Should I return my brand new Japanese Smash controller (bought through Smashboards)

[Vegerot]

Tl;dr: My control stick isn't working. Should I return the controller to Smashboards?


Background: A few weeks ago I bought the GameCube controller constantly advertised at the top of Smashboards. I've used it a little bit since then. However, now I'm realizing that the controller is not working correctly.

Problem: When I move and let go of the grey stick, when it moves back to neutral position it overshoots a little bit, causing a slight input in the opposite direction. Only happens if I flick the stick.

Symptoms: The easiest place this can be seen are on the Melee menus.

. If I flick the stick down, the "cursor" moves down and immediately jumps back up to its original position. In order to get to the "Melee" option, I either have to make sure that I carefully move the joystick back to neutral (manually), or I use the d-pad. Some other symptoms: Trying to do a running-to-aerial neutral-B (such as a running laser) will automatically get reversed (since when I let go of run it slightly taps the opposite direction) (a workaround is if I want to shoot a forward running-to-jump laser I input the reverse laser which causes me to "double-reverse" and make me shoot forward), and pivoting is impossible.


Questions: I got it maybe 3 weeks ago. Is there a way to fix it? Is it still possible for me to return (purchasing done through Amazon)? Should I return it, or try to fix it?

 

[Rpggames77]

dumb question but have you unplugged the controller so it can reset?

 

[-ACE-]

It is unfortunately a semi-common problem (snap back). Sounds like you'll have to keep your finger on the stick during certain situations. Maybe you can return or exchange it, no idea.

 

[Pauer]

I wrote a bit on the problem here:
http://smashboards.com/threads/falco-laser-joystick-problems.439172/

 

[Vegerot]

dumb question but have you unplugged the controller so it can reset?

Yes. Tried multiple ports as well.

 

[Vegerot]

I wrote a bit on the problem here:
http://smashboards.com/threads/falco-laser-joystick-problems.439172/

For your point 4, would this be a good substitute? IDK if isopropyl alcohol and petroleum jelly only work on the old controllers, and not the new Smash 4 controllers.

If I could get a full refund/replacement, would you recommend I try my luck again with another controller, or try fixing my current one? I feel like opening up the controller to lubricate it would void any warranty I had.

dumb question but have you unplugged the controller so it can reset?

Yes. Tried multiple ports as well.

 

[Pauer]

I would return the controller since I also had snapback issues on 2 controllers and I never had problems pivoting and using the menu. Your case might be more extreme, I'd give it a try.

 

[Vegerot]

I would return the controller since I also had snapback issues on 2 controllers and I never had problems pivoting and using the menu. Your case might be more extreme, I'd give it a try.

Unrelated question: The ad at the top of the forums say the controller is $23, but clicking the link reveals it's $37. Why is this?

 

[Pauer]

Either the ads simply don't have the newest price (it used to be as low as 23$ before).
Or maybe the ads only offer a "standard" price and when you click on it, it calculates a more accurate one based on your approximate location based off your IP address/from your amazon shipping information if you are logged into amazon.
Probably both.

 

[Vegerot]

When I initially bought it, I got it for $23. I live in the US, so I doubt Amazon would give me a higher price.

This is unfortunate. Amazon won't give me a replacement. Which means I'll have to return it for $23, and then pay another $10 for a new controller. Perhaps I should try fixing it then.

 

[-ACE-]

$26 free shipping, always look. You can find deals. Give it a week or 2 and you might be able to get one cheaper but the best deals obviously go the quickest.

Amazon is $23, but you'll pay a shipping fee unless you buy 2 or have Amazon Prime.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/NINTENDO-Supe...3A378239581560a2ab9239fd9afffae2bc%7Ciid%3A19

 

[Vegerot]

I would return the controller since I also had snapback issues on 2 controllers and I never had problems pivoting and using the menu. Your case might be more extreme, I'd give it a try.

I returned it and got a new one. I bought it from Smashboards again, but decided to get a white one this time. I literally opening the package less than 10 minutes ago, plugged it in, and the SAME THING HAPPENED. I have problems reversing lasers, and sometimes even navigating the menus is hard. In your post here, your steps one and two seem like it could slow me down. If I wanted a super low laser, wouldn't it be too slow to keep the thumb on the control stick when letting go? Or do I just need to practice not lifting my thumb more? If it's this difficult to even reverse lasers on this controller, how will I ever do things such as pivots?

To anybody reading this: Do NOT buy a controller from Smashboards (at least not Japanese). They are not good for technical play, or at the very least you will need to relearn certain techniques.

 

[Pauer]

To anybody reading this: Do NOT buy a controller from Smashboards (at least not Japanese). They are not good for technical play, or at the very least you will need to relearn certain techniques.

It's not those controllers in particular that have that problem. It seems like most new controllers have it. The issue existed even back when the smash edition controllers werent out and you could only buy the white japanese ones which have since gone out of production. So you either have to deal with that issue or buy used.

If you're having problems keeeping the stick on the controller (which I think is a pretty good thing to do in general, even) while reverse lasering and such, then you should probably think about greasing the stick up.
Using vaseline will most likely solve the problem. I talked to Kadano about that fix a while ago and he mentioned that he used silicone grease in particular only because he knows it will not cause any problems and work in the long run. Most other lubricants will probably do the job, it just has to provide a bit of friction. We even joked about using butter lol.
I don't know whether vaseline might cause some problems in the long run. I think it probably won't. I would probably try to get some silicone grease nevertheless, you can get a small tube as an amazon plus product for like 1.50$, so maybe ask some friends and family whether they're ordering from amazon anytime soon.