumble motor with the metal peg facing forward. Make sure the digital trigger board wires are within the safety zone and aren't being smooshed. Next, turn the motor so the wires are in the wire channel of the bracket. Hook in the Rumble motor wires.
Next, hold the bracket in place with one hand and turn the board over. Continue holding the board. On one side, line up the holes of the board with the rumble bracket. Insert a screw and screw it in about 75% of the way so you can still easily maneuver the bracket. Repeat with the other side but screw it in all the way. Then, go back and screw the original side down 100%.
It's recommended to pull the bracket down towards the bottom of the board while tightening the screws so the bracket clips are held firmly against the trigger sliders
WARNING Do not over torque the screw. This can damage the solder mask and potentially cause shorts. Just go until the screw is all the way down and you start to meet a little resistance. Don't continue tightening.
Adjustments
- Double check the rumble motor peg is facing the right way
- Push the rumble motor wires out of the way of L
- Ensure the digital trigger boards are sitting flat. You can adjust them by playing around the wires. Usually pushing the wire upward into the bracket, giving more slack, will push the boards down but you may need to experiment some.
Cable and Z
Hold the board to the front shell, flip the controller over and give your buttons a test to make sure they feel normal. The rubber membrane under the buttons can become displaced, so if something feels wrong, take out the board and re-adjust the membrane. Once you've confirmed everything is good then go ahead and install Z and put the cable loop back on the strain relief peg.
Final Checks
I'm holding the front shell through the rest of the process to make sure everything stays in place.
- Make sure Z is sitting correctly.
- Check the trigger sliders and make sure they're all the way up
- Push the c-stick board into place
- Double check the rumble motor wire to make sure it's not in the way of the trigger and that it's not in danger of being caught in-between the shells
Back Shell
Place the back shell on the front shell while the front shell is face down. You may need to move the controller cable slightly to line it up with the hole. Once the shells are snapped together, hold them and flip the controller over. Test the buttons, sticks and triggers to make sure everything feels right before you screw them back together.
Once you've confirmed everything is good, you can flip the controller back down and start screwing it together with the 6 triwing screws.
