Xbox 360 Controller - Single Button D-Pad Mod

thingiverse

This is a complete redesign inspired by Altenife's https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:630628 Thanks for the awesome idea! Despite its old age, my Xbox 360 Controller remains my top choice for PC gaming or playing retro games on the Raspberry Pi. Sadly, it's marred by Microsoft's subpar D-pad, but I've found a solution to this frustrating problem! Replace the D-pad with four single buttons! It's a relatively simple mod that can be completed in under an hour if you have basic tool experience. The result is not perfect, but in my opinion, it's a significant improvement over the original imprecise mess. Now I actually have control over the directional inputs. WARNING! This modification to your Xbox 360 controller cannot be reversed! Only attempt this if you're confident in working with electronics or have someone assist you in disassembling and reassembling the controller. That being said, let's get started! Tools needed: - Torx T8 security screwdriver (available on Amazon) - File or Dremel - Glue (compatible with your printing material and ABS, such as Superglue) - Printed parts Step 1: Printing You'll need to print one insert and four buttons of your choice. I recommend trying both designs. Insert: PLA, 100% infill, 0.2mm layer height, no raft, no support, print this part upright! Buttons: PLA, ~15% infill, 0.1mm layer height, no raft, no support, print these on their sides! Step 2: Modifying the Controller First, take it apart by removing the seven security T8 screws. (one is hidden underneath the barcode sticker inside the battery housing) Carefully pull both shell halves apart and be prepared for any loose parts to fall out, such as the rumble motors. Remove the main circuit board and take out any remaining loose parts from the upper half. Now you can insert the printed part into the left thumbstick opening and check the fit. Ensure the "cross" formed by the button guides aligns correctly with those four protrusions visible inside the controller, around the thumbstick opening. If it fits well, mark the area inside the button guides that's visible when the insert is flush with the controller surface. If you're certain everything is correct, carefully remove the marked area using a file or another suitable tool. Try not to damage the outer rim of the thumbstick housing; it will be visible on the finished controller! Now double-check how the D-pad is aligned because once glued in place, it cannot be readjusted. The openings don't need to match the exact size of the insert. I made mine slightly larger to give more room for the buttons. Once it fits together well, apply a small amount of glue to the outwards-facing area of the four remaining wedges and drop the insert in from the top. Check the alignment inside and then secure the insert with tape on the outside to ensure it sits flush and centered. Let the glue harden and remove the tape. Proceed by checking the smooth movement of the buttons inside the guides and remove excess material with a file if needed. It's now time to put the controller back together and test if it still works. Hopefully, it does! Congratulations! Have fun!