How to Fix a Gamecube Controller

Disconnect the GameCube controller from the gaming system. Blow into the connection port to remove any dust stuck in the controller socket. Dust prevents the controller from establishing a connection to the system.

Connect the controller into a different port. The controller port might no longer work properly–in this case the system does not read the controller connected into the first port on the left. Connecting the controller into a different port corrects this issue.

Insert a different controller into the game controller port. Often the controller connection is faulty and the only way to fix the problem is to use a new controller.

Inspect the area around the thumb sticks. Remove dust with a safety pin. Dust build-up prevents the controller from accurately reading your movements. Slide the tip of the pin across the side of the thumb sticks. The tip of the pin picks up any dust around the sides of the thumb sticks. The thumb stick is made out of a tough rubber so it does not scratch or damage the controller as it would with a plastic thumb stick.

Dip a toothbrush into a cup of warm water quickly, but don't drench it. Work the bristles around the sides of a sticky button. This removes dirty build up and sticky residue on the buttons. Dry off the controller with a clean cloth to prevent water from entering into the controller. Once clean, the controller should work properly.