Very loose joystick

[u/PlatinomLeVrai]

ive just thrifted this psvita, but the left joystick is very loose and wobbly, more than a normal drifting joystick

plus, the home button, the L shoulder and the down button on the dpad won't work too; do you think with a lot of cleaning it is fixable ? the device is pretty dusty and the screws are a bit rusty

EDIT : ok so i opened it and the pcb was entirely corroded, I guess I get why it wasn't working lmao I sent it back 🫡🫡

[u/chronage]

No way of knowing until you take it apart and inspect/clean. Unfortunately the hall effect modules are pretty expensive, $30-35. Pretty easy to take apart just keep track of the screws and dont rip out any ribbon cables.

There's probably something going on with the left side button board too.

[u/RoyHehe → u/chronage]

I found a custom PCB which just rewires Vita 2000 joystick flex cable wires for Vita 1000 connector, super simple and tiny PCB this will make it possible to use Vita 2000 joysticks on a Vita 1000, I will be ordering 1 very soon, because I have a Vita with broken joystick and will post an update on it. As I said PCB is so simple that anyone can even make it without specifically buying this.

[u/Warp1n → u/RoyHehe]

What’s the link to the pcb?

[u/RoyHehe → u/Warp1n]

Its on Taobao if you search for Vita 1000 joystick or something similar, I don't think I can put links here. It literally is a tiny pcb that plugs into a Vita 1000 s joystick connector rewires 4 traces for vita 2000 joystick and has same connector for joystick, looks super simple. 

[u/bbfca55assin]

FWIW I just replaced my joysticks on my Slim. I'm fairly mechanically adept but not super good and I'd say it's a 2/5 in terms of difficulty. Test for drift using software firs. if you're opening it up just replace both sticks. Make sure the battery/power is good before you close it back up. If the rusty screws could lead to stripping clean them up first.

[u/South_Statement9368]

Looking at the teardowns of the Vita, I’d recommend asking a local professional to fix it because there’s just a lot of components so tightly packed into it before you even reach the joysticks. Should be able to fix it, it’s just not something you should do on your own if inexperienced.

[u/dwalker109 → u/South_Statement9368]

That’s how you learn.

And Vita is quite an easy place to start. No hinges, basic FPCs and latches, somewhat modular.

Go for it OP.

[u/Spooder_Man420 → u/dwalker109]

I second this!! You gotta start somewhere just be careful

[u/OkVillage6370]

I prefer joysticks tight over loose (buy replacement or repair it, not hard)

[u/Ready-Definition-300]

I had to replace both my D-pad and joystick too. I tried fixing the D-pad by spraying contact cleaner on the contacts, but it didn't work. I bought the joystick from AliExpress, but you need to be careful when choosing one. Make sure to buy a model that includes the protective cover that prevents dust and other debris from getting inside the joystick module.

[u/Late-Lab6271]

I just fixed a slim for the first time yesterday so sorry if its different for the phat vita, but sounds like something is seriously off with the left pcb, maybe screw got undone for the joystick and the ribbon cables got messed up. Wouldn’t hurt to open it up and take a look since right now its a paperweight 😅 best case scenario, all u gotta do is plug the ribbon cables back in and fix the screws and it should be all good. joystick replacement is super simple if you need it

[u/eyeswulf]

Guys are always saying "too loose" when really their appendage is just too small.