So you want to open up your Gamecube controller but you don't know what kind of screwdrivers you should get? This guide has you covered.
We'll go over the cheaper options for the people who only need to occasionally open up their controller and then we'll cover the tools used by professional modders. The screwdrivers used by modders are more expensive for the most part but they won't strip the screws and they won't break, so they may be worth the investment for some of you.
By the end of this, you'll know pretty much everything you need to know about the screws in Gamecube controllers.
Screw Types
The Gamecube controller has three different screw types. So if you want to completely disassemble the controller, you're going to need all three.
Shell Screws
The shell has 6 triwing screws holding the halves together. It requires a triwing Y2.5 or Y3.0 screwdriver to open the shell.
There's also two different versions of the screw depending on the controller. The older controllers have a thinner slot while the newer controllers, like the Smash4 and Ultimate controllers, have a wider slot.
So older controllers will work fine with pointier screwdriver tips but if you use a pointier screwdriver tip on a newer screw, you'll need to apply extra pressure to avoid stripping the screws. Generally, you'll want a screwdriver with a wider tip because they work well with all controllers. See the Wera Microstix listed below.
Trigger Guards Screws
You'll want a Phillips PH1 screwdriver for the trigger guards. The trigger guard screws are extremely soft and easy to strip. While a regular PH1 Phillips screwdriver will work, it doesn't fit very well because the screw slot is technically JIS. JIS is subtly different than Phillips and regular Phillips screwdrivers are more prone to slipping unless you're very careful and apply a lot of pressure. Even then, repeated use will likely wear out the slot much quicker if you use a Phillips.
The brands Wera and Wiha, listed below, actually have designed some screwdrivers that are compatible with both Phillips and JIS slots.
T3 Stickbox Screws
A Phillips PH0 is used for the T3 stickbox screws. It's the same deal as the trigger guard screws. These are JIS as well and while they're not quite as easy to strip as the trigger guards, the screws can still be worn out quicker when a regular Phillips screwdriver is used repeatedly.
Again, Wera and Wiha have developed screwdrivers that are compatible with both JIS and Phillips.
T3 Stickbox Identification
Now some of you may be asking "what's a T3 stickbox?"
Well, here's a quick overview. JP whites, Smash4 and the Ultimate controllers all have T3 stickboxes. Some of the older Gamecube controllers, like the Indigo or Spice Orange controllers, can have a variety of stickboxes.
There are two ways to find out if you have a T3. First, look for this circle on the stamp on the back shell.
Second, open up your controller and look at the stickbox itself. T3 stickboxes are all plastic and are screwed to the board, while T1 and T2 have metal housing and are soldered to the board with no screws.
If you're interested in learning about the different variants of Gamecube controllers, the GCC Library is a fantastic resource. It covers pretty much everything there is to know about the different Gamecube controllers inside and out.
Torx Screws
Some controllers have the original screws swapped with Torx screws or have an aftermarket rumble bracket that screws into the board. Here are the screwdriver sizes needed for these:
- T8 for the shell screws
- T6 for the trigger guards
- T5 for the stickboxes and rumble bracket
Shopping List
Now, we'll weigh the pros and cons of some screwdrivers, so you can make the most informed decision possible for your use case.
Budget Option
AXTH Small Precision Screwdriver Set
If you're planning on rarely opening your controller or you've got limited funds, then a kit like this one will work just fine. This set has the added bonus of coming with the bits needed to open controllers with Torx screws, giving you even more bang for your buck.
Of course, there are a few downsides. First, the tips aren't JIS compatible. So this will wear out your screws faster and increase the likelihood of stripping them. Next, the tip won't grip the newer type of screw slots very well due to the pointier end and finally, the tips aren't super durable and will break on you pretty quickly. When I first started modding controllers, I had a screwdriver set similar to this one and the triwing tip broke in 6 months.
High Quality Options
If you plan on opening up your controller with some regularity, you should really consider getting screwdrivers that will grip the screws better. This will significantly reduce the risk of stripping a screw and improve the life of the screws.
I personally love the Wera screwdrivers. I’ve used them to open hundreds of controllers over the last few years and they show no signs of giving up anytime soon. I’ve even been able to take off some abomination trigger guard screws that would have surely stripped with a lesser screwdriver.
Shell Screwdrivers
Wera 030084 1 x 40mm ESD Safe Microstix Precision Screwdriver
The Wera Microstix is hands down the best screwdriver to unscrew Gamecube controller shells. It grips the screws perfectly and works with both slot designs. I've used it almost daily for the last two years and it's still going. Unfortunately, it costs about $19 but it's very worth it if you plan on servicing your own or others' controllers with any sort of frequency.
This screwdriver is favored and sold by the controller modder Kadano. I could write an entire post on his contributions to the modding community but I'll keep it short and just say he's a badass. Definitely buy from him if you can!
Anyway, I've yet to try this one out for myself but Kadano prefers the grip and the ease of removing the screws from the tip. He magnetizes the screwdriver himself and sells them for a very reasonable price. Unfortunately for US customers, he's located in Austria. So shipping will be a bit higher.
The only con to the screwdriver itself is that it's got a pointier end, so it should only be used on the older screw type.
Trigger Guards
Wera 118023 PH #1 x 60mm Kraftform Micro Phillips Precision Screwdriver
The Wera PH1 screwdriver is compatible with JIS slots, which makes this screwdriver perfect for trigger guard screws. This screwdriver will run you almost $5 but it's arguably the most important since trigger guard screws are so soft.
Wiha is a comparable brand to Wera. this means the screwdriver is compatible with JIS screws too. If you're already buying from Kadano, you might as well go Wiha.
Kadano prefers the shape and handle material of Wiha tools over Wera but I personally like both. This one is priced a little higher than the Wera screwdriver at €13,20, though.
Stickboxes
Wera 118023 PH #0 x 60mm Kraftform Micro Phillips Precision Screwdriver
The PH0 completes the Wera collection of screwdrivers for Gamecube controllers. Just like the PH1, this screwdriver is compatible with JIS screws, making it a great choice for stickbox screws. The screwdriver costs a little under $5 as well. This brings the total for all three Wera screwdrivers to a little under $30 + shipping.
This completes the Wiha pair of screwdrivers. Just the like others in this section, it's compatible with JIS screws and is a worthwhile choice if you want to buy from Kadano. Make sure you choose the correct tip size because PH1 and PH0 are the same listing. The cost of this screwdriver is also a bit higher at €12,00, bringing the total of the screwdrivers offered by Kadano to about €29,00 + international shipping for US customers.
Torx Screwdrivers
If you're already buying Wera screwdrivers from KC tool and want some Torx screwdrivers that will work with the Torx screw replacements, here's what you'll need:
T8 for the shell
T6 for the trigger guards
T5 for the stickboxes and aftermarket rumble brackets