How to Fix a PSP Analog Stick

Fixing and even replacing the analog stick (or joystick) on a Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a simple procedure. You can use the same procedures for cleaning around the area as well, which can increase performance. Because of the common problems with joystick performance, cleaning and replacing the analog stick is an effective way to maintain your PSP.

Things You'll Need

• Small Phillips screwdriver
• Soft clean cloth
• Replacement analog stick (optional, purchasable online)
• Needle-nose tweezers (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove the faceplate from your PSP by unscrewing the five screws that hold it in place. Four are easy to locate on the back of the PSP, but the fifth is located underneath the screen on the bottom edge.

2. Gently pull the top of the analog stick (the circular piece of plastic itself) straight up. It should pop off after a small amount of pressure. Wipe the exposed area with the cloth, removing any dust and debris. If you are going to replace the analog stick with a new one, place the new analog stick onto the small nub of plastic sticking up by pressing down until it clicks into place.

3. Locate the small plastic rectangle just to the right of the analog stick's contact. Remove this with tweezers, if you have them, or very carefully with your fingers.

4. Notice the four gold squares on each side of the rectangle. These contacts often become dirty, so using a small cloth, clean all sides of the rectangle.

5. Replace the piece of plastic, making sure that the gold contacts touch the contacts on the PSP.

6. Use the cloth to wipe the contacts on the PSP faceplate as well.

7. Replace the faceplate and screws, and test your PSP's analog stick.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the screws in a safe place. They are incredibly small and get lost easily. You can purchase replacement analog sticks from common online stores like Amazon.com or game hardware websites such as TechPowerUp.com.

References

• Sony Knowledge Center for broken buttons and analog stick