One of the biggest advantages of picking up more skills is that you open up new ways to solve problems for yourself. For me, one of the best things about knowing electronics is this: I can repair almost anything with a circuit board.
Take my Nintendo Switch, for example. Anyone who’s owned one knows the pain of joystick drift, whether it’s the Joy-Con or the Pro Controller, both the original and knock-off versions eventually suffer from this issue.
But here’s where being an electronic tinkerer pays off: instead of throwing them away or paying for expensive repairs, I just open them up, disassemble the parts, and fix the problem myself for cheap.
If you’re looking to try this for the first time, here are some tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years:
Tip 1: Record Everything
Never rely on memory alone. Take photos or record videos as you go. That way, if you get lost during reassembly, you’ll always have a reference.
Tip 2: Stay Organized
I’ll be honest, being organized isn’t my strongest trait. But it really makes a difference here. Screws of different sizes, similar-looking buttons, or random wires can easily get mixed up. Label them, use small containers, or at least lay them out in an order you can follow later.
Tip 3: Remove the Power Supply ASAP
This won’t usually be your very first step, since you’ll need to get through the casing first, but once you can, disconnect the battery or power supply. I’ve fried electronics before just because a stray screw touched the wrong spot on a live board. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way.
Tip 4: Don’t Force It
Electronics are designed to come apart up to a point. If something isn’t budging, chances are you missed a latch, screw, or spot of glue. Forcing it can cause more damage than the original issue. Be patient.
Tip 5: Count Your Parts
When you’re done, make sure you don’t have extra screws or parts left behind. If you do, it means something isn’t where it should be. Double-check before powering it back up.
Tip 6: Use the Right Tool for the Job
You don’t need a full workshop to get started, but the right tools will make your life so much easier. A proper screwdriver set, spudgers, tweezers, these are small investments that save you frustration in the long run. Over time, your toolkit will grow with your projects.
Final Thoughts
Joystick drift (or any small electronics issue) doesn’t have to mean buying a new controller. With some patience, organization, and the right approach, you can fix it yourself and save money while learning a valuable skill.
After all, that’s the real advantage of knowing electronics: independence.