Reasons to Save Your Old Game Controllers
As they age, vintage controllers can gain value for collectors and retro game fans seeking for real-deal experiences. Controllers that are worn out are ideal for modding and repairs; you can even combine multiple damaged controllers to recover parts. Over time, parts may become available that can revitalize even malfunctioning controllers.
Although it can be tempting to discard outdated gaming hardware that you are not using, you can end up regretting it. Not only may you fall into a retro gaming rut, but vintage controllers can turn into hard to find, unique collectibles.
Antiquated Controllers Could Turn Into a Good
Even though you may not realize it now, your old controllers may eventually have significant financial value. Vintage controllers, especially those for retro consoles, sometimes increase in value with time, even if they were quite ubiquitous when they were initially produced.
This is especially true for controllers that are limited edition or have uncommon hues and patterns, which are frequently less accessible. On eBay, the standard Nintendo 64 controller is frequently advertised for approximately $40, while other hues, such as the transparent red or yellow ones, can fetch up to $100.
Since many people buy controllers online for parts or repair, even controllers that are broken or missing parts might still be worth some money.
Old Controllers Make Excellent Mods
If you are thinking about throwing away an outdated controller because it is worn out or does not function well, you might want to think about using it as a foundation for repairs or modifications. You can practice disassembling them, change the colors with new shells, and replace worn-out and broken parts with better ones.
Having old controllers around will allow you to practice customizing or altering them without fear of breaking the ones you use for real gaming.
Before attempting to sell it with even little changes, you might increase its worth as customs frequently fetch higher prices than the original.
Another option would be to take two controllers that are in different degrees of disrepair and swap out the components to create a functional one. Depending on your goals, controller modding might be a profitable online side gig, a pleasant pastime, or a worthwhile educational experience.
Certain Controllers Work Well for Retro Gaming
Using the original controllers for the game you are playing can make for a more realistic experience if you enjoy playing old games on emulators. Depending on how old they are, many vintage console controllers can still be connected and used.
A PC, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or any other emulation-capable device with Bluetooth connectivity can be linked to a PS3 or Xbox 360 controller (Xbox controllers rely on the wireless connection kit or just a wired connection).
Since the PS3 and 360 controllers share many design elements with their predecessors, this can be great for emulators like PCSX2 or even Xbox emulator Xemu.
One of the best—and sometimes the only—ways to play Wii games without the original console is to utilize Nintendo Wii controllers on an emulator with a third-party USB sensor bar.
It could make sense to wait for better access to the required parts if you are considering getting rid of a controller because it is broken or needs parts changed.
You never know when a fantastic deal on spare controller parts will appear.
You can find them at garage sales, charity stores, and vintage game shops, among other places. Nintendo Japan unveiled a line of keychains in 2024 that are modeled after their controllers and have actual, working buttons that might serve as helpful replacement parts for outdated controllers.
Older controllers can also be recycled, or you can buy old, damaged ones to disassemble for parts and use to replace your current one.
As an alternative, third-party companies frequently provide replacement components; however, quality may differ, so you should either stick to the original brands or keep an eye out for customer feedback.
Broken Technology is Frequently Refurbished
You might opt for a refurbishing service if you do not feel like doing it yourself or if you just do not have the time. Online modding and repair communities are frequently happy to accept used controllers and fix them for a nominal cost.
Additionally excellent options are sellers of customized controllers on social media platforms like Etsy, who not only repair and refurbish controllers but also enhance and personalize them. You could even get it enhanced and modified with new parts in addition to having it fixed.
There are several ways to recycle your old controllers, whether you are a fan of retro gaming or just someone who would rather fix things than constantly spend money on new ones.
Keep an eye out for replacement components, sales on outdated or damaged controllers, and other ways to fix them. The next time you are examining your outdated gaming equipment and deciding which to discard, consider your options first before getting rid of anything that might still be helpful.